The ride over the Beartooth Pass is probably one of the top ten rides in the world. You virtually end up at the top of the world at 10,947 ft. It has been described as the most scenic road in the United States. Most of the year the pass is closed because of heavy snow but it is open for about 3 months during the summer. You can check on the road conditions by going to http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/beartooth/ .
The ride begins in Cody, Wyoming. On the east side of town, take SR 120 also known as the Belfry Highway north for about 16.5 miles. The road comes to a T. Go to the left onto SR 296 - Chief Joseph Circle. Following Chief Joseph Circle for 45 miles you will travel through some breathtaking vistas with lots of winding switchbacks leading you higher and higher into the mountains. At the end of the Chief Joseph Circle, you will take a left onto US 212, the Beartooth Highway. As you climb higher you will eventually reach the summit of the Beartooth Pass at 10,947 ft. Continuing for a total on the Beartooth Highway of about 50 miles, you will come to the town of Red Lodge, Montana. Before you enter the town, notice SR 308 to your right which is also called Bear Creek Hill. After visiting Red Lodge you will come back to this road and take it to Belfry 15.5 miles east. Make a right onto SR 72 which will take you through a relatively flat area for about 48 miles back to Cody. SR 72 changes into SR 120 once you cross back into Montana. The entire ride is 175 miles long. It should take you about 8 hours if you make stops along the way and have lunch in Red Lodge. Make sure your tank is full before you leave Cody and then fill up again in Red Lodge. Climbing mountain roads tends to reduce your gas mileage and gas stations are few and far between.
Many riders find the Chief Joseph Circle as exhilarating as the Beartooth Highway. Take your time and pull over to take in the scenery. Much of the ride is above the timberline with lots of snow still on the ground throughout the summer. On the Beartooth Highway, near the summit is a restaurant and store. It is not very scenic around the store and I suggest you press on to Red Lodge to wet your whistle and appease your appetite. Red Lodge is a unique western town with lots of saloons and eateries. During the summer months, there are lots of activities going on - motorcycle events, bike (non-motor) rides, car shows, etc. Check with the Red Lodge chamber of commerce on the internet to see what is going on during the time you will be there. Coming back through Belfry, on to Cody, is a relatively flat ride but you are still at about 4000 ft. Much of the road is as straight as an arrow and lends itself to speed - be careful of the troopers. Another aspect of the ride is the temperature. When you leave Cody, it will be about 90+ degrees. At the top of the Beartooth Pass and for much of the ride it will be at 32 degrees or less. Then back down to Belfry and on the SR 120 back to Cody, the temps can get above 100. You will need to wear layers. I would advise wearing leathers and a scarf to cover most of your face. The cold can be very biting.
I've done this ride twice - once clockwise and the other time counter clockwise. They are different rides. If you have time do it both ways.
Don't miss this one!
