Where's the gate on Beartooth in Wy?

[Millsworks]

I am reading that the Beartooth pass of highway 212 closes in Oct. depending on weather will depend on the exact date.Followed by eventually all of road closed for winter to wheeled vehicle travel.
The actual gate is some where near long lake, but is it east or west of Forest road 120 "Morrison Jeep trail".
I have read you can drive from Cody Wy from chief Joseph highway intersection on 212 to the gate near long lake till weather closes traffic by wheeled vehicle and road is oversnow travel only.Witch in
most years is in early November.
Any one go there in mid to late Oct. in recent years?
Thanks for any info.

 

[BeartoothFront]

The gate is east of 120. Havent been up there in October recently. Sorry

 

[Tradewind]

I have driven thu Chief Joseph in late Oct a couple times, heading for the MT opener, but not for past 2 yrs. You can turn and head up 212 (east). i meant to do so to see how far I could get but time constraints... someone (tourist) tried it in a little car abt 2 yrs ago and got stuck in the snow. Don't know if they made the gate or not. didn't find them for a day or so as I recall.

 

[Millsworks]

Thanks for the replys . It is important to me to not get gated in if I camp off the forest service road. Though I'm sure if bad snow starts pilling up we would have to relocate to area that is more near a maintained "plowed" road.
Four wheel drive with chains can handle a good bit but pushing deep snow can slow or stop the most determined guy.
Looks like Oct. weather is a crap shoot in that area sometimes.

 

[npaden]

You keep mentioning the Morrison Jeep Trail and referencing it as Forest Service Road number 120.

The Morrison Jeep Trail is not what very many people would consider a Forest Service Road. It will give a 4x4 Polaris Ranger a run for it's money to make it up that road.

Here are a couple pictures from the south part of it.

The northern part of the trail is much flatter, but not really any wider and actually had more big rocks in the trail. If you are thinking this is a road you are going to drive several miles down in a full size vehicle and camp you aren't on the right track. You could probably get a full size pickup down it a few miles if you had good clearance and drove about 4 mph the entire way, but it for sure wouldn't be something you would want to be driving in and out of each day.

I would recommend figuring out another spot to camp. There are several locations much closer to the road. That time of year you aren't going to have many other folks around to steal the choice campsites.

Good luck.

 

[BigHornRam]

Thanks for the replys . It is important to me to not get gated in if I camp off the forest service road. Though I'm sure if bad snow starts pilling up we would have to relocate to area that is more near a maintained "plowed" road.
Four wheel drive with chains can handle a good bit but pushing deep snow can slow or stop the most determined guy.
Looks like Oct. weather is a crap shoot in that area sometimes.

September weather is a crap shoot in that area.

 

[Millsworks]

Appreciate the advise.I certainly planned to evaluate the road conditions when I get there. Even normally good roads can turn bad after a season of heavy snow melt and truck or ATV traffic.
A person's driving experience on trails couple with good 4x4 and a lot of common sense is important but we all have to know our limitations.
Even still , wasn't shooting on going far down that road to camp, if we even decide on camping there.It would have to be pretty bad to keep me off it.
Thanks for info. All you guys comments are always welcome and it gives a fella the needed direction to at least look for a start!
Been on alot of trips with little or worse to go on. Adds some adventure to a trip but not always the good kind!
One reason im looking at that area is it will make good jump off point for hikes to coyote camps where we may not need drive out much as other trails would need. Would likely get some visits by the big fuzzy brown things in the night. All risk has been and will continue to be evaluated with good info from good people like yourselves , personal veiw on location , and the good Lords grace.
Sometimes success takes a little risk and a lot of luck!