Bear Tooth Highway (Red Lodge, Custer: rental car, rental, how much)

[daveyjones]

I remember a few years back when "On The Road" with Charles Karalt he mentioned this road was the most scenic he has ever seen in all his travels in the US.

Im trying to plan a vacation trip to Wyoming/Montana so is this a true statement?

[rickers]

Make sure your rig is tuned up, the pass is almost 11,000 feet above sea level. If you stop to walk around or hike, try to take it easy or you'll get dizzy or light headed, maybe even get sick because the air is really thin. If you live at a high altitude it won't be a problem but if you are used to sea level air it's easy to over do it in the high country. Just don't over exert yourself if your not adjusted, and that takes a couple of days.
It's really barren and rocky looking up there above the tree line with fantastic vistas.

[daveyjones]

I did the Rocky Mountains route(Colorado) a few years back and I believe those are higher altitude, 14,000ft
Never had a problem BUT IM older now

But Ill be renting a car ,locally,so I should be OK in that area.

I forgot to mention,I will be traveling alone so thats OK for that area...right/

[ElkHunter]

You will never hit 14,000 ft. The Bear will get close. As for traveling alone? Don't do it. When you hit altitudes like this, travel with a companion. But I'm not worried. When you get out of your rental car, you'll walk about 100 feet and be plum tuckered out. It's called mountain sickness.

[TypicalCalifornian]

I come and go over the beartooth at least once a year round trip on my Harley with no problem, I'm 60 and live at sea level. I pick my spots because even in August you can get freezing rain and what feels at least like black ice. Just go "low and slow". Full tank of gas is good advice and as others have said better, prepare for any other contingencies with food, water etc throughout the west. your cell phone won't work so filing a travel plan with family or friends might be called for.

I am concerned however that you are concerned, do you have a medical or other issue you have not shared?

PS it is the best road in America, breathtaking especially with plenty of visibility like on a bike but I have to be careful I don't get sightseeing on that road...

[A Neighbor]

In my Opinion if you are planning on going mid summer, I don't really think that driving alone over the pass is such a big deal. There are a lot of other drivers up there and usually someone nice enough to help a stranded motorist. I would say that by the time you have gotten to the point in your trip to travel over the pass, you are probably well acclimated to the area. It never hurts to file a travel plan with relatives no matter how many are in your party, old/young and sick/healthy you are.
There are also a couple of pretty neat town on either side of the pass, one being Red Lodge and the other being Cooke City. You can gain access to Yellowstone through the North East Entrance by going this route. Montana's highest peak, Granite Peak at 12,799 feet and a place called Grasshopper Glacier are in the same National Forest (Custer National Forest, Red Lodge District) as the Beartooth pass, although only by hiking. There are several trail heads at Cooke City for these two places.

[daveyjones]

I am concerned however that you are concerned, do you have a medical or other issue you have not shared?
-----------------------------------------------
For a 70 year old I'm in excellent health, Ive traveled all over the back road of Arizona without any problems.
I'm just concerned about the "bad guys" if there are any reports about it.
I don't worry too much as I'm armed.

[daveyjones]

Originally Posted by A Neighbor

In my Opinion if you are planning on going mid summer, I don't really think that driving alone over the pass is such a big deal. There are a lot of other drivers up there and usually someone nice enough to help a stranded motorist. I would say that by the time you have gotten to the point in your trip to travel over the pass, you are probably well acclimated to the area. It never hurts to file a travel plan with relatives no matter how many are in your party, old/young and sick/healthy you are.
There are also a couple of pretty neat town on either side of the pass, one being Red Lodge and the other being Cooke City. You can gain access to Yellowstone through the North East Entrance by going this route. Montana's highest peak, Granite Peak at 12,799 feet and a place called Grasshopper Glacier are in the same National Forest (Custer National Forest, Red Lodge District) as the Beartooth pass, although only by hiking. There are several trail heads at Cooke City for these two places.

Thats GREAT info...thanks

[rickers]

No big deal sitting in a car but when in a high altitude area when not acclimated, one would be wise to just take it easy in the physical exertion department. Not a big deal, it's just that some people notice altitude sickness more than others and if you don't know if it affects you or not it's best to just take it easy and don't get yourself winded while hiking or chasing your hat or dog while at the top of the pass !

[pmjinnh]

This is great info. We are planning a trip this summer and it will include a drive over Beartooth. How much time should I estimate that it would take to drive from Red Lodge to Cooke City? We plan on staying a night in each town.
I'm a bit concerned about Cooke City because I have been told that we will want to move there.

Does anyone have lodging or dining recommendations for either town?

Thanks