Yellowstone is famous for being the first national park in the US and the world. Welcoming over four and a half million tourists annually, it’s also one of America’s most visited national parks. West Yellowstone, right on the western entrance, is the most popular gateway to the park. But if you don’t want to deal with congested streets, consider access through Red Lodge, a unique gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
Red Lodge Enjoys A Scenic Location in the Beartooth Mountains
The county seat of Carbon County, Red Lodge, is a small community with over 2,200 residents. It’s nestled at the edge of the Beartooth Mountains, Montana’s tallest peaks, making it a place of extraordinary beauty with sweeping views at every turn. It’s surrounded by Custer Gallatin National Forest, which is known for its world-class outdoor experiences.
Red Lodge Offers Solitude You Won’t Find in West Yellowstone
With almost everyone entering Yellowstone National Park via West Yellowstone, Red Lodge is the adventure hub for solitude seekers. There are plenty of secluded lodging options, including Blue Sky Cabins, perfect for couples looking to enjoy a peaceful, romantic getaway. The cabins offer a mix of quiet, country vibes, luxury experiences, and gorgeous views.
Red Lodge’s Mountain Town Charm is Unbeatable
Montana is full of charming small towns that offer an authentic vacation experience, but Red Lodge’s unique mountain vibes are hard to match. You’ll discover its charm as you stroll through the quaint shops, galleries, and local eateries. You can also catch some of its cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.
The Downtown is Safe, Walkable, and Bustling with Activity
Red Lodge is often seen as a charming town with a low crime rate and welcoming locals. Its safety and friendly atmosphere are considered part of its small-town appeal. The downtown area is very safe, and being a small community with wide open spaces and a Walk Score of 77, you don’t need a car to get around. No public transportation exists, but you can bike around in good weather. You can explore many places downtown, including the Red Lodge Café.
Beartooth Highway Offers a Scenic Entrance to America’s First National Park
Visiting America’s first national park via Red Lodge means driving on Beartooth Highway (Highway 212), America’s most scenic drive. The designated National Scenic Byways All-American Road, which winds through the Custer Gallatin National Forest, makes Red Lodge a unique gateway to Yellowstone. While en route to America’s first national park, you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the towering peaks of the Beartooths, forested valleys, and more.
The Town Gives Access to the Less Crowded Northeast Entrance
While not as visited as the West Entrance, Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance is equally fascinating. It’s the least used of the park’s five entrances, unlike the West Entrance, whose heavy traffic sometimes stretches into West Yellowstone. It has long been a favorite for avid adventurers, thanks to its incredibly wild and remote location and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the park.
You are Much Closer to Lamar Valley, America’s Serengeti
Nestled along the scenic Lamar River, Lamar Valley is one of the most beautiful sights you can access from this side of Yellowstone. It feels completely remote and wild and offers abundant wildlife. It’s dubbed the Serengeti of America because of the large mammal populations—such as bison, pronghorn, wolves, and more—often roaming freely. The wide-open spaces and plenty of prey make it the top spot for observing animal behavior and the dynamics of the park.
Red Lodge Mountain Offers an Authentic Montana Experience
Red Lodge Mountain is a mecca for year-round mountain experiences. It’s known for its rugged scenery and world-class skiing, with a diverse terrain catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. March and April bring the best powder. Its scenic location in the Beartooth Mountains means big mountain fun with unmatched views of the surroundings. Its genuine and friendly vibes make it the ideal destination for an authentic Montana experience.
Backpacking Is a Great Way to Immerse in the Raw Beauty of the Beartooth Mountains and Red Lodge
A backpacking adventure in the Beartooth Mountains is your ticket to enjoying the best of Montana’s wild alpine scenery. Red Lodge and the surrounding mountains boast plenty of breathtaking backpacking routes. You’ll discover numerous features, including high plateaus and glacial valleys.
Red Lodge Has Its Own Unique Wildlife Adventures
Beyond Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge offers its own recreational activities, with wildlife viewing being a favorite. You can discover some of the ecosystem’s most iconic wild creatures at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, including black bears and wolves. The facility has been home to non-releasable native wildlife of Greater Yellowstone since 1983.
Off-Road in the Beartooth Mountains
If you want to experience some great wheeling in Montana, there is no better place than Red Lodge and the Beartooth Mountains. Off-roading is one of the best ways to experience the rugged beauty of this place. Enjoy a ride of a lifetime with UTV rentals from Red Lodge PowerSports. Glacier Lake Road and Roaring Plateau are some of the beautiful trails you can explore.
Hike the Basin Creek Lakes Trail in Custer Gallatin National Forest
Custer Gallatin National Forest is one of the best parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. While the Beartooth Highway meanders through the forest, hiking is the best way to connect with its raw beauty. One must-do hike is the Basin Creek Lakes Trail, which starts at the Basin Lakes Trailhead on West Fork Road. Waterfall sightings and two lakes are some of the route’s major highlights.
Sample the Local Brewery Scene at Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company
Beyond Yellowstone, the Beartooths, and Red Lodge’s outdoors, you can experience the town’s incredible brewery scene. Red Lodge is known for its rich history with beer, and Ales Brewing Company is a great place to sample a few drinks. The company is most known for its flavorful IPA, but you can also try brews like Jack’s 90 Scottish ale and Glacier amber alt beer.
Discover Red Lodge’s Vibrant Arts Culture
Red Lodge’s uniqueness also lies in its vibrant arts scene, and a visit to Carbon Arts Guild Depot Gallery is one way to explore it. The gallery is brimming with incredible artwork from various local and regional artists. There are multiple programs to participate in, including workshops, art classes in the summer, and gallery talks.
Learn About the History of Red Lodge
Red Lodge’s rich history makes it a unique gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1884, it is a former coal mining town and was one of the boom towns in the 1800s. A visit to the Carbon County Historical Society Museum allows you to gain insight into the town’s storied past via an incredible collection of artifacts and coal mine exhibits. You can also explore historic sites like Kent Dairy Round Barn, which is known for its significance in the town’s history.
