The Beaten Path Trail is a 28.6 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Cooke City, Montana that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Twenty-five miles of spectacular backpacking in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness of Montana, USA. "The Beaten Path" is a 25 mile trail traversing some of the most spectacular country within the 944,000 acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Lakes and streams appear around just about every corner enticing both those appreciative of a spectacular Wilderness view or one with a penchant for hooking a trout upon the end of their fly-line. The trail itself is aptly-titled "The Beaten Path" for it is literally a well-worn treadway stretching from Cooke City in the South to East Rosebud in the North. Signage is ample and the route is easy-to-follow during the summer season (July - early September). For the more adventurous, ample opportunities to leave the trail and find true Wilderness lie up every draw you see. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and spans 944,000 acres of Montana and Wyoming. The two access points to "The Beaten Path" are at East Rosebud Trailhead (about 15 miles from Roscoe, Montana) and the Clark Fork Trailhead (a couple miles East of Cooke City, Montana). You'll find primitive car camping options at both ends of the trail so arriving in the evening and car camping before an early departure into the backcountry is an option. The trail rises in elevation to a high point and then descends so hiking North from Cooke City or South from Ease Rosebud are both options. Viewing the elevation profile will provide you a better understanding and will help you decide which direction is best for you. The trail is approximately 25 miles long and passes through a number of ecosystems. Although it has been hiked in a single day many times the beauty of the scenery and possibility for off-trail exploration may cause you to opt to spend a few days along the path. Consider shorter days and spend the extra time fishing or bagging a peak.
Considerations should be made when planning your hike regarding a few points. The trail passes through high elevation alpine terrain which holds snow into the month of July which can make the terrain difficult to pass for some hikers. The elevation will also cause people from lower elevations to be out of breath. If either of these considerations concern you be certain to plan your itinerary accordingly. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is located in grizzly bear country and special planning must be undertaken to avoid conflicts with bears and well as to provide safety to yourself and the wildlife.
January 11, 2021Started on Cooke City side on a Wednesday in mid-July 2020. Spent nights at Russell, Dewey, and Rainbow lakes. Fishing was great on every lake, a mosquito or elk hair Caddis on a Tenkara rod worked very well for me. Very crowded at Rainbow lake on a Friday night. Great hike.
November 1, 2020love the hike most beautiful lake views in the area did it the hard way uphill to Cook City would really like to try it other direction Labor day weekend didn't get started til 4 pm but finished 8am Monday
September 17, 2020Hiked this Labor Day weekend, Sunday Monday. Amazing trail, beautiful at every turn!
September 14, 2020September 10, 2020Looking for a key swap 9/18-9/21. Starting at East rosebud. Or looking for people who would like to share the Red Lodge shuttle from Cooke city to East rosebud on 9/21 Text Isabelle at 262-344-6281
September 7, 2020looking for key sway 9/11 - 9/15, starting from the east rosebud side. 4067700680
September 6, 2020Looking for a ride to the trail head in Cooke city tomorrow morning.. sept 6th. Text me if you are running and have room in your car! 307-690-0483
September 6, 2020Trail was beautiful throughout, took 3 days though could have spent 1 more just enjoying the scenery. Second night at ouzel lake was stunning.
September 5, 2020Looking for a key swap! Starting 9/18 and ending 9/20. Hoping to start from East Rosebud but we are flexible. Thanks! 4402895727
September 3, 2020Key Swap?! Sept 11-Sept 13. Starting in Cooke City. 813-777-1968
September 2, 2020Looking for a key swap! Sep 16-18. Text 5038917837, Hannah
September 1, 2020Hiked this last week and found the trail in great condition and busy, as expected. Lots of friendly day hikers, through hikers, and trail runners meant very little wildlife, but it was packed with beautiful scenery.
August 31, 2020We took three days but could have easily spent an entire week exploring the area and all the side lakes! Beautiful views the entire time, and while the trail is busy it is also spread out enough that we were able to find quiet camping spots by ourselves each night. Can definitely see why this route is so popular!!
August 30, 2020Looking for a key swap. Fri, Sep 11-Mon, Sept 14. Will be with my old dad and a 15mo old, so we are hoping to leave from the Cooke City side. Send me a text 619.955.2586
August 27, 2020key swap 8/28/2020 to 8/30/2020. Willing to start at either end. text Stefani at 630-743-9592, Chicago number.....
August 23, 2020Looking for key swap weekend Aug 28 31. Gary at largelandscapes dot org
August 22, 2020Absolutely beautiful hike with stunning views through out. The bugs were out so don't forget spray. We did a shuttle through Mike. It worked out great
August 20, 2020Looking for a key swap Labor Day weekend 9/4-9/6. Email me at amandachmt@gmail.com Thanks! :))
August 20, 2020who likes key swaps I LIKE KEY SWAPS looking for a key swap 8/28-8/31
August 19, 2020Looking to do a keyswap 9/3-9/6. text or email catrluther@gmail.com 8036464467
August 18, 2020Looking for a key swap for this Friday 8/21-8/23 or 8/24. I know it's a little last minute but I had one that fell through. Hoping to start on the East Rosebud side. Text, call or email. Bradley 2692675664 Contact@braeleypost.com
August 17, 2020Willing to do shuttles for The Beaten Path or surrounding area.Mike (619) 869 -5920
August 15, 2020Looking for key swap Aug 23-28/29. We're starting at East Rosebud. Coming from and returning to Bozeman. Please text 202 492 2387 or email nanavatty@gmail.com
August 14, 2020Loved it!!!
August 13, 2020Looking for a key swap. 8/22-8/25 or 8/26 Toyota Highlander - Willing to hike either direction! Contact me if interested! :) 6513385973. Cole.deweese18@gmail.com
August 13, 2020August 13, 2020Looking for a key swap for hiking dates: 08/14 - 08/16. Willing to start either direction. email: shannsteele@gmail.com or text (605)490-1856
August 11, 2020Looking for a key swap! We are hoping to hike from rosebud to cooke city 8/16- 8/18. Text/call Maria at 616-822-1194 if interested--we will be in the back country until the 13th so may not answer right away.
August 11, 2020Looking for a key swap. Hiking 8/21-8/24 from Cooke City. Live in BZN, 716-208-5233
August 8, 2020Looking for a key swap. We will be starting at Clark's Fork Trailhead Friday August 14th,finishing up at East Rosebud Sunday Augst 16th. Let me know if you are interested in swapping! Melissaksalmon@gmail.com Thanks!
