My buddies and I are headed to ride the Beartooth in Mid-June. Any suggestions for "must see?" We are staying in Red Lodge for one night. Any bar or resturant suggestions?

 

You are in for a great ride. Redlodge is a neat foothills town, and make sure you ride Chief Joseph highway. Dress warm, it will be cold up high.

 

Where are you starting from and how many days in the area do you plan?

 

We're leaving Dallas on Friday heading up to ride that next week. Looks like it might be a bit chilly.

 

Anybody know the road status/conditions of the Beartooth highway? I too will be riding it in mid June.

 

Here's the most up-to-date info: http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/beartooth/

 

You gotta stop at the Snow Creek Saloon. No trip to Red Lodge is complete until you stop there!

 

The 'tooth is always open for Memorial Day weekend. Never fail.

But spring in Montana.....windy, sudden rain storms (they blow out as quick as they blow in), still below 40° in the morning and can peak at 75° in mid-afternoon.

Riding a road like the Beartooth Hwy can be dangerous only because of the wind. I suggest timing it so that you leave Red Lodge ~10-11am. The black ice will be cooked off by then, but it will be before the sun melts the snow (on the shoulders) and creates trickles that will re-freeze when the afternoon winds pick up. Plus you gain a lot of altitude pretty quickly. Temps will drop as you climb. A nit of snow is not unheard of this time of year up there. You'll probably see some backcountry skiers up there. Memorial Day weekend on the pass is a telemark tradition in MT.

Actually, that's perfect timing. Sleep in (I like the Yodeler), eat an old-fashioned breakfast at the Cafe (with the dancing neon Indian), and then noodle on up the 'tooth.

Also in Red Lodge is a great brewery that now has a restaurant that is pretty good. The Creek is a great bar, in any season. Lots of shops on Main St that the wives will like.

If you have any other questions about riding in Montana/Yellowstone, just ask. I live here.

 

Thanks, Faber. We do plan to spend one night in Red Lodge, so will check out the Yodeler. Did plan to stay in a cabin in Yellowstone for two night, but looks like they are all booked up for June 13 & 14. You have any suggestions for a nice biker motel convenient to Yellowstone for touring the park for a day. We plan to enter from the south coming from Jackson on the 13th. Plan to spend one night in Red Lodge on June 15. Also, note that we will have to ride the Beartooth from Yellowstone to Red Lodge. I am heading on out from there on a trip to Alaska!!

 

If you are heading to Alaska make sure to pick up the most recent Milepost. It will give you all the up to date lodging and gas stations in Canada and Alaska. The best priced place in Red Lodge is the The Red Lodge Motel. It is a steal at $55. There is also another nicer hotel downtown and at least 1 chain hotel about 8 blocks from downtown. Snow Creek looks like a dive but they have the best burgers, a must try in Red Lodge!