Visiting Cooke City and Silver Gate in the Winter

Tucked up into the mountains with the Beartooth Highway on one side and Yellowstone National Park on the other, these Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana offer a reprieve from the bustle of modern life. The Beartooth Highway closes for the winter, so the only vehicle access to the area is through the YNP North Entrance in Gardiner. These towns are literally at the end of the road.

Although they are just three miles apart, their roots are very different. Cooke City was the main camp for mining prospectors and investment companies back in 1870, and you can still find historic mining structures along the old roads. The much-hoped-for railroad never reached the area, and since the locale was very remote, mining eventually went by the wayside, and tourism became the main draw to the area.



Silver Gate, on the other hand, was created specifically to accommodate visitors to Yellowstone National Park in 1932, and today, both towns are winter havens for a quiet getaway and big mountain adventures. Silver Gate, located just outside the Northeast Entrance to the Park, is great for wildlife watching, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. You may want to check out The Grey Wolf Cabin, which can sleep up to six people and offers a quiet stay. Yellowstone Ski Tours offers guided backcountry skiing and hiking inside and outside the Park.

You’ll find a more adventurous vibe down the road in Cooke City. Known for its deep and often late-season snow, Cooke City is where experienced snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, riders and ice climbers congregate. At 10,000 feet, Daisy Pass offers spectacular views, and the freeriding and hill climbing on Henderson Mountain is perfect for the thrill-seekers in your group. Beartooth Powder Guides are great for those learning — they have guided trips, backcountry lodging in a yurt or a cabin, and many educational courses and classes.



If you would rather not haul your own sled, you can rent one at Cooke City Exxon/Hi-Mark Rentals (and grab your snacks for the day!). Settle in for dinner at the Miners Saloon and Sammie’s Café, where you can enjoy burgers, salads, tacos, and delicious hand-tossed pizza.

Of course, before you head out, check the avalanche conditions, carry the proper snow safety equipment, download maps and let someone know where you are going. Big mountain play is exceptional, but safety measures are even more vital in this remote neck of the woods

If you’re looking for a unique winter getaway, this is the area for you!