Red Lodge, Montana
Have you ever found a town so special it finds a way into your heart, and you just can't seem to leave without going back? This is how I feel about a small ski town in Montana known as Red Lodge. It is more then a ski town though, it's a town where every season can feel so magical. From the moment you drive into Red Lodge on Highway US 212 you begin to notice just how magnificent the towns backdrop is. The mountains reaching up touching the heavens against a blue bird sky. The lush greenery against the hard rocks on the hills. A gentle hustle of the towns people up and down the historic main street.
Red Lodge is known as a tourist town due to it having a Ski Mountain, an expanse of some of the best hiking spots in the Beartooth Absaroka Wilderness, and it being the Gateway Entrance to Yellowstone National Park via The Beartooth Pass. Though Red Lodge has only the small population of around 2,200 people its ski mountain is quite large. With a total of 1,600 skiable acres it consists of 65 different ski runs. The ski mountain is a fantastic family friendly mountain with runs to please any skier from novice to advanced. One of the many runs on the mountain is known as Lazy M. This run is the longest of all 65 on the mountain stretching from the top all the way down to the base encompassing a total of 2.5 miles. Weather you want a nice long turn run down or a fast couple of runs this mountain may just be right up your ally.
Do you like to hike? Well then if your ever in Red Lodge Montana don't pass up on the hiking... its one in a million. Their is a little bit for everyone in this town. Leisurely hikes? Long all day adventures? Or maybe a couple days in the mountains to enjoy nature? With it hard to record and accurate number its safe to say their are well over 100 different hiking spots within Red Lodge, and Beartooth Absaroka Wilderness area. Many hikes in these areas are perfect for a quick day hike to some beautiful locations, where you can enjoy the views with friends and family. Plenty of which are perfect for a little lunch break as well. One very well known trail in the area is known as the Beaten Path. It is a 26 mile hike end to end that takes you up and through some of the most scenic back country spots in the Beartooth Mountains. With breathtaking views, dancing waterfalls cascading down the mountains, and spectacular alpine lakes its hard to leave once you've found them. While it can be done in one day it is more commonly completed in two to three days. So grab some friends or maybe go solo, but conquer and enjoy some of the best and most captivating hikes that Red Lodge, Montana has to offer.
If hiking seems a little much for your trip then don't pass up the chance to take a drive up The Beartooth Pass (only open May/June - September/October)! This drive has been called one of the most beautiful drives in America. With an elevation gain of 3,000 ft within a 12 mile stretch of road that you will switch back and forth across the sheer mountain side while looking out and down for miles of views. As the road bobs and weaves through the Beartooth Mountains you will be able to stop and sight see at many different locations throughout the drive. Enjoy the variety of waterfalls and lakes in the area, and if your lucky some of the abundant wildlife in the mountains may be taking its time to cross the road giving you that perfect opportunity to snap a couple of photos. Weather its marmots, moose, or bears your sure to enjoy all the fantastic furry critters up their.
After a long day of exploring everyone needs a fabulous meal to enjoy. Once you have made your way back into the little town its time to eat. With a variety of restaurants to choose from theirs no chance of being disappointed. From the Carbon County Steak House to the Ox Pasture, or maybe some good ol pub style burgers the choice is yours. Need a break from the kids? Send them off to the Pizza Co for a massive buffet of cheese and meaty pizzas to mounds of ice cream for dessert. After a good meal maybe its time for a couple of drinks with your friends? If your looking for a good local bar try the Snag Bar or the Snow Creek Saloon. Red Lodge is a melting pot of people from all walks of life, so your bound to bump into some old time Cowboys and Real Estate Brokers alike.
Everyone is a friend in Red Lodge and the hospitality is endless. Once you get a taste of the town your sure going to want to go back. Let the good times roll in this little mountain town.
-Lecoi
