Beartooth Mountains

The name Beartooth suggests strength, rawness, and force. Indeed, the Beartooth Mountains are a power and are unsurpassed in splendor and beauty. The voluminous masses are said to compromise one of the largest contiguous areas in North America. Early natives came in search of game in both the high country and rich valleys, especially the Crows, who used the area frequently. Later, miners appeared in search of precious metals and developed gold, chrome, and platinum mines. Geographers came and scaled mountain peaks, defining, naming, and mapping. Cattle and sheepmen were also lured to the lush mountain pastures. Eventually, trails became roads, and the Beartooth Plateau was easily accessible upon the completion of the Beartooth Highway. With the creation of the US Forest Service, forestlands were surveyed and protected by wilderness status. Soon, dudes were upon the landscape, and an industry was created amongst the peaks and prairies of the Beartooths.

A great collection of 123 day hikes in the beautiful Beartooth Mountains in south-central Montana--fantastic hiking for every level of experience. Trails located within a 120-mile radius of Red Lodge, including the Beartooth Highway, Boulder Valley, Billings, and the northern reaches of Yellowstone. Hikes include wooded canyons, valleys enclosed by snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, creeks, alpine plateaus, and stunning mountain panoramas.

A detailed guide to fly-fishing destinations in the Rocky Mountains, many of which can only be reached by foot or on horseback, this book includes discussions on necessary gear AND strategies. The actual destinations are explored in depth. 33 color illustrations.