Hello everyone!

My husband and I are planning to hike The Beaten Path in MT the first week in July. I have two questions for the forum! First, we are getting a bit nervous about snow levels because of the crazy winter we have had this year. Does anyone have any insight as to the estimated snow levels by the beginning of July? Second we are driving from Wisconsin and we are planning to drive to East Rosebud and leave our car, then hitch a ride up to Cooke City to start the trail, does anyone know if there is an easy way to do this? We found a cab company based out of Red Lodge but it's a bit of a fee since the ride is so long. Just looking for other options/ideas?

Thanks!

Jaimie

This year, I think the snow might be an issue that early. By the 3rd week of July, the snow would probably be clear up around Fossil Lake. Really too far out to tell, but I wouldn't try it that early. Also, the mosquitos in July can be brutal. Bring a headnet. We cut our 3 day trip to a 2 day trip a couple years back due to the mozzy's in mid July. Late August/early Sept is the prime time for this incredible hike.

As far as a shuttle goes, that might be tough but possibly doable. I don't imagine many people would be going all the way to Cooke City from East Rosebud, but you could get a ride to Red Lodge maybe and then another ride up over the pass. It might take a while, I haven't seen many hitch hikers on that road and it's a lot of tourists who wouldn't pick you up. Might be worth it to pay the cash and eliminate the hassle and worry.

Yeah this season has been very snowy in the Beartooths and early July will almost certainly be too early if you want to avoid snow. The mosquitos will be less though if you are ok with a handful of miles of snow hiking.

Come on down here to far north California. The Trinity Alps only have about 6% of a normal snowpack! Mount Shasta is only slightly better! The high country is open now!

Cole Creek Snotel only has 69" today. Of course it is also at just 7,850'.

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/reportGene ... NWD::delta

Were you able to get a shuttle or cab? Would you mind telling me how much it cost? My family is heading there in the middle of August from Massachusetts and are contemplating renting a second car to do it, but want to see what other options I may have. We have a family of 4, so we need space to travel as well. If you are able, I would love to hear your successes.

Thanks in advance.

J shuz