Winter Activities

Cooke City is the perfect starting point for your winter activities in South Central Montana. Located in the the rugged Beartooth Mountains, our area is considered part of Yellowstone Country, due to our close proximity to Yellowstone National Park. (We're also a short drive to Gallatin National Forest.) Enjoy any number of winter activities, including snowmobiling in Montana's beautiful backcountry and snowshoeing along scenic Beartooth Mountain trails.

Snowmobiling

Some of the best snowmobiling in Montana is easily accessible from Cooke City and Silver Gate. Local trails--such as Lulu Pass Trail, Round Lake Trail, and Henderson Mountain Trail--offer spectacular views of the nearby backcountry. The more adventurous and more experienced snowmobilers can head to the Top of the World: Beartooth Mountain Range, where you'll get to view some of the most spectacular scenery in Montana. Note that snowmobiling conditions are typically favorable from November to June or July.

Skiing

Cooke City is rapidly becoming a top location for backcountry skiing. From low angle tree skiing, to steeper bowl and couloir skiing, there are options for people of all skill levels. Goose Lake, Mount Zimmer, and Aero Lakes provide days of high-alpine options with some of the most scenic ski touring in the United States. Cross Country Skiing Trails are available in the Cooke City/Silver Gate Area and also Yellowstone National Park. For those looking to explore the area at a slower pace, snowshoeing is an easy and budget-friendly option. Snowshoeing in our area can be as simple as putting on your snowshoes and walking out the door.

Travel Restrictions

In winter, Cooke City can be accessed by wheeled vehicles through the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, south of Gardiner, Montana. This road is open 24 hours to Cooke City, but not beyond it. On occasion, the road may close for a few hours at a time to allow for plowing after a heavy snowfall inside the park.

You can access Cooke City from Wyoming Highway 296, also known as Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, by snowmobile only. You'll be able to park your vehicle at Pilot Creek. From there, it's a nine-mile ride by snowmobile on a groomed trail.