There's nothing quite like the rush of riding through some of America's most breathtaking mountain scenery, and my July motorcycle adventure through Montana and Wyoming delivered exactly that. What started as a planned trip to Red Lodge turned into an unforgettable journey across the legendary Beartooth Highway, through Yellowstone's northeast corner, and along the stunning Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
Setting Up Base Camp in Red Lodge
I rolled into Red Lodge, Montana on a perfect summer evening, the kind where the mountain air hits just right and you know you're somewhere special. Our Airbnb was perfectly positioned in this charming mountain town that sits at 5,555 feet elevation, offering easy access to what locals proudly call "the most beautiful drive in America."
Red Lodge immediately struck me as a rider's paradise. The town has that authentic Western feel without the tourist trap vibe, and everywhere I looked, I saw fellow motorcyclists prepping for their own adventures. The timing couldn't have been better: we'd arrived during the Beartooth Rally, Montana's largest motorcycle gathering that draws thousands of riders each summer.
The energy was infectious. Bikes lined the main drag, from vintage Harleys to modern adventure tourers, and the conversations at local restaurants and bars were all about one thing: the legendary ride ahead on the Beartooth Highway.
The Beartooth Highway: America's Most Beautiful Drive
After fueling up and checking our gear, we tackled the crown jewel of this adventure: US Route 212, better known as the Beartooth Highway. This 68-mile stretch from Red Lodge to near Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance isn't just a road; it's a 10,947-foot-high gateway to some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in North America.
The climb begins immediately outside Red Lodge, and within minutes, you're already sensing what's ahead. The road winds upward through dense forests before breaking into open alpine terrain that feels almost otherworldly. At every turn, the views become more dramatic, with the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness stretching endlessly in every direction.
What caught me off guard was how quickly the landscape changes as you gain elevation. One moment you're riding through mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers, and the next, you're navigating switchbacks with snow-capped peaks towering above you: in July! The contrast was stunning and reminded me why this route earned its All-American Road designation.
The summit at Beartooth Pass, sitting at nearly 11,000 feet, offers views that no photograph can truly capture. We stopped at several overlooks along the way, but the Summit Vista was the absolute highlight. There's a short walk from the parking area that leads to an unobstructed panoramic view that'll make you forget about everything else.
Wildlife and Wilderness Encounters
One of the unexpected bonuses of this route was the wildlife viewing. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is home to an incredible variety of animals, and riding through their territory felt like a privilege. We spotted mountain goats picking their way across impossibly steep cliffs, and at one point, had to slow down for a small herd of bighorn sheep that decided the road made a perfect grazing spot.
The wilderness area encompasses over 30 peaks that rise above 12,000 feet, creating a landscape that feels both massive and intimate. There's something humbling about navigating these mountain passes on two wheels, knowing you're traveling through some of America's last truly wild places.
Cooke City and the Yellowstone Connection
The western terminus of the Beartooth Highway drops you into Cooke City, a tiny gateway community that serves as one of the lesser-known entrances to Yellowstone National Park. This historic mining town has maybe 100 year-round residents, but it punches way above its weight in character and hospitality.
We grabbed lunch at one of the local cafes and talked with other riders about their experiences. Many were extending their adventure into Yellowstone itself, while others were planning to loop back via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: which became our next destination.
From Cooke City, it's just a few miles to Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance, making it easy to combine this motorcycle adventure with some of the park's incredible attractions. The Lamar Valley, often called America's Serengeti, is particularly accessible from this entrance and offers world-class wildlife viewing.
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: Wyoming's Hidden Gem
For the return portion of our adventure, we took Wyoming Route 296, better known as the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. This 47-mile route connecting the Beartooth Highway to Cody, Wyoming, proved to be every bit as spectacular as the main attraction.
The byway climbs over Dead Indian Pass at 8,071 feet, offering sweeping views of the Absaroka Mountains and the Sunlight Basin below. The road features beautifully engineered curves that make for fantastic riding, with each turn revealing new vistas of Wyoming's rugged landscape.
What I loved about the Chief Joseph Byway was its sense of solitude. While the Beartooth Highway sees steady traffic during peak season, this route felt more like our own private mountain adventure. The pavement was excellent, the scenery was consistently stunning, and the riding was pure joy.
Practical Tips for Fellow Riders
After completing this adventure, I have some solid advice for anyone planning a similar trip. First, fuel management is crucial. Gas stations are scarce between Red Lodge and Cooke City, with the Top of the World Store at 9,400 feet being your only option mid-route. Fill up completely before leaving any major town.
Weather preparation is essential, even in July. We started the day in 70-degree temperatures in Red Lodge and encountered 40-degree temperatures with strong winds at the summit. Proper layered gear made all the difference between comfort and misery.
Allow plenty of time: this isn't a route to rush. While you could technically ride the Beartooth Highway in about three hours, you'd be doing yourself a disservice. Plan for frequent stops, photo opportunities, and the inevitable delays caused by other riders and tourists wanting to soak in the same incredible views.
The Rally Experience
Being in Red Lodge during the Beartooth Rally added an unexpected dimension to our adventure. The town was absolutely buzzing with motorcycle enthusiasm, from organized group rides to impromptu parking lot conversations about bikes, routes, and riding stories.
The rally atmosphere was welcoming and inclusive: everyone from weekend warriors on cruisers to serious adventure riders on fully loaded touring bikes found common ground in their shared love of two-wheeled exploration. Evening gatherings at local establishments provided the perfect opportunity to pick up insider tips about the best viewpoints and lesser-known scenic detours.
Making It Memorable
This motorcycle adventure reminded me why some journeys stick with you long after the engine cools down. The combination of world-class scenery, challenging high-altitude riding, and the camaraderie of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts created an experience that photographs and words can only partially capture.
Whether you're planning a day trip from Red Lodge or incorporating this route into a longer tour through the greater Yellowstone region, the Beartooth Highway and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway offer riding that ranks among America's absolute best. Just make sure your camera batteries are charged and your schedule is flexible: you'll want to savor every mile of this unforgettable mountain adventure.
For more motorcycle travel inspiration and adventure guides, check out our latest articles at Go Travel News.
