The Untamed Beauty of Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

• HelloHowdy
  [HOU-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [SEE yuh]
• YesYup
  [YUHP]
• NoNope
  [NOHP]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank ya
  [PLEEZ and THANGK yuh]
• Thank youMuch obliged
  [MUHCH uh-BLAIJED]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [PAR-dun me]
• How are you?Howdy
  [HOU-dee]
• Fine. And you?Just fine, thanks
  [JUHST fain, THANKS]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Yuh SPEEK Ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [I aint KATCH-in on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the grub list, please
  [Can I take uh GAN-der at the GRUB list, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't fancy no meat
  [I don't FAN-see no meat]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [BAH-tuhmz up!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon it's time to settle up, please
  [I REK-uhn its time to SET-ul up, please]

• Help!Git over here!
  [Git OH-ver here!]
• Go away!Skedaddle!
  [Sked-AD-dul!]
• Call the Police!Fetch the Sheriff!
  [Fetch the SHER-iff!]
• Call a doctor!Get the doc!
  [Get the DOC!]
• I'm lostI reckon I'm turned around
  [I REK-uhn I'm turned round]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [I aint FEEL-in right]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to purchase...
  [I'm FIX-in to PUR-chus...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just BROU-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [Whats the DAM-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's a might steep
  [That's a MYTE steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?
  [Can yuh CUT me uh DEAL?]

• What time is it?What's the hour?
  [Whats the OW-ur?]
• It's one o'clockIt's a tick past one
  [Its uh tick past one]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [Half ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [MORN-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [EVE-nin]
• YesterdayYest'rday
  [Yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [To-MOR-er]
• 1One
  [Wun]
• 2Two
  [Too]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [For]
• 5Five
  [Fahv]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Sev-un]
• 8Eight
  [Ayt]
• 9Nine
  [Nahyn]
• 10Ten
  [Tin]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Wheres the...?]
• What's the address?What's the location?
  [Whats the lo-KAY-shun?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [Can yuh POINT it out (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [Whens the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [A pass (to ....)]

Long before European settlers arrived, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness was home to various Indigenous tribes, including the Crow (Apsáalooke) and the Shoshone. The Crow people, in particular, have a deep spiritual connection to these lands, which they referred to as 'Awaxaawapìa Pìa' or 'Owl's Nest.' The region's rocky terrain and abundant wildlife provided the tribes with sustenance and materials for shelter, tools, and clothing.

In 1806, the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition passed near the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness as they journeyed back east. Although they did not explore the wilderness in depth, their accounts brought attention to the rugged beauty and rich resources of the region, paving the way for future exploration and settlement.

During the mid-19th century, the discovery of gold in Montana ushered in an era of rapid change. Prospectors and miners flocked to the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, hoping to strike it rich. While large-scale gold deposits were not found in this region, small mining camps and ghost towns remain as echoes of this frenzied period.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness was officially designated as a protected wilderness area in 1978, under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This designation was a result of efforts by conservationists and local advocates who recognized the need to preserve the pristine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities the area offers. Today, it encompasses over 900,000 acres, making it one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness continues to hold cultural significance for the Crow people and other Native American tribes. Modern visitors are drawn to its stunning vistas, challenging trails, and abundant wildlife. The wilderness area is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, fishing, and mountaineering, attracting adventurers from all over the world who seek to experience its rugged beauty and tranquility.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is located in southern Montana and northern Wyoming. The nearest major airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Bozeman, Montana, approximately 60 miles away. From Bozeman, you can rent a car and take US-191 S and US-212 E to reach the wilderness area. Another option is to fly into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana, about 130 miles away. From Billings, you can take I-90 W and US-212 W to get to the wilderness area.

Transportation within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness primarily relies on hiking, horseback riding, and, in some areas, mountain biking. There are no public transportation options within the wilderness itself. If you prefer not to hike long distances, consider renting a 4x4 vehicle, as some trailheads are accessible only via rough dirt roads. Additionally, shuttle services are available from nearby towns like Cooke City and Red Lodge. Always check road conditions and accessibility before your trip.

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in nearby towns such as Red Lodge, Gardiner, and Cooke City, it's advisable to carry some cash for use in remote areas where card payment options may be limited. ATMs are available in the surrounding towns, but make sure to withdraw sufficient cash before entering the wilderness, as there will be no banking facilities within the area.

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to take certain precautions. Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance from animals such as bears, moose, and mountain lions. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so always be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear. There are no high-crime areas targeting tourists specifically, but standard travel precautions should be observed. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, and always inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Be aware that cell phone reception can be very limited or nonexistent within the wilderness. It is advisable to carry a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies. The nearest medical facilities are in Red Lodge and Gardiner, where basic medical care is available. For severe emergencies, air evacuation might be necessary. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do wear layered clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Avoid cotton fabrics, as they retain moisture and can lead to hypothermia. Religion: Do respect any local religious or spiritual sites you may encounter. Public Transport: Do note that there is no public transport within the wilderness. Plan your transportation accordingly. Greetings: Do greet fellow hikers and locals with a friendly wave or a 'hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do pack out all trash and leftover food to avoid attracting wildlife. Don't leave food unattended, and use bear-proof containers for storage.

To experience the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness like a local, take the time to explore less-traveled trails and remote lakes. Visit in late summer to enjoy wildflower blooms and peak fishing opportunities. Engage with local outfitters for guided hiking or horseback riding tours to learn more about the area's natural history and wildlife. Don't miss the chance to camp under the stars, as the wilderness offers some of the darkest skies for stargazing. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future visitors.