Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · MT, WY

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness straddles the Montana-Wyoming border and offers a rugged backcountry experience with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Wilderness Area944,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

944,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness straddles the Montana-Wyoming border and offers a rugged backcountry experience with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness encompasses over 900,000 acres of pristine high-altitude terrain, offering some of the most stunning wilderness experiences in the USA. It lies within the Yellowstone ecosystem, spanning across Montana and Wyoming. The wilderness showcases dramatic peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and dense forests, offering an ideal sanctuary for myriad plant and animal species. Established in 1975, it includes two of the largest contiguous mountain ranges in the lower 48 states, the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges. Visitors can explore its extensive trail system for unparalleled hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Notable landmarks include Granite Peak, Montana's highest point, and the picturesque Beartooth Plateau. The area is also a hotspot for spotting wildlife, such as grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats. Its remote nature and challenging terrain make it a favorite for avid outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Granite Peak – The tallest mountain in Montana, a challenging climbing destination.✦ Beartooth Plateau – A vast, scenic high-altitude landscape with numerous alpine lakes.✦ Lake Plateau – Known for its high concentration of alpine lakes.✦ Deer Creek Trail – A lesser-known route that offers solitude and wildlife encounters.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits required, but follow Leave No Trace principles.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Island Lake Campground

Situated near the Beartooth All-American Road, good for basecamping before exploring the Wilderness.

East Rosebud Campground

Located near the East Rosebud Trailhead, providing easy access to The Beaten Path.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Silver Gate, Montana
⌖ 10.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Silver Gate, Montana

Silver Gate is a rustic, adventurous entryway to Yellowstone National Park. Savor outdoor tranquility with thrilling adventures like hiking, wildlife watching, and cross-country skiing amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Nye, Montana
⌖ 22.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nye, Montana

Nye, Montana is a remote adventure haven. Explore pristine wilderness trails, enjoy the thrill of fly fishing, or simply camp under vast skies in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Roscoe, Montana
⌖ 23.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roscoe, Montana

Roscoe, MT offers adventurers the chance to hike, camp, and fish in the stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It's an escape into raw beauty, with breathtaking vistas and wildlife encounters.

Fishtail, Montana
⌖ 28.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fishtail, Montana

Fishtail, MT, is an adventurer's gateway to the rugged Beartooth Mountains with activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Perfect for those seeking solitude and nature's raw beauty.

Red Lodge, Montana
⌖ 29.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana is a mountain town with endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking the Beartooth Mountains, skiing at Red Lodge Mountain, or fishing the nearby streams, it's a perfect base for exploring Montana’s rugged landscape.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Absarokee, Montana
⌖ 33.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Absarokee, Montana

Absarokee, Montana offers peaceful access to rivers, trails, and forests ideal for hiking, fishing, and paddling. This small town is a quiet basecamp for exploring the scenic Absaroka foothills and Stillwater River corridor.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

High-Altitude Throttle: Summit X 850N Rentals from Cooke City
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Cooke City, Montana
SnowmobileADV Bookable

High-Altitude Throttle: Summit X 850N Rentals from Cooke City

An advanced snowmobile rental program in Cooke City offering 1–7 day Ski-Doo Summit X 850N experiences—this guide explains who it’s for, the hours and return rules, and what to expect.

SnowmobilePT2HCertified Outfitter
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Float or Wade the Pristine Waters Around Red Lodge
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Red Lodge, Montana
FishingADV Bookable

Float or Wade the Pristine Waters Around Red Lodge

Guided half- and full-day fly-fishing trips operated by Rock Creek Resort, with rods, flies, waders, transport and a to‑go meal on full days.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip