Island Park vs. Cooke City

[braapin]

I know this isn't a Montana forum, but I am planning a trip in March for maybe Cooke City or Island Park. I have been to Cooke City, although it was 5to 6 years ago, so I know what it has to offer. We were also looking at a new destination, like Island Park to go riding. I was wondering if anybody has any thoughts or comments on the Island Park area and how it rates compared to Cooke or other destinations. -Thanks...

 

[HeadLever]

I have not spent much time in IP, but I used to live in Billings and spent alot of time in Cooke. Cooke has alot to offer, but it is getting too crowded for my taste. Of course since most of my rides were day trips during the weekends, that may have been the biggest problem. In the last couple of years, we found ourselves going to the Top of the World more to get away from the crowds. If you are going during the week, Cooke shoud be awesome.

Sorry I can't help more on IP, but I am sure that someone will chime in.

 

[thebri]

Yeah go to Cooke. Never been there but want to keep IP to myself. Yeah I know... I am selfish.

I can tell you all about IP but then I would have to date your daughter. Probably worse than death.

 

[drmiller100]

mccall better then either of them.

cooke is really a small area, and rumor has it most ofhte businesses are now shut down in teh winter.

IP is ok. mccall more hills, more area, more trails, play areas.

 

[slednutz]

I love cooke and regardless of waht people say with it getting crowded I keep find myself going back. The mountains there are big and theres few trails so if your a mountain rider its your paradise. All of the businesses that support snowmobiling are open there in the winter with places to get gas fuel and food

 

[HeadLever]

slednutzI love cooke and regardless of waht people say with it getting crowded I keep find myself going back. The mountains there are big and theres few trails so if your a mountain rider its your paradise. All of the businesses that support snowmobiling are open there in the winter with places to get gas fuel and food

The good thing about Cooke is that you can find terrain for anyone. Trails, meadows, steep, or avalanch chutes, take your pick. The immediate area is smallish, but all you have to do is hop over to Top of the World to find a huge amount of area that is not nealy as crowded.

The only problem with TOW is that the boulders up there are huge and early season riding is risky (and the fact you need a WY sticker). I do not know if the store at TOW is still opened up in winters, but I know everthing is open at Cooke.

 

[kevsled59]

They are both great

I have been to both and they are great. IP is alot bigger than Cooke and has everything from meadows to steep and deep. Cooke is smaller and does get crowded but is an awsome place to ride. There are more cabins to rent in IP.

 

[Koog57]

Go to Cooke

IP can be very crowded and hard to find fresh stuff sometimes. IP does have some nice resturants and accomodations, but if you want to REALLY ride, Cooke has it all. Cooke has all sorts of terrian. I have been to both several times and I go back to Cooke every year.