Your Dog's Dream Vacation: The Complete Red Lodge Dog-Friendly Guide (Part 1 of 2)
**TLDR:** Red Lodge provides superior dog-friendly access to hiking trails, alpine drives, and outdoor adventures compared to nearby Yellowstone where dogs face strict restrictions. This guide covers the best dog-friendly accommodations, top hiking trails for different dog fitness levels, the Beartooth Highway experience with dogs, and essential safety considerations. Learn why Red Lodge beats Yellowstone for dog owners and how to plan multi-day adventures with your four-legged companion.
Here's the thing about Yellowstone: it's gorgeous, it's iconic, and your dog is basically banned from enjoying any of it.
Dogs in Yellowstone National Park are restricted to developed areas within 100 feet of roads, parking lots, and campgrounds. No trails. No boardwalks. No geysers. No wildlife watching. Just pavement and car exhaust while you stare longingly at the trailhead your pup can't use.
But what if we told you there's a better way? A place where your dog can actually hike alpine trails, splash in mountain streams, run off-leash in a dedicated park, join you on restaurant patios, and ride shotgun on one of America's most scenic highways without a single restriction?
Welcome to Red Lodge, Montana: the dog-first basecamp you didn't know you needed.
We're talking unlimited access to Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, a legitimate off-leash dog park, trail options for every fitness level from puppies to seniors, and a downtown that actually wants your four-legged friend around. Plus, we're just 60 miles from Yellowstone if you want to do a quick scenic drive, but honestly? Your dog will have way more fun staying here.
This is your complete guide to experiencing Red Lodge with your best friend, from the trails that'll make their tail wag to the patios where they're genuinely welcome.
Is Red Lodge Montana Dog Friendly?
Extremely. Red Lodge sits at the gateway to millions of acres of dog-friendly public land, has an off-leash dog park, welcomes dogs on restaurant patios, offers pet-friendly lodging with reasonable fees, and has local vet services plus 24/7 emergency care an hour away in Billings. Unlike nearby Yellowstone with its strict pet restrictions, Red Lodge is built for adventuring with dogs.
Why Red Lodge Beats Yellowstone for Dog Owners
Let's be honest about the Yellowstone situation. You've probably seen those Instagram posts of dogs posing in front of Old Faithful or the Grand Prismatic Spring. What those posts don't show you is that those dogs never left the parking lot.
Yellowstone's pet restrictions are strict and enforced. Your dog must stay within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds. That's it. No trails. No backcountry. No boardwalks to thermal features. You drove 12 hours to watch your dog sit in a parking lot while you debate whether it's worth leaving them in the car (it's not, and it's dangerous).
Red Lodge flips that script entirely. Base yourself here and your dog gets:
Actual trail access on hundreds of miles of Custer Gallatin National Forest paths
Off-leash park time at the dedicated Double Ditch Dog Park
Alpine lake swimming on dog-friendly hikes
Restaurant patio seating where they're welcomed, not tolerated
The full Beartooth Highway experience with countless pullouts for exploring
You can still day-trip into Yellowstone for a scenic drive if you want. But your dog's best vacation memories will happen right here in Red Lodge.
Where Can Dogs Stay in Red Lodge Montana?
Red Lodge offers pet-friendly accommodations including The Yodeler Motel in town (our home base with easy access to downtown and trails), vacation rental cabins with yard space, and several campgrounds in Custer Gallatin National Forest. Pet policies and fees vary, so always confirm current details when booking.
The Best Dog-Friendly Places to Stay
The Yodeler Motel (Our Home Turf)
We're pet-friendly, and we mean it. Old-school motor inn vibes with the kind of easy access that makes traveling with dogs infinitely less stressful. Pull up, unload your dog and gear without navigating elevators or long hallways, and get settled in minutes.
We're located right in town, which means you can walk to downtown restaurants, the local pet supply store, and grab morning coffee before hitting the trails. Easy dog loading, central location, and we understand that dogs are family. Fees and room limits vary, so call ahead to confirm, but we get it: this is their vacation too.
Vacation Rentals and Cabins
If you prefer more space or want a fenced yard for your dog, plenty of local agencies list dog-friendly cabins around Red Lodge. Filter specifically for "dog friendly" and confirm details like yard fencing, proximity to trails, and any breed or size restrictions. Some places advertise as pet-friendly until you mention your dog is over 25 pounds or sheds, so ask the specific questions upfront.
Can You Camp with Dogs Near Red Lodge?
Yes. Greenough Lake Campground (12 miles south on US-212) allows dogs on leashes 6 feet or shorter when outside your vehicle. Limber Pine Campground near the Beartooth switchbacks is scenic but requires bear-country food storage compliance. Red Lodge KOA Journey north of town is typically pet-friendly with dedicated dog areas. Confirm specific site availability and rules when booking.
Where to Camp with Your Dog
Greenough Lake Campground
Located 12 miles south on US-212, this spot has aspens, creek proximity, and easy access to the Greenough Lake Loop trail (more on that below). Dogs are allowed on leashes 6 feet or shorter when outside the vehicle. The campground sits at a sweet elevation where mornings are crisp but not brutal.
Limber Pine Campground
Near the Beartooth switchbacks, Limber Pine serves as an excellent base for high-country adventures. Bear-country food storage rules apply here, which means secured coolers and no food in tents. Your dog's kibble counts as food. Plan accordingly.
Red Lodge KOA Journey
North of town, the KOA typically offers pet-friendly sites and often has designated dog areas. Confirm the specifics for this location when you book, but KOAs generally understand that RV travelers bring dogs, and they plan for it.
What Are the Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Red Lodge?
Top dog-friendly hikes include Silver Run National Recreation Trail (up to 5 miles of loop options, creek access, mellow grades), Greenough Lake Loop (easy 3.5-mile flat loop), Lake Fork Trail (scenic cascades with flexible distances), and Basin Lakes Trail (moderate to strenuous alpine scenery). All are in Custer Gallatin National Forest where dogs are welcome. Leashes required at trailheads and developed areas.
The Trails Your Dog Actually Wants to Hike
Before we get into specifics, here's the deal with trail rules: dogs are welcome throughout Custer Gallatin National Forest, but leashes are required in developed sites like trailheads, campgrounds, and day-use areas. Once you're on the trail away from those zones, dogs must be under reliable voice control. Yield to horses, pack out waste, carry bear spray, and keep your dog from harassing wildlife.
Now, the good stuff.
Silver Run National Recreation Trail: The Puppy-to-Senior Sweet Spot
Distance: Up to 5 miles of loop options
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Why your dog will love it: Creek access, shade, and mellow grades
Silver Run follows the West Fork of Rock Creek through aspens and pines with multiple loop options depending on your dog's fitness level. Puppies and senior dogs can handle the shortest loops. Fit adult dogs can crush the full circuit and still have energy for a patio beer afterward.
The trail offers constant creek access for cooling off, which is crucial in July and August. The tread is well-maintained, the elevation gain is gentle, and the scenery is legitimately beautiful without requiring the kind of suffering that makes you question your life choices.
Greenough Lake Loop: The Zero-Stress Option
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy, flat
Why your dog will love it: Maximum sniffing, minimal effort
This is your "we drove all day and just need to stretch our legs" hike. The Greenough Lake Loop near the campground is flat, scenic, and offers endless opportunities for your dog to investigate every single smell while you decompress and remember why you came to Montana.
Perfect for older dogs, puppies still building endurance, or any dog who prefers a leisurely constitutional over an alpine sufferfest.
Lake Fork Trail: The Photographer's Paradise
Distance: Flexible, out-and-back to your chosen turnaround
Difficulty: Moderate
Why your dog will love it: Cascades, wildflowers, and bragging rights
Lake Fork follows gorgeous cascades up a valley toward Sundance Pass. The early sections aren't overly steep, making it accessible for most fit dogs. The farther you go, the more dramatic the scenery gets, and your Instagram feed will thank you.
This trail is wildly photogenic and offers flexible distance options. Turn around whenever your dog (or you) has had enough. Note that West Fork Road to the trailhead has a seasonal closure from December 2 through April 14.
Basin Lakes Trail: The Alpine Payoff
Distance: Varies based on route
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Why your dog will love it: Waterfalls, alpine lakes, and the satisfaction of earning it
Basin Lakes Trail (NRT #61) involves a climb, but the payoff is legitimate alpine scenery with waterfalls and lakes. This is for fit, trail-savvy dogs who can handle elevation gain and stay focused around other hikers and potential wildlife.
The same seasonal West Fork Road closure applies here (December 2 through April 14), so plan summer through fall adventures.
Can Dogs Go on the Beartooth Highway?
Yes, and they should. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is one of America's most scenic drives with countless pullouts where leashed dogs can stretch their legs and pose for photos against alpine panoramas. The highway typically opens the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and closes mid-October, weather dependent. Summer snow squalls can cause temporary closures, so check Montana DOT updates before committing to a drive.
The Beartooth Highway: Your Dog's Bucket List Scenic Drive
If you only do one thing with your dog in the Red Lodge area, make it the Beartooth Highway.
US Route 212 climbs from Red Lodge through alpine tundra, past glacial lakes, and over 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass before descending into Cooke City and the northeast entrance to Yellowstone. Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America," and he wasn't wrong.
Why It's Perfect for Dogs
Unlike Yellowstone where your dog is confined to parking lots, the Beartooth Highway offers countless pullouts, orientation points, and turnouts where your leashed dog can actually explore. Every few miles brings a new vista, a different ecosystem, and another photo opportunity that doesn't involve a crowded parking lot.
Pack a long line (15-30 feet) so your dog can safely investigate while staying under control. Bring extra water. Consider booties if your dog has sensitive paws, as pavement can get hot even in the alpine.
Timing and Logistics
The Beartooth Highway generally opens on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and stays open through mid-October. "Generally" is doing a lot of work in that sentence. Summer snow squalls can and will close the highway temporarily, sometimes with just a few hours' notice.
Check Montana Department of Transportation updates the morning of your drive. Plan a full day. Bring layers for both you and your dog (yes, dog jackets are a thing in the alpine). Stop often. This isn't a highway you rush through.
A full loop from Red Lodge to Cooke City and back with frequent stops for dog breaks, photos, and scenic turnouts easily fills a day. It's the kind of experience that justifies the entire trip.
What Should I Know About Dogs and Bears in Red Lodge?
Red Lodge sits in grizzly habitat. Keep dogs leashed or under reliable voice control on trails, carry bear spray and know how to use it (never pre-spray gear), and never let dogs chase or harass wildlife. Most bear encounters happen when dogs run ahead off-leash and surprise a bear, then run back to you bringing the bear with them. Leashing in bear country protects both your dog and the wildlife.
Safety Considerations You Can't Skip
Bears and Wildlife
You're in grizzly country. This isn't theoretical. Keep dogs leashed at trailheads and under reliable voice control on trails. Carry bear spray on your hip (not in your pack), know how to use it, and never pre-spray your gear or your dog.
Most dog-related bear encounters happen when an off-leash dog runs ahead, surprises a bear, then sprints back to you bringing an angry grizzly with them. This is bad for everyone involved. Leash compliance protects your dog, protects the wildlife, and keeps your vacation from becoming a cautionary tale.
Ticks
Rocky Mountain wood ticks are common in spring and early summer. Use preventatives and do post-hike checks, paying special attention to ears, armpits, and between toes.
Altitude
Many hikes and the Beartooth Highway crest exceed 8,000 to 10,000 feet. Watch for canine altitude symptoms: excessive panting, lethargy, disorientation, or vomiting. Ascend gradually, hydrate frequently, and turn around if your dog shows distress.
Water Safety
Rock Creek and its forks run fast and cold in early summer. Keep dogs leashed near high flows and at bridge crossings. A strong current can sweep even a good swimmer downstream faster than you can react.
What's Coming in Part 2
We've covered where to stay, which trails to hike, and how to safely experience the Beartooth Highway with your dog. But Red Lodge isn't just about the backcountry.
In Part 2, we'll dive into the in-town dog experience: the off-leash dog park that'll become your daily ritual, the restaurant patios where your dog is genuinely welcome (and one popular spot where they're not), pet services and supply stores, seasonal considerations, and complete sample itineraries for different types of dogs and owners.
Because the best dog vacations aren't just about the trails. They're about finding a place where your dog is welcomed everywhere, not just tolerated.
Ready to plan the trip your dog will remember forever? Check out our pet-friendly accommodations at The Yodeler and start building your Red Lodge dog adventure. We'll have the welcome treats ready.