Beartooth Highway: Silver Gate to Red Lodge

This 110.5 km (68.7 miles) touring bicycle route is quite challenging and typically takes around 7 hours and 18 minutes of active cycling time. However, due to the significant elevation changes, breathtaking scenery, and potential for stops at viewpoints, many cyclists plan for a full day or even two, especially if they want to fully experience the route and its highlights.

No, this route is rated as difficult and is not suitable for beginners. It involves substantial and sustained climbing, particularly when ascending towards Beartooth Pass, and requires good physical conditioning and appropriate gearing. The high altitude can also be taxing for those not accustomed to it.

As this is a point-to-point route, you'll need to arrange logistics for parking. You can typically find parking in the gateway towns of Silver Gate or Red Lodge. Many cyclists arrange a shuttle or have a support vehicle to meet them at the other end. There are no specific designated trailhead parking lots for this road cycling route, but general town parking is available.

The terrain is entirely paved road, generally smooth new blacktop, though construction can occur. The difficulty stems from the sustained climbing and high altitude. From Red Lodge, cyclists face approximately 30 miles of climbing to reach the 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass summit, with an average grade of 3.4% to 4.5%. The continuous length of the climb and the high elevation make it challenging, demanding good physical conditioning.

The route offers unrivaled views of the wild, rugged Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. You'll cycle through alpine tundra, alongside glacial lakes, lush forested valleys, and past cascading waterfalls. Wildlife sightings are common and may include marmots, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, and chipmunks. Even in summer, you might encounter snowbanks several meters high, adding to the dramatic landscape.

The Beartooth Highway is typically only open for cycling from Memorial Day weekend until mid-October due to heavy snowfall. The summer months (June through September) offer the most reliable conditions, though weather at high altitudes can change rapidly. Early summer might still have significant snow walls, while fall offers vibrant foliage.

This route is packed with stunning views and points of interest. Key highlights include the Beartooth Pass summit, offering panoramic vistas. You'll also pass by the Lake Creek Falls and cross the state lines at Stateline Wyoming/Montana and State Line Montana/Wyoming, which are popular photo opportunities.

While dogs are generally allowed in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this specific route is a high-traffic scenic highway. Cycling with dogs on such a challenging road with limited shoulders and fast-moving vehicles is not recommended for safety reasons. If you do bring a dog, they must be on a leash and you should be prepared for their waste.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Beartooth Highway itself, as it is a public highway. While parts of the route pass through the Custer Gallatin National Forest, you are not entering a fee-based area like a national park. However, always check for any local regulations or road closures before your trip.

Services along the route are very limited. The main gateway towns for provisions, water, and accommodation are Red Lodge and Cooke City/Silver Gate. It is crucial to carry sufficient water, food, and emergency supplies for the entire ride, as there are long stretches without any facilities.

While primarily a road cycling route, it does pass near or briefly intersect with a few official trails within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. These include small sections of the Lower Parkside Trail and the Soda Butte Creek Trail. However, these are not typically used as part of the main Beartooth Highway cycling experience.