Red Lodge on Two Wheels: More Than Just a Pretty View!
Hey there, cycling enthusiasts! Whether you're a spandex-clad road warrior whose idea of fun is conquering mountain passes, or a dirt-loving trail shredder who lives for the thrill of singletrack, guess what? Red Lodge, Montana, has a path (or several!) with your name on it. This area is an unsung hero for cyclists of all disciplines, offering breathtaking scenery and rides that range from pleasantly challenging to downright epic. And, of course, The Yodeler Motel is your perfect "basecamp" to launch these two-wheeled adventures and a cozy spot to recover afterwards!
Road Cycling: Paved Paradise with a Side of Altitude
If smooth tarmac and stunning vistas are your jam, Red Lodge delivers:
The Beartooth Highway (US-212): Let's start with the legend. For serious road cyclists, the Beartooth Highway is the ultimate challenge and reward. Think the Tour de France, but with more chances of spotting a moose (and definitely fewer Frenchmen). The climb from Red Lodge is no joke, featuring sustained grades of 6-10 percent. This is a bucket-list ride that attracts dedicated cyclists looking to test their mettle against one of America's most scenic high-altitude roads.
Red Lodge to Bear Creek: Looking for a taste of the Beartooth without committing to the full pass? The 15.5-mile ride from Red Lodge to Bear Creek offers similarly challenging 6-10% grades but with generally lighter traffic. It's an excellent training ride or a fantastic way to experience a significant climb.
Local Loops: Thanks to resources like MapMyRide, you can find several enjoyable local loops of varying lengths and difficulties:
10 Mile West Bench/Town Loop: A pleasant 10.25 miles with about 479 feet of elevation gain.
Red Lodge ~7miler: A shorter 6.83-mile jaunt with around 266 feet of gain.
Red Lodge 5 miler: A quick 5.20 miles with a gentle 124 feet of climbing.
Downtown Historic Trails: For a more casual spin, there are approximately 4.5 miles of routes weaving between 2nd and 17th streets, suitable for both road bikes and mountain bikes just looking for an easy cruise through town.
The beauty of road cycling here is the variety. Whether you're aiming for an extreme mountain pass adventure or just a scenic spin around the valley, Red Lodge caters to a wide range of cycling ambitions and abilities.
Mountain Biking: Get Your Dirt On!
If you prefer your trails unpaved and your thrills a bit more rugged, Red Lodge's mountain biking scene will not disappoint:
Silver Run Trails: This is a popular network of mountain biking trails in the area, offering loops of approximately 4, 7, 11, and 15 miles.
Getting there: Head West off Highway 212 onto West Rim Road, turn left on Ski Run Road, then left again on Silver Run Road, and park near the Rock Creek Bridge.
Silver Run to Ingles Creek (MTB Project): This is a fantastic ride, typically taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It serves up a bit of everything: buff singletrack, fun creek crossings, and fast doubletrack sections. The climb has some challenging switchbacks at the beginning, but the descent is described as "steep and rowdy," dropping roughly 900 vertical feet in just about a mile! It's rated as Difficult.
Silver Run Trail #102 (MTB Project): This specific trail within the network is rated Intermediate/Difficult.
"These trails offer a bit of everything – just add your adventurous spirit (and maybe some well-padded shorts, because 'rowdy' means business!)."
Basin Creek Lake Trails:
You can bike 2.5 or 4 miles through beautiful lodgepole pine forests to reach the lower and upper Basin Lakes. Getting there: Turn left at Ski Run Road (off West Rim Rd) and continue for about 4 miles to turn left at the Basin Creek Lake trailhead.
Basin Lakes National Recreation Trail #61: This trail offers a steady, forested climb, passes a waterfall, and rewards you with scenic views at the lakes.
Silver and Basin Lakes Trail (as per Singletracks.com): This is described as an Advanced, 14-mile network. Connecting the Silver Run trails to Basin Lakes makes for an amazing, albeit challenging, ride. The climb to Basin Lakes is famously "relentless and brutal," with a good amount of hike-a-bike expected for most riders. However, the stunning views and the "epic" downhill that follows are said to make every drop of sweat (and every pushed pedal) absolutely worthwhile. A full-suspension bike is highly recommended for this terrain. As one rider cheekily put it, "The climb might make you question your life choices, but the downhill makes it all worthwhile!" The detailed descriptions of these trails, including candid assessments of difficulty and specific features like "gooch-busting babyheads" (yes, you read that right!), paint a realistic and enticing picture for experienced mountain bikers looking for a genuine challenge.
Need Wheels? Red Lodge Bike Rentals (Including E-Bikes!)
Forgot your bike? Or just want to try something new? Red Lodge has you covered:
Several local spots offer bike rentals.
Beartooth E-Bike Rentals is a fantastic option, especially if you want to tackle some of the hills with a bit of assistance. They offer e-bikes with powerful 750W motors that can get you up to 28mph and have a range of about 45 miles. They have both traditional and step-thru models to fit various riders. Plus, they rent tailgate pads and bike racks for transport, and even trailers for little ones! "Want the epic views without quite so much huffing and puffing on the climbs? E-bikes to the rescue!"
Typical rental costs, according to AllTrips, are around $30 for a full day for a road bike and $35 for a mountain bike, with helmets usually included. E-bike rentals from Beartooth E-Bikes start at $55 for 2 hours or $95 for a full day.
The availability of e-bikes is a real game-changer for a mountainous area like Red Lodge. It makes the challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery accessible to a much wider range of fitness levels and cycling experience. This significantly broadens the appeal for cycling tourism, allowing more visitors to experience the joy of exploring Red Lodge on two wheels.
Ready to pedal your way through paradise? Book your adventure-ready room at The Yodeler Motel, and let the good times roll (on two wheels)! We've even got a safe spot for you to store your trusty steed after a day on the trails.