Hello, New here. I am looking for any information from anyone who has ridden Beartooth pass during the Sturgis bike week. I am from central Florida and now living in southeast Georgia. I am planning on going to sturgis this year would like to ride out to Red Lodge Mt. then stay the night there, ride the pass the next day then stay the night in Cody Wy. then back to the campground in sturgis. My question is what kind of clothes, gear am i going to need riding over the pass? how cold does it get? will there be snow on the road......etc? and any advise would be appreciated.

 

great ride - take your time and do it a couple times if feasible particularly if it will be awhile before you go back again (if ever). Red Lodge is also a cool looking town, but didnt spend much time there so have no recommendations.

Went in 2014, August 1st and it was 39 degrees at the highest point. Apparently some other bikes came through earlier in the day and had hail, but we didnt see any. Prepare for hot, cold, dry and wet. No snow on the roads, but still some on the peaks. Only been there once, so maybe its normally warmer, but we didnt care and it was fine since we were prepared for it. Lot of videos posted online of when they clear the roads in late spring time

 

It can be quite cool in the morning especially at the top. Doubt you will have snow on the road but anything is possible in MT. Great ride the Chief Joe Hwy is cool as well I have ridden it many times.

 

You can expect almost any weather in that area. If you have snow that time of the year it is unlikely the road would be covered.

Many years ago I was there the week prior to Labor Day and it was 10 degrees at night and snowed during the day. This past summer one of the riders in the Iron Butt Rally got snowed in when attempting to ride Beartooth Pass and they had to find someone with a key to unlock the gates to let him out. That was mid June.

 

+1

 

Its a variable... it can snow up there any day of the year... I always recommend Heated vests and handlebar grips when in the mountains and always pack good rain gear... but... here I was up on top of the Beartooth a few years back... oh ya, in Cody, I always stay at A Western Rose.... A motorcycle friendly Mom and Pop motel, where you can park your bike in front of your door.


It was cool, but not jacket worthy for me, even though everyone else had one on.

 

Rocky,
They need to pay you for being a spokesman for their motel.lol
OP The Western Rose is everything he says. Great place and owners.
We really liked Red Lodge. Gf described it as where the cowboys and Hippies live in harmony.

 

I know.. right??... lol

 

Several years ago I got caught in a wet snow going over the Beartooth in the first week of August. It was cold. The day before and the day after were beautiful weather.

 

Gotta be prepared..