Pros & cons
PROS
- Fuel, snacks, and road-trip basics in a very remote stretch
- Big selection of Beartooth-branded souvenirs
CONS
- Little to no cell service
- Stock can be hit-or-miss and occasional overcharge complaints—ask for a receipt
Overview
Perched high on the Beartooth Highway near the Montana–Wyoming line, Top of the World Store is the classic mid-pass pit stop—think fuel, snacks, drinks, and a wall of souvenirs—plus mountain views that make stretching your legs actually fun. It’s the kind of place you remember because there isn’t much else around for miles.
What You’ll Find
- General-store staples: cold drinks, coffee, and grab-and-go snacks.
- Souvenirs and apparel geared specifically to the Beartooth Highway.
- Fuel on-site—a rare lifeline on this road.
- Outdoor restrooms and a gravel parking lot.
- Card-friendly checkout (credit, debit, and NFC).
Vibe and What to Expect
Reviews consistently call out friendly staff and easy parking. Expect a straightforward country-store experience rather than a full supermarket: selection changes, and sometimes the popular stuff runs out. A couple of travelers also mention surprise charges—so just peek at your receipt before you roll out.
Lodging Next Door
Several recent visitors reference simple cabins/rooms connected to the property. Handy if storms roll in or you just want to crash after a long day on the pass.
Wildlife & Road Notes
This corridor cuts through serious wildlife country—think mountain goats, elk, marmots, and both black and grizzly bears. Keep food secured and eyes on the road; dawn and dusk are prime times for sightings along the highway shoulders.
Best Time to Visit
- The highway itself typically runs from around Memorial Day weekend to about October 15, weather depending. Early storms can shift that window.
- Store hours commonly show 8 AM openings and early evening closings, with Sundays a touch earlier.
- Crowd pattern: mid‑afternoons are busier; 8–10 AM is usually quieter.
- For photos, late afternoon light pairs nicely with the ridgelines—swing in before closing for snacks and a quick look around.
Practical Tips
There’s little to no cell service up here, so download maps, save your lodging info, and don’t rely on texts loading. Top off your tank, grab water, and plan your next stretch—the distances and elevation make everything take longer on this road.
Where it is
44.9429, -109.5599Tips for Top of the World Store
- 01Fill up here—fuel options are scarce along the pass.
- 02Expect little to no cell service; download offline maps beforehand.
- 03Mornings (around 8–10 AM) are quieter than mid‑afternoon.
- 04They accept cards and mobile pay, but still check your receipt before leaving.
- 05Outdoor restrooms are available; the parking lot is packed gravel.
Amenities
Near Top of the World Store
All places →All trails →
0.9 mi awayIsland LakeAlpine lake with boat ramp, trail access, and quiet high‑country vibeTrailhead · Parking
1 mi awayIsland Lake CampgroundSmall, lakeside first-come campground with boat ramp and big viewsCampground · Restroom
1.4 mi awayBeauty Lake TrailAlpine lakes out-and-back with a waterfall and big Beartooth viewsModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.3 hr
1.4 mi awayBeartooth Lake Loop TrailAlpine lake loop with creek fords and big Beartooth views.Moderate · 7.8 mi · 3.8 hr
1.4 mi awayBeartooth Loop National Recreation TrailAlpine loop with big views, quiet lakes, and real solitude.Moderate · 9.7 mi · 4.5 hr
1.4 mi awayBeartooth Lake CampgroundLakeside first‑come campground with big views on Beartooth HighwayCampground · Restroom
1.6 mi awayBeartooth LakeQuiet alpine lake with picnic spots, boat ramp, and paddlingPicnic Table · Restroom
3.3 mi awayClay Butte Lookout TrailWalk the gravel road to big Beartooth views from a historic lookoutModerate · 5.2 mi · 2.5 hr
