10/19/2026
Don't Skip This Montana Mountain Town on Your Way to Yellowstone! 🚗🏔️
The Beartooth Highway gets all the attention… but the town at the beginning deserves some love, too! 🏔️❤️
Welcome to Red Lodge, Montana! 🇺🇸
On a rainy September day, we drove through this historic mountain town on our way to the Beartooth Highway. Even with the rain, there’s something about Red Lodge that makes you want to slow down, explore, and appreciate small-town Montana.
If you’re planning a Yellowstone road trip, here are 5 reasons Red Lodge deserves a spot on your itinerary! 👇
🏔️ 1. Gateway to the Beartooth Highway — Red Lodge is the perfect starting point for one of America’s most spectacular scenic drives, climbing to nearly 11,000 feet before continuing toward Cooke City and Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.
🏘️ 2. Historic Downtown — Broadway Avenue offers historic buildings, locally owned shops, restaurants, and plenty of Western character.
🚗 3. An Incredible Road Trip Route — Combine Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway, Cooke City, and Yellowstone National Park for a memorable adventure through Montana and Wyoming.
🍂 4. Beautiful Fall Scenery — September brings cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and a quieter mountain-town atmosphere.
❤️ 5. Small-Town Montana Charm — Red Lodge has history, personality, and a beautiful mountain setting. It’s worth more than a quick stop for gas!
⚠️ TRAVEL TIP: The Beartooth Highway is seasonal, typically opening around Memorial Day weekend and closing in the fall. Weather can cause unexpected closures, so always check road conditions before your trip.
Sometimes the best part of a road trip is discovering the places you almost drove right past.
👇 Have you ever stopped to explore Red Lodge, or do you usually head straight for the Beartooth Highway?
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