Cooke City-Silver Gate | ||
![]() | ||
State | United States of America | |
---|---|---|
Federated state | Montana | |
Territory | Yellowstone Region | |
Altitude | 2,318.9 m a.s.l. | |
Surface | 25.9 km² | |
Inhabitants | 140 (2000) | |
Prefix tel | 1 406 | |
Time zone | UTC-7 | |
Position
| ||
Cooke City-Silver Gate is a village of the United States of America located in Park County, in the State of Montana.
To know
Cooke City-Silver Gate is located at the northeastern entrance of the Yellowstone National Park and it is a convenient stop for visiting the area. During the winter months Highway 212 eastbound is closed to traffic and Cooke City becomes a popular area for snowmobiles.
How to orient yourself
How to get
How to get around
Cooke City is small enough to be reached on foot and several trails in the surrounding wilderness begin near the village.
What see
Cooke City is located at the west end of the Beartooth Highway which has been called "America's most beautiful road" by former CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt, now deceased. Due to heavy snowfall at the top, the pass is usually only open annually from mid-May to mid-October, weather conditions permitting. Located within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem it is one of the last large and nearly intact ecosystems left in the northern temperate zone of the Earth and serves as a small outpost when exploring the surrounding area.
Events and parties
What to do
Cooke City is at the center of many outdoor sports for every season. Backpacking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Shopping
- 1 Cooke City Exxon & Polaris Ski-Doo, 204 Main St, ☎ 1 406 838-2244. Being at the end of the road during winters makes Cooke City an excellent place to embark on a snowmobile adventure. Lots of trails for advanced and novice bikers mean snowmobiling can be a thrilling experience or just a way to tour the area in the winter.
How to have fun
Night clubs
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/2003-08-17_Miners_Saloon_in_Cooke_City,_Montana.jpg/220px-2003-08-17_Miners_Saloon_in_Cooke_City,_Montana.jpg)
- 1 Miners Saloon, 208 Main St, ☎ 1 406 838-2214. Rub your elbows with the locals at this small bar that also serves a good variety of food.
Where to eat
Average prices
- 1 Bearclaw Bakery, 309 E Main St, ☎ 1 406 838-2040. This busy Cooke City bakery is a great place to start the day with a tasty treat and good coffee.
- 2 Log Cabin Cafe, 106 US Hwy 212 W, ☎ 1-406-838-2367, ☎ 1-800-863-0807, @[email protected].
Breakfast $ 10.
May-October: Mon-Sun 5: 30-22: 00. Rustic breakfast, lunch and dinner. Trout, pancakes, burgers, steaks, salads. Locally owned and operated, known for their generous portions. This is a great place to refuel in the morning before entering the park. The pumpkin pie is to die for. Vegetarian options available.
Where stay
Average prices
- 1 Silvergate, 107 US Highway 212 W, Silver Gate, MT 59081, ☎ 1 406 838-2371. Rustic cabins close to everything that makes the area great. Great place for families.
Safety
Although many of the animals in the park area are used to seeing humans, the wildlife is still wild and should not be fed or disturbed. Stay at least 100m from bears and 25m from all other wildlife! No matter how docile they seem or not, almost any large animal can attack, and every year dozens of visitors are injured because they haven't kept adequate distance. These animals are large, wild and potentially dangerous, so give them their space.
The weather can change quickly and at short notice. A hot, sunny summer day can quickly become cold, rainy, or even snowy. Hypothermia can be a concern. Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions by bringing appropriate clothing with you. Lightning strikes can hurt and kill people in the park area, so watch the sky and take cover in a building if you hear thunder. Pay attention to the snow conditions before going out in winter, check online at [www.mtavalanche.com].
Finally, with so many people visiting the park every year, petty crimes are something to be vigilant against. Lock your car doors and take reasonable precautions with valuables.
How to keep in touch
- 1 Chamber of Commerce, 206 W. Main St, ☎ 1 406 838-2495, @[email protected]. Cooke City is large enough to have its own chamber of commerce and it is worth inquiring with them to see what new events are happening in the city.
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Cooke City-Silver Gate
Commons contains images or other files on Cooke City-Silver Gate