The wife and I are headed from Boston, MA to Glacier National Park and then north to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and then back home. However, the last time we were in Yellowstone, a couple other bikers told us we missed out by not riding the Beartooth. I see on Googlemaps it's only another 150 miles to detour further south and do the Beartooth. Our question is, looking at a 6,000 mile trip already, is it worth adding even more distance to traverse the Beartooth Highway?

 

You would not regret riding the Beartooth and Chief Joseph highways. I HIGHLY recommend!

 

Ditto, a must do.

 

IF it truly is only 150 miles out of your way then by all means do it!! But I have suspicion that it would be more miles than that unless you just intend to ride to the top and turn around and go back the way you came. Actually after doing some calculations you are correct on the 150 miles but it will take you more than just a couple of hours since the "loop" would take you through Yellowstone and as many people know, traffic in Yellowstone moves quite slow at most times.

But only you can decide if it is worth the time or not. It is definitely a great ride though. And the ride you already have planned sounds like a great one as well and is on my bucket list!

 

if you have to cut another location, do not miss riding the beartooth, chief joseph scenic byway and since you have come that far, ride the big horn mountains. Probably the most scenic area in that part of the country next to glacier. This late in the season, be careful in Glacier. I have been caught in a snow storm in mid september up there.

Enjoy Montana, i lived there for 5 years before having to move back south. Great riding country!!

 

hey, just got back from the bear tooth hwy. don't miss it. there is about 1/2mile of dirt on the bear tooth but no other issues. and like someone else said the big horn mts are a must also.
this was my 4th time doing the beartooth, watch out for the "COWS"

 

Beartooth and the Chief Joseph Highway are must do roads

 

Don't know if you're taking I90 across but you could drop on hwy 14 north of Sheridan and go to Cody. From there catch Chief Joseph which runs right into 212. Take a right on 212 will take you over Beartooth and back to I-90. Two of the best roads I've been on.

 

I travel to Missoula for work every year. I've never had the opportunity to ride the roads mentioned but I think all roads out there are great. Even the straight roads have great views.

I will mention if you get an opportunity to go to Hamilton Montana (45 minutes south of Missoula) go there. Not for the roads but for the burger at Naps Grill. The best burger BAR NONE! I drive 90 minutes at least twice when I'm there to eat the burger.

I see you've already been to Jackson Hole. What a great place. That whole part of the US is just amazing! I love it out there.

 

I am glad to have seen Yellowstone. Been there done that. We avoid it now. Done Beartooth 3 times and would go out of our way to do it again if we were in the "area".