Overview
The Beartooth Lake Loop is one of the most accessible routes on the Beartooth Plateau, beginning just off the Beartooth Highway at Beartooth Lake Campground and making a circuit through one of the most photogenic corners of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. At 9,000 feet, the lake sits in a natural amphitheater below peaks that top 12,000 feet, and the eight-mile loop gives hikers enough time to absorb the landscape without committing to a multi-day backcountry trip.
The loop is genuinely moderate the trail is wide and well-marked, the elevation change is manageable, and you are never far from the highway if conditions deteriorate. But this is still high-altitude hiking, and the plateau is exposed. Afternoon thunderstorms in July and August build quickly and can produce lightning and hail. Start early, be back at the trailhead by early afternoon, and you will have a genuinely rewarding day.
For hikers new to the plateau, this trail serves as an excellent orientation to the landscape before attempting longer routes like the Lake Plateau via Fishtail Creek or the Mystic Lake Trail. The views from the high point of the loop, a low ridgeline above the lake's eastern shore, extend south into Wyoming and north across the plateau's seemingly endless expanse.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: Trailhead to Northeast Corner of Lake
The trail departs from the campground parking area and follows the lakeshore north and east. In the first two miles, the path stays close to the water, winding through krummholz the stunted, wind-sculpted spruce and fir trees that mark the treeline zone. Openings in the krummholz offer continuous views across the lake toward the high peaks to the southwest. The trail is well-maintained here and easy to follow.
Miles 2 to 5: Eastern Ridge and High Point
The route climbs modestly above the lake's eastern shore, reaching the loop's high point at about mile 3.5. This open ridgeline is the best viewpoint on the route, with nothing between you and the Beartooth massif to the southwest. On clear mornings, Granite Peak the subject of the Granite Peak Summit Approach trail is visible in the far distance. The ridgeline section is fully exposed, so watch weather carefully. From here, the trail descends gradually through open meadows, passing wildflower displays in July that include Indian paintbrush, lupine, and aster.
Miles 5 to 8: Western Shore and Return
The final three miles follow the lake's western and southern shores back to the campground. This section stays lower and more sheltered, passing through willows and sedge meadows along the lake's inlet streams. These wet areas are productive for wildlife watching, particularly for moose, though marmots and pikas on the talus slopes above are almost guaranteed sightings.
When to Visit
July and August are the reliable window for this trail. The Beartooth Highway must be open to access the trailhead typically late May through mid-October but snow can persist near the lake and on the upper ridgeline into early July in heavy snow years. September offers quieter conditions and reliable weather, though early-season snowstorms are possible by late September at this elevation.
Check current road and trail conditions before visiting. The conditions-checking guide has current resources for the Beartooth area.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for the Beartooth Lake Loop:
- 2-3 liters of water; a filter or purification tablets for refilling from streams
- Full rain gear and an insulating layer plateau weather can turn quickly at any hour
- Sunscreen and sunglasses; UV exposure is intense at 9,000 feet
- Bear spray (grizzlies are present in the broader plateau area)
- Trail snacks and lunch for a full day out
- Layers for wind even on warm days
Individual hydration and gear needs vary. The exposed ridgeline section at mile 3-4 can be cold and windy even when it is warm below.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. Camping at Beartooth Lake Campground can be reserved through Recreation.gov; verify current fees and availability. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Fires may be restricted on the plateau during dry conditions check current restrictions with the Beartooth Ranger District in Red Lodge.
The America the Beautiful pass and its veteran variants cover day-use fees at developed sites. See our veteran benefits guide for details on fee waivers.
Getting There
From Red Lodge, drive south on US-212 (Beartooth Highway) approximately 40 miles to Beartooth Lake Campground. The campground is signed on the right. The highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet at Beartooth Pass allow extra time for the winding mountain road. From Cody, Wyoming, drive west on US-14/16/20 to Cooke City, then east on US-212 over the pass.