What is the best time of year to ride this scenic byway? What part of Montana is it in?

 

It's near Billings, go to Red Lodge for the start. I've ridden it in August and in July. Both were good times!!

This is a shot near the top on the Wyoming side, not a great shot, but it shows a piece of the switch-back road.

[IMG]local://upfiles/8977/D346B13EF07342698213480D333B97DF.jpg[/IMG]

 

When does the road open?

 

you can connect with the beartooth pass rd. at either red lodge, mont.or cody, wy. i rode it first week of august last year and it was clear. very cold at 11,000 plus feet and rainy. plenty of snow next to the road. conditions could change rapidly. it is a "can't miss" ride.

 

Summer! It's been open since Memorial Day!

 

The peak is actually in Wyoming...

I went through a year ago this week (July 2, 2006) and went through sleet at the top.

 

You can also ride it from Cooke City, Montana......a neat little town that has a killer cafe....Beartooth Cafe...good food and you can stay at the hotel across the street.....ask for a stream-side room.

It is a top 10 scenic ride on a bike in the US. Stop at "The Top of the World Store" at the crest and buy a patch or a T-shirt. There are really very few scenic turnouts for picture opportunities......keep your eyes on the road! You can take mental snapshots along the way.

Do NOT miss the opportunity.

 

We rode it in Sept of 2004, here is the four horsemen +1 on the top..nice day and pretty warm, I think?

[IMG]local://upfiles/3092/D574CE4F34AE43F098DE5B06EBC2B163.jpg[/IMG]

 

Spent yesterday fishing in Rock Creekat the bottom of the Pass - bike was in the shop. This area is part of the Custer National Forest and thereare plenty of beautiful camp sites, best part is, it's free. Could hear the Harleys in the distance chugging up and downthe hill. About 3:00 a thunderstorm rolled in and took the fun out of their rides. The joke on top is the speed limit sign that says 70. Don't believe it; 20-25 is about all you're going to try. There is an overlook on the Montana side that gives you a real appreciation of where you are.

 

That's an excellent point. If you're making Beartooth Pass part of a trip, allow half a day just to go up and back down. It won't show up as that many miles and if you're not careful your trip planning software will lead you to believe that you'll do it in a couple of hours.

Don't ask me how I know this. [:@]