Red Lodge Loop – Two Lanes Never Looked So Good!

Ask anyone who’s ridden the Red Lodge Loop, and they’ll tell you it’s a ride that should be near the top of your bucket list. Beginning and ending in Red Lodge, Montana, “The Loop” follows two-lane roads, sweepers and twisties through some of the region’s loveliest scenery. Imagine rolling green hills, wide-open spaces, sparkling streams and alpine lakes—all against the grand and wild backdrop of Montana’s highest peaks. The Loop is one of the most popular motorcycle routes in the country, and for good reason; it is the stuff of postcards! So if you’d like to find out more about the Red Lodge area, be sure to check out the Sturgis Rider Friendly Establishment Mobile App’s list of suggested stops on this 200-mile stretch of two-laned beauty.

1. Detours and Side Trips

Riders like to modify the Loop a bit and enter from I-90 at Billings onto US Highway 212. In 42 miles you’ll be in Red Lodge. Pay attention to the side shots or roads less traveled. Just south of Billings you can explore one of the area’s best-kept secrets, US Highway 310, which will also take you to Red Lodge through cool little mining towns like Bridger and Belfry. Unless you go over Beartooth Pass, the whole region is a big loop. It just depends where you decide to jump on.

2. Red Lodge, Montana

The Loop’s namesake, Red Lodge, truly has no off season. The mountain alpine community doubles as a summer motorcycle rider’s mecca and a popular ski area when the snow flies.

If you love people watching and want to experience mountain hospitality at its finest, head to Broadway, Red Lodge’s main drag. Along Broadway, you’ll find rustic mountain shops, eateries, bars and plenty of motorcycle parking. The entire four-block pedestrian “strip” is like going back in history, except you’ll find the street lined with bikes instead of horses and wagons.

Take a Load Off:
Bull and Bear Saloon – This is where the locals hang out, and it’s a great place to stop for good conversation.

3. Roberts, Montana

This unique mining town, known to the locals as “Bob,” practically has both city limit signs on the same post. But don’t let its size fool you.

Get a Taste of Local Culture:
Red Star Gallery is a must stop, feature the work of artist Kevin Red Star, who draws on his own Crow Indian heritage for inspiration.

Grab a Bite:

• Roberts Café – fine Montana fare, killer biscuits and gravy
• Lost Village Saloon – Jimmy’s delicious homemade pizza, live music

Grab a Brew:

• Heavy Horse Bar – an unrivaled selection of cold brews

4. Roscoe, Montana

Roscoe is a bustling little community nestled along the Yellowstone River. It’s a wonderful place to drop a line or just pull the bike over and rest, listen to live music and people watch.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry:
Grizzly Bar and Grill – a popular watering hole and eatery among both locals and visitors

5. The Abaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area winds its way along the Rosebud and Stillwater River valleys. The area is rich in history, with the Bozeman Trail, the original Crow Indian Agency and over 100 years of mining history.

6. Absarokee, Montana

Stop in Absarokee to see the National Old Timer’s Rodeo, to book a float trip on the Stillwater River or just to wander the shops and cafes in the community’s quaint downtown.

Grab a Bite:
Dew Drop Inn – delicious burgers, fries and shakes

Grab a Brew:
Chrome Bar – special parking reserved for those on two wheels

Red Lodge Loop Pro Tip: One-Stop Saloons

In most of these little mining towns, the local saloon might serve as the area Chamber of Commerce, popular eatery, and the hub for local color and information. The Carbon-Stillwater Tavern Association has plenty of Rider Friendly™ members ready to offer you up a cold one, give you directions and give you tips on the next cool stop in the road Watch for names like the Belfry Bar, Bull and Bear Saloon, Snag Bar, Buckeye Bar and Garage, and Blue Ribbon Bar scattered throughout the loop.

7. Side Trip – Beartooth Pass

Many riders continue on Hwy 212 from Red Lodge and ride the beautiful Beartooth Pass Eastward to Cody, WY on the Chief Joseph Highway (Hwy 120). It’s not unusual, however, to come into the Beartooths from the east or west and take in the Pass first, before hitting the Red Lodge Loop.

Elevation on the Pass rises to nearly 11,000 feet, which means you can have a snowball-throwing contest at the peak on the 4th of July. The scenery is breathtaking and riders take on the pass by the thousands.

Just about the time you tire of going up, you’ll plummet back to the Wyoming valleys of the Chief Joseph Highway and on to Cody. If you hang a left (turn west) and go to the termination of US Hwy 212, you’ll end up at the North Entrance of Yellowstone Park.

Know of some great places to stop and things to see while on the Red Lodge Loop? Tell us about them in the comments below!