Beartooth Highway Backcountry, Moderate 4x4 trail in Red Lodge, MT
    Moderate
    Overlanding
    4.7

    Beartooth Highway Backcountry

    Red Lodge, MT•Northwest

    Beartooth Highway Backcountry is a moderate Various off-road trail near Red Lodge, MT. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, Basic recovery kit, Cold weather gear and is best run July - September. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    This trail offers a unique off-road adventure through diverse terrain and stunning scenery. Whether you're seeking technical challenges or scenic exploration, you'll find an experience that connects you with nature and tests your driving skills. Every journey on the trail creates memories and builds the confidence that comes from conquering new terrain.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Every trail tells a unique story shaped by geology, history, and the adventurers who came before.

    #2

    Off-road trails connect us to landscapes that remain wild and untouched by pavement.

    Length
    Various
    Elevation
    6,000 - 10,947 ft
    Best Season
    July - September
    Permit
    Not Required
    Near YellowstoneAlpine sceneryHigh elevationWildlifeDispersed camping

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires
    For forest service road exploration

    🔧 Suspension

    optional
    Stock to 2" lift

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    recommended
    4WD with low range
    For side trails off the main highway

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Basic recovery kit

    📦 Other

    required
    Cold weather gear
    Snow possible even in summer at 10,947 ft
    recommended
    Extra fuel
    Limited services on route
    1
    Red Lodge Start
    45.1856, -109.2467
    2
    Beartooth Pass Summit
    45.0123, -109.4567
    3
    Top of the World Store
    44.9234, -109.6123
    4
    Cooke City
    45.0189, -109.9387

    Closest campgrounds to Beartooth Highway Backcountry:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    45.0123, -109.4567

    Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin

    Map of Red Lodge, MT

    5-Day Forecast

    Plan this trip

    Nearby Trails

    Garnet Ghost Town Trail nearby off-road trail
    Garnet Ghost Town Trail
    Missoula, MT
    Easy
    Magruder Corridor nearby off-road trail
    Magruder Corridor
    Idaho/Montana Border, ID
    Hard

    Planning Your Trip?

    Check out our gear guides and trip planning resources.

    Gear Guides
    Moderate Trail

    WHAT YOU'LL NEED

    A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.

    Tire Size Calculator

    Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.

    Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.

    Use Tool

    Gear Ratio Calculator

    Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.

    Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.

    Use Tool

    Wheel Fitment Calculator

    Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.

    Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.

    Use Tool

    MPG Calculator

    Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.

    Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.

    Use Tool
    View all 7 planning tools

    Frequently Asked Questions

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