A few years back I tried to plan a trip west to Beartooth but things fizzled out. Now I have a bagger and a renewed sense of adventure, so we are riding west in 2019. Plan on riding to the Belt Mts in Mt, part of Glacier Nat Park, then riding Beartooth, then south to Rocky Mt National Park. These places all being high altitude brings me to asking how late in the season should I wait for road conditions to be clear. I know snow can come most anytime up there, but am looking for some advice from those with more experience in the area. Also, Riding from Red Lodge on Beartooth, then swinging over to Cody, will there be problems finding gas and such along the way?

 

You will love Beartooth, just an incredible ride! I have ridden it twice, one time in June and another in August. The June ride had plenty of snow but all well plowed so no issues on passage. The August ride was met with the worst hail storm I've ever seen lol. It piled on the side of the road! What I learned and the locals know is if you're riding in August, go early in the day. August afternoon storms are common. But the one thing I want to say is do not miss riding Chief Joseph Pass, (Hwy 296) It is highly underrated! It looks like your plan to go from Red Lodge to Cody will naturally take you that way. You'll be glad you got the two passes in while you're in MT. There is no fuel or food on Chief Joseph but I don't think you'll have an issue getting from Red Lodge to Cody via the two passes. If you were concerned about fuel, you can go to Cooke City for fuel then turn around and head back to Chief Jospeh. You are in for some great riding with the trip you have planned!

 

No problem with gas from redlodge to Cody, you can even swing into cook city for lunch on the way and still have plenty of fuel to make Cody. I would go to eat lunch its worth it. And if needed there's a gas station. As for the weather, I would go at the end of June just before the 4th of July if you can. Shouldn't have any trouble with getting rooms ether.

 

 

If you stay in Red Lodge we had a pretty good night in:
https://www.redlodgerestaurants.com/bogarts/

Bogarts. I thought it was Humphry's, thanks Google. Anyhow pretty good pub dinner followed by many beers. Then we rode Beartooth. Buddy <> feel well. I was fine, I stopped at the summit and walked up the hill to see what I could see. It was nice not riding gas station to gas station for once. We made it into Cody, gassed up and continued on to the Buffalo Chip that night. We ended up a little late.

For sure include Chief Joseph Highway. Dunno how the road is to the west of the junction to Yellowstone. Others may chime in.

Have a blast. We did.

H

 

How is that area the beginning of September just after Labor Day?

 

I planned on riding Beartooth on the 16th of June this year. But as I left Red Lodge I got to look at the sign saying the pass was closed due to a "blizzard" on the 15th. Heard several bikes had to be abandoned on the pass till the road got opened up again.

 

 

 

I have rode Beartooth and Chief Joseph several times in August following Sturgis. Two years ago the week after I was there, the pass was closed for the day due to snow. Beautiful country. Just gas up before you head to the pass.