Top of the World Store

The log cabin structure that houses the store dates to the 1930s, when it was built near a boat ramp at a nearby lake, and was relocated to its present spot on US-212 in 1964. Sitting at 9,400 ft on the Wyoming side of the Beartooth Highway, it sits above the treeline surrounded by peaks that press in close from every direction — which is part of why the porch feels so exposed and so social at the same time.

For many miles in either direction, it is the only business on the road. That isolation is what makes the practical stop — gas, groceries, fishing licenses, snacks — feel like more than a chore. The highway is generally open from late spring through fall, with snow capable of closing it at either end of that window, so riders should check conditions before committing to the crossing. Cell service is limited or absent at this elevation, and the store runs on a generator, so expect a different kind of quiet when the parking area empties out.

The steady rotation of riders pulling in from both the Red Lodge and Cooke City directions means the porch rarely stays empty during riding season. Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway "the most beautiful drive in America," and the store has absorbed that reputation — it's the natural place to stop, compare notes, and let the altitude settle before heading on.