Any Here Done Beartooth Pass?
 

My wife and I are doing a camping tour out west to Badlands, The Wall, Mt Rushmore etc etc. Then found Beartooth Pass while mapping Yellowstone. What an incredible drive. There are several cyclists that have done the climb but I wonder if any among us here have done it?

Yes, there are a few of us here. I rode westbound, from Red Lodge to Cooke City. Climbing up to Wyoming and the pass was, well, OK. You basically have two views, alternating as you get higher, for 2-3 hours. The south/west side had lots of different views, spectacular scenery, but you didn't get to see much of it because you have to (a) watch the rough road and (b) you're going downhill quite quickly.

I'd be interested in doing it again going in the other direction.

Forgot to mention; it was cold and windy at the top. Take pictures (with mountain goats if they're cooperating) and get down was my M.O.

I have cycled the Beartooth Pass a good number of times. It's a great ride and not nearly as difficult as one might think. If you are acclimated to altitude, you won't have any difficulties. If you come up from Red Lodge, the switchbacks are relatively easy. Once you get up high you might find yourself feeling the altitude. Traffic on the road is slow and minimal, so you don't have to worry about cars. Many drivers will pull up to you and ask you questions or offer encouragement. What do you plan on doing after you get to the west summit? I've generally continued on to Cooke City and Yellowstone Park. If you return to Red Lodge you will most certainly get tired of descending. It's really more fun to go up than down.

I’m not planning to ride it. My only bike when pulling the camper is a mountain bike. I’m from Michigan so no mountain climbing at altitude for me.

I cycled Beartooth Highway last year. Did about 20 miles from our BnB outside Red Lodge to about a 1/2 mile over the Wyoming line. Really great ride. The grade really isn't bad so not difficult in that regard. But, would take some acclimatization if you're a low-lander. Our road trip also included the Badlands. I got in an early morning ride in the park - more a rolling hill ride than a hill climb. But I really enjoyed the quiet cycling the Badlands.

I would love to do it sometime. Sounds like weather can be an issue, much like any mountain pass.

In the summer, thunderstorms are frequent. These can be scary when you are above tree line. Bring rain gear and keep an eye on the sky. If you see a storm coming, try to find a place to sit it out. If the forecast calls for a front moving in, postpone your trip.

If you ever do get the hankering for cycling it... or any other climbs, this is a good resource with articles by those that have.

https://pjammcycling.com/climb/226.B...Pass%2520North

https://pjammcycling.com/climb/227.B...Pass%2520South

The extreme weather that can quickly roll in up near the summit would be a concern. When watching the youtube vids of those driving the route, even when in a vehicle things can get sketch if driving the early or late season.