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Old 05-20-2013, 05:24 PM
 
Location: SW MO
1,127 posts, read 1,275,259 times
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Well, we are finally taking a trip west next week, and I thought I might run the route by you guys to see if it needs tweaking. We aren't so worried about time/miles as we are scenery and good eats. We will be getting into Sheridan, Wyoming Wednesday evening and head out for Bozeman via the Beatooth Highway early Thursday morning. We intend to leave Sheridan no later than 8 AM(probably earlier), drive Hwy 14 over to Ralston, WY. take 294 to 120 north to Belfry, then 308 over to 212 at Red Lodge. From there we hit the Beartooth, coming out on 89 up to Gardiner, thence to Livingston and west on 90 to Bozeman. Think we can get to Livingston before sundown? Google maps says we can do it in 7 hours. I plan for 10-12, with picture taking and whatnot.

The next day, we intend to take 90 to Butte, south on 15 to 43, then west to 93, and north up the BRV to 200 and on to Sandpoint. Google says less than 9 hours, again we plan 12 or so. Should show us a lot of good scenery, but I don't know the region, so figured asking here might net better/more scenic routes, or inform me about particular hazards or conditions I need to know. Thanks for any insight y'all can give.
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Old 05-20-2013, 05:54 PM
 
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I don't think the uppermost part of the Beartooth is open yet, per the official Montana department of transportation website.
Beartooth Highway Information

The Beartooth highway website says it's not scheduled to open up over the pass until June 14th
2013 Important Dates! | Beartooth Highway | Montana & Wyoming Scenic Drives

Might need to re-route if you're leaving Wednesday!
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Old 05-20-2013, 07:09 PM
 
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First off get up the Montana traveler information website and look at the interactive map. Several places you plan to go have road construction with serious delays. Then go to Montana tourist information website and look at the Montana map for scenic byways. Scenic in Montana usually means off the Interstate. It is still a little early for the more rugged of the scenic drives...as in closed for snow at their high elevations.

I believe as was said that Beartooth is still closed. There has been record rainfall the last few days so some areas are experiencing flooding or will soon experience flooding. Snowpack will be loosened up by rain. It will take few days to see what will flood this next week.

Enjoy and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
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Old 05-20-2013, 07:49 PM
 
Location: Back at home in western Washington!
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I would second (or third) the caution that you do your homework regarding the routes you are planning to take. May in Montana still means plenty of snow in many areas.
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Old 05-20-2013, 07:52 PM
 
Location: SW MO
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Yeah, I saw that. Closed to June 14. Might divert to the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, if the conditions look ok as the time approaches. If not, we'll just skip Beartooth altogether, check out the Little Bighorn and nearby battlefields, I guess.
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Old 05-22-2013, 07:55 PM
 
Location: Minot, ND
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If you go from Sheridan to Cody then up to Cooke City you'd still hit some awesome scenery. AND the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody is well worth the detour. You would still have to check for seasonally closed hwys.
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Old 05-22-2013, 08:27 PM
 
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According to Gazette the Beartooth highway is scheduled to open Friday. There is another storm coming to the region see NOAA weather site for details
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Old 05-22-2013, 09:57 PM
 
Location: Minot, ND
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Keep checking here, Beartooth Highway Information and here Traveler Information - Road and Weather Information
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Old 05-23-2013, 07:40 AM
 
Location: Where the mountains touch the sky
6,756 posts, read 8,581,124 times
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If Beartooth is closed and you plan on being in the Butte area, do the Georgetown Pintler scenic loop. Not as high or rugged as Beartooth or Going to the Sun, but the views are fantastic
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Old 05-23-2013, 02:25 PM
 
Location: Minot, ND
163 posts, read 584,496 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MTSilvertip View Post
If Beartooth is closed and you plan on being in the Butte area, do the Georgetown Pintler scenic loop. Not as high or rugged as Beartooth or Going to the Sun, but the views are fantastic
If you go that way you'll miss the Big Hole and the Bitterroot Valley. Both are very scenic routes but I think you'd enjoy the south on I-15 to 43, then west to 93 route more.
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