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Some of us did that trip years ago (35 yrs.) in late august. It got cold in the mountains at night. If you are going, you might want to cruise through Colorado and the Rocky Mtn. National Park as well. From there it's a great ride up through Wyoming to Lake Jackson /Tetons and up to Yellowstone. I hear nowdays that the tourist traffic is thick in those parks. If you want lodging in the Parks, better start now.
You can get snow in those mountains ANY day of the year, including August when it's 100+ on the floor of the valley. Frequently rains in the afternoons as well. Just have gear for all weather.
Wife and I have been out 6 of the last 8 years we tend to go Labor Day weekend as the crowds drop off. I know of some who made the trip in June said they would never go back . Lots of traffic. Cody is nice place but lots of T shirt shops. Buffalo Bills Museum is worth 2 days to visit. Ride the Beartooth Hwyto Red Lodge. Weather can be tricky seen snow & 85 degrees. No matter its worth the trip.
My wife and I went to Co, Wy, Ut and Mont this past June/July. I was going to avoid Yellowstone at all costs but my wife changed my mind and I am glad she did. It wasn't near as bad as everyone had made it out to be. We were on a 14 day trip but ended up cutting it short to 11 days because we were so tired of the hotels. And as we got closer July 4th we were having a hard time finding rooms. But all in all I would go again , the weather was great and scenery was awesome. If you can plan it out exactly you can make reservations but I like to play it by ear and just find a room when I get tired. This is where it can get difficult, but we made it just fine. I say go for it in June or July.
July-August is prime time. As posted, weather is always a factor, especially at 11,000 feet. Most of your riding will be at 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Very difficult if not impossible to find gas more than 91 octane, but have never had trouble with it at any altitude, and my ride is carburated.
Lodging can be an issue, don't know about Wyoming and Colorado,but Montana has a lot of free and very low fee camping. DeLorme Atlases puts out a detailed state atlas that shows about every site and scenic spot in almost every state. Worth the investment. Lots of bookstores stock the full list of publications, so you can get a free browse of what's available. Try this link: http://www.latitudesmapstore.com/template.cfm/63/71
looks like we will be trying for last two weeks of august up thru labor day. will most of the summer time tourist be cleared out by that time??
we kinda like to wing it and not be pushed to be in a certain place by a set time as far as reservations,but certainly would not want to get stuck out on the road. we have had pretty good luck with koa's and their small cabins.
what are the alternative routes as we do not want to have to back track.just a reminder we are 995 miles to el paso from our town so just getting across Texas is a trip in itself.
Ride 191 in southern Arizonaall the way up to 212,turn rightand you should have one heck of a trip. You can highball it back on the slab if you're pushed for time going home.
Sig pic is downtown Red Lodge Friday morning of the Beartooth Rally.
Im from South Dakota and try to make it to the mountains as often as I can. Your in for some great rides in this area... We made the trip in late June, early July and had cool and rainy weather in the higher elevations. Hot in the lower... Id say some of the must stops are Red Lodge MT which has an annual biker rodeo bringing several people into this little town! http://beartoothrally.com/ Its also at the base of Bear Tooth Pass that will get up and touch 11000 foot. BEAUTIFULL... This little place reminds me a bit of Deadwood SD which you no doubt hit while in Sturgis! Missoula is a nice little town that you can hit coming out of Low Low Pass. Stop by the HD shop...these guys are awesome! These guys went out of their way to take care of me...had some bike troubles caused by severe rain leaving Boise Idaho...shorted out the starter solenoid and had to push start the scoot for a couple of days! The Grand Tetons make for some nice rides and be sure to hit Jackson Hole WY. Friendly Biker towns and lots of mom and pop places to grab a bite! Hope you make the trip...you'll not regret it!
once again thanks! we are currently looking at vacation time frames from work.maybe as late as last two weeks of august or first two of sept. don't mind riding cool,just don't want too cold.plus not a crowd person so want to try and aviod any somay have to wait till school starts back.
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