Hikes & Trailheads
There are lots of national forest trails within 20-50 min drives away that lead you into the Beartooths and to the high tundra that stretches across to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone Park. Below are a few of our favorites.
East Rosebud Lake trailhead (35 min drive)
This is a beautiful hiking trail going up the East Rosebud river to a series of lakes. For those wanting to hike or horse ride over twenty miles, the trail goes all the way to Yellowstone Park. The county road heading south from Roscoe will take you, in 12 miles, to East Rosebud Lake (sea photograph above), where you will find the trailhead. About 4 miles south of Roscoe turn right and go through the gate just after crossing the bridge. The road becomes a dirt road for part of the way, so be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride. Once you get close to the lake, follow the sign to the parking lot for the trailhead.
Stillwater trailhead (50 min drive)
Another lovely drive is to take the road going to Fishtail (turn west at the gas station about two miles south of Absarokee). Stop at the colorful Fishtail General Store and get some delicious sandwiches (also many other items for sale), that you can eat there or take as a picnic. Drive on in the direction of Nye. About 12 miles up that road, there is a trailhead parking lot, and you can take a short hike to a waterfall, or you can hike up the Stillwater River, as far as you like. The trail offers stunning views within just a couple of minutes of the trailhead as you walk through the gorge. It continues through pine and cotton wood forests leading you past plenty of beautiful picnic and swimming spots.
Tippet Rise Art and Concert Center
An unexpected gem in the area is Tippet Rise Art Center, located on an 12,000 acre working ranch close to the town of Fishtail. The art center presents concerts by world-renowned classical musicians and exhibits large-scale contemporary outdoor sculptures.
The art center is open to the public in limited numbers during the months of July, August and September. Reservations, via the art center’s website, are required to visit Tippet Rise. It is well worth a visit!