Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail

Overview

This high, wind-scrubbed loop skirts the alpine and subalpine benches of the Beartooth Plateau just off the Beartooth All-American Highway. Officially 9.7 miles total, it drops steeply from the road to Gardner Lake, then relaxes into gentler grades around a broad loop before climbing back out. Elevation spans roughly 8,900 to 10,530 feet with an average tread grade near 10% (briefly steeper), so expect thin air and a punchy start and finish.

What You’ll See

Big-country vistas toward the Beartooths and the Gardner headwall, mirror-still lakes (Gardner, Losekamp, Stockade), meadows, and scattered forest. Wildlife is very real here—marmots whistle from talus, mule deer ghost through timber, and you’re squarely in grizzly country. Anglers find willing fish in the lakes, and raptors patrol the ridgelines.

Route Options

Most hikers tackle the standard loop from the Gardner Lake descent. If you’re after extra mileage and the area’s best overlook, a popular variant links from the Hauser Lake Trailhead across from Long Lake, forming a Tibbs Butte lollipop of roughly 13–13.7 miles with about 1,500 feet of gain. Trip reports call Tibbs Butte Pass a highlight; some sections elsewhere can feel dry and less scenic. Wayfinding isn’t hard, but signage may not always call out the National Recreation Trail by name—bring a map/GPS.

Difficulty and Experience

Call it moderately challenging: the high elevation, the initial/closing climb, and occasional stream crossings (early season) add up. The loop’s middle miles roll easily with room to breathe and look around. Crowds are light for a roadside alpine trail, which is a big part of the charm.

Best Times to Hike

The sweet spot is mid-July through September. Earlier in the season you can encounter snow patches and higher, colder creeks; by late September, nights are freezing and early snow or ice can hit any day at 10,000–10,500 feet. Weather turns fast up here—start early, watch the sky, and know that the highway can close during big storms.

Logistics and Access

You’ve got multiple access points along US 212. Common starts include the Gardner/Gardner Headwall pullout, Beartooth Lake area (drive through the campground to the signed parking), and Hauser Lake Trailhead across from Long Lake. Water is plentiful but treat everything. Dogs are allowed on leash. Beyond hiking, the official listing includes bicycling and equestrian use, plus winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling where open; camping and fishing are options, too.

Heads-Up

This is prime bear habitat—carry bear spray and know how to use it, make noise in brushy meadows, and store food properly. Expect strong sun, wind, and rapid weather shifts. Some junctions are signed ambiguously; don’t rely on intuition alone.