May is too early, likely will not be open. I will be there June 16th.

http://mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/beartooth/

 

The Montana crew sent a drone over Beartooth Highway to get a look at the job ahead. Memorial Day weekend is the historic target for opening and they usually hit it. Of course a storm may roll in and cause a temporary closure, especially in early June.
https://www.facebook.com/KULR8News/videos/1596099303777219/

 

Bummer, nature forces ya wait till the recent M Dot estimate of Memorial Day. Prime time rates. Thanks for the video Mtgriz.

 

Thought I would throw in some ideas for your ride. I have ridden the area on several different trips using different roads and approaches etc. First yes I find late July or early August the best time to ride the Beartooth but even then the weather can sock in the mountain from the base to the peaks where riding is not recommended. We have approached the ride from both directions and I think riding east to west is the best approach but they are both fun. Have gear available in case of cold weather and be ready for strong winds up top. To avoid peak winds / rain etc. start your ride early in the day before the weather gets going up top. There is a Steak house in Bear Creek just outside of Red Lodge great food make reservations plus they wager on pig races all around fun time. I generally stay at the Red Lodge Inn nice Mom and Pop Motel motorcycle friendly wash station and hot tub. walking distance to the downtown. Also you might think about a route to the area via Sheridan WY then taking hwy 14a to Hwy 310 north almost to Bridger taking Hwy 72 South to Belfry then the 308 hwy into Red Lodge. There is a ancient Medicine Wheel along 14A as well as it is a traffic free road through nowhere that eguals fun fun in my book. Hope this helps.

 

Great info Flatlander74. Thinkin' about early September now. How's that for riding weather ? Bob

 

I have ridden All over this country and to me beartooth pass is maybe one of the most beautiful roads I've ever been on .I've been over it 4 or 5 times back-and-forth It runs east just leaving chief Joseph hwy for a little ways then runs North South to Red lodge mt. most beautiful road in the world At the top on the South side of the pass are these Gigantic trees that stand about 15' tall lol The air is so thin they cannot grow any taller , Surrounded by little ponds of water with the most amazing blue I've ever seen !! Yellowstone 35 miles an hour the entire park lots of traffic you must see it at least once And don't miss the million dollar cowboy bar Jackson Hole Wyoming, I reckon going to the Sun road Between lake McDonald and Saint Mary is right up there with beartooth

 

You better be hungry if you get the rib plate. It is big and good. Highly recommended.

 

agree---Going to the Sun is right up there with Beartooth---BOTH AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Get info for the OP. Beartooth is my favorite ride ever. I was always there in late June but exactly when it opens varies from year to year.
Have a great trip. Yellowstone is nice but very touristy seemed a little less crowded during the week.

 

Now thinkin' late August early September. Not to cold then ? Thanks for all the advice. Bob