Cody to Cooke City?

[bonnieboomer]

Two week window starting May 10 to ride from VA to Glacier NP and back. Too early to catch the Beartooth, I guess. What about 296 out of Cody and over Dead Indian Hill? Will I be able to get  up to Montana this way?

After Glacier, the plan is to reach Pullman, WA, then head back via Lolo Pass, Hamilton, and Salmon. Will ride rain or shine, but bad weather could affect route choice. Last western trip I only encountered a little rain coming down Parley's into SLC.

bonnieboomer

[Sport-Touring]

[caasland]

Two week window starting May 10 to ride from VA to Glacier NP and back. Too early to catch the Beartooth, I guess.

Isn't it too early for Glacier as well?

I'd argue anything in the Rockies in May is too early. Be flexible.

[1Arm]

Two week window starting May 10 to ride from VA to Glacier NP and back. Too early to catch the Beartooth, I guess. What about 296 out of Cody and over Dead Indian Hill? Will I be able to get  up to Montana this way?

After Glacier, the plan is to reach Pullman, WA, then head back via Lolo Pass, Hamilton, and Salmon. Will ride rain or shine, but bad weather could affect route choice. Last western trip I only encountered a little rain coming down Parley's into SLC.

bonnieboomer

Dead Indian Pass looks open and Yellowstone NE entrance to Gardiner MT looks open, that will get you to MT, if the section of 212/296 jct to Cooke City is open, which I suspect it is. You'll have to dig that info up to be sure.

https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm

http://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults?SelectedRoute=WY296

[bonnieboomer]

Well. Beartooth Hwy site says there's access from Cooke City to Cody, but Cooke City Chamber of Commerce has a recording that says there's no access from there to Cody via 296 right now. Confusing...

I've ridden Rockies and Wasatch in May and June, sometimes crossing passes on opening day. Yeah, Going-to-the-Sun will still be closed, but this is the only time I can get away. Wait much longer and I'll be too old or the Glaciers will be gone. Carpe Diem.

bonnieboomer

[bonnieboomer]

Beartooth opened over Memorial Day; I rode it a few days later in a fairly strong, blustery wind that had my full attention. Cooke City restaurants were still not fully restocked, but the people were friendly. NE Yellowstone loop from Norris through Mammoth and Tower is just beautiful!

12 from Lewiston through Lolo Pass is also a delightful ride, and the Bitterroots are awesome down around Hamilton. Ended up going through Big Hole and Dillon instead of Salmon. Also very windy.

There's so much good road in MT that I'll have to go back either this fall or next spring. Made it to the top of GTTS on foot, as the road was still closed to traffic. 7" of snow at St. Mary's on May 13, and several inches down in Sheridan, WY the day before.

bonnieboomer