Located right on the edge of Yellowstone, Elk Horn Lodge Motel and Cabins is the perfect basecamp for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From iconic geysers to roaming bison, Yellowstone National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Take a scenic drive along the Grand Loop and keep an eye out for wildlife—including grizzly bears. Be sure to stop at Old Faithful and watch one of nature’s most remarkable displays erupt with near clockwork precision. Whatever your adventure holds, take your time and soak in every moment.

Summer Only

Beartooth Café:  We are open from Memorial Day week-end until the End of September. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.   World Famous known for their “Funk Burger” and Steaks. Serving Beer and Wine Check out our 100 Beers List.


YELLOWSTONE TRADING POST: General Store, Groceries, Souvenirs, T-Shirts, Gifts


COOKE CITY GENERAL STORE: Groceries, Gifts, Beer, Wine, Souvenirs, Fishing Supplies, MT & WY Fishing Licenses.


Legend Gallery and Gifts:  Summer-seasonal gallery (late May–September) featuring local art, including works by Jim Barrett. Situated above Cooke City Coffee, it offers gifts, art, and special events like wine and cheese nights. 

Log Cabin Café Silver Gate:   Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Espresso & Sweets.  Try our World-Famous Trout and Pumpkin Bread.


SILVER GATE GENERAL STORE:  Groceries, Gifts, Local Crafts, Beer, Wine, Hiking Supplies


The Royal Wulff Tavern Silver Gate:  Indulge your senses in a culinary journey like no other. From mouthwatering dishes crafted with the freshest ingredients to handcrafted cocktails that lift your spirits, every bite and sip is a celebration of flavor and fun.



STOP THE CAR TRADING POST Silver Gate: Groceries, Gifts, Local Crafts, Beer, Wine, Souvenirs, Fishing Supplies & Licenses.


Miner's Saloon:  Full-Service Bar & Grill Hours: Noon or 4 p.m. to midnight; closed Mondays Try the “Redneck” pizza, Buffalo burger, Chicken wings or Chicken Sandwich.


Cooke City Coffee: Coffee shop Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Try the Italian sandwich, Sausage Bomb, Breakfast sandwiches and of course the Coffee/Espresso and Pastries.


Sunny Side Café and Sinclair Gas Station:   Open Early Open Late.  Fresh Donuts and Breakfast Sandwiches, Coffee and Espresso, Fudge and Chocolates, Ice Cream and Milkshakes.  Extensive Grocery Section with Local Meats and Frozen Foods.  Pizza To Go.



Wooka’s Wild Eats:  Tacos, burritos and quesadillas.


Cooke City Exxon:  Gas, Snacks, Basic Groceries Side By Side
Rentals Gas Pumps 24/7 Snowmobile & Winter Gear, Snowmobile Supplies, Snowmobile Rentals


Winter Only:  Antlers Lodge: Tavern and Taps, open in the winter for Breakfast and Dinner.  Burgers, Pizza, Salads, Pasta, Beer and Wine. 



Year Round

How far are we from the North East Entrance To Yellowstone:

4 Miles


What time does Yellowstone National Park Open:  

It’s open 24 hours a day.


Do the cabins and motel rooms have their own private bath:  

Yes


What is the best time to see Wildlife in the Lamar Valley: 

Early Morning and Evening


Do you have air conditioning:  

We do not have air conditioning but we do have screens in the windows and box fans and ceiling fans in our cabins and motel rooms.   There is not a motel in Cooke City or Silver Gate that does.   When the sun goes down the temperature drops 20 degrees.


How far are we from the Lamar Valley:  

We are 20 minutes away from the World Famous Lamar Valley. 


What baby animals will we see in May and June:  

Baby Bison “Red Dogs”, Wolves and their pups, Grizzly and Black Bear Cubs of the Year (COY) and Yearlings 1-2 year olds.  Coyotes and their pups, Foxes and their kits,  Antelope and their calves, Elk and their calves and Badger and their cubs.


Do you have cell phone service:  

No, we do not but, we do have wifi calling available if you have your wifi calling turned on while still in cell service.


Do you have a restaurant:  

No, we do not but we are in walking distance to several.


What clothing should I pack for May and June:  

You should always dress in layers so you can pull a layer off when it gets warm and put it back on in the evening.   Also bring a medium weight coat, hat and a pair of fleece gloves for Wildlife Watching in the Early Morning and Late Evening.



FAQ and TIPS

Fun Facts about our Colter Pass, Cooke City and Silver Gate Communities



  • Cooke City is the highest city in elevation in the state of Montana at 7,608 ft. Silver Gate comes in at a close second at 7, 593ft.
  • Cooke City is the oldest surviving town in Park County.
  • The Cooke City, Silver Gate, and Colter Pass communities are an "island" in Montana. To get here, you must travel through Wyoming.
  • In the winter, Colter Pass residents' only access is by snowmobile.
  • The road is inaccessible due to snow on the east side of Cooke City for 5 months of the year, referred to as "The Plug".
  • We have only 90 people, including children, that live here year round.
  • The communities in this area are completely surrounded by either Yellowstone National Park or National Forests.
  • We have a one room school house that serves grades K-8. Our local teacher received Montana's 2022 Rural Teacher of the Year award.
  • Montanas highest peak, Granite Peak at 12, 799ft , is only an 11 minute drive to the trailhead from Cooke City.
  • The County Seat is Livingston, MT, which is 110 miles away.
  • The closest stoplight is 110 miles away during the winter and 78 miles away in the summer.
  • Zoning regulations require restive log and natural materials.


Fun Facts