RECOMMENDED RIDES
On the way are gorgeous views of the Tetons . The Grand Tetons are perhaps the most majestic mountain range in the country , and Highway 26 lets you see them from a distance as you enjoy wide sweepers . At Moran Junction , take Highway 191 south toward Jackson . This stretch of highway offers the best view of the Grand Tetons while staying on main roads . We witness a herd of buffalo with the Tetons canvasing the background . Jackson is Wyoming ’ s ritzy town with prices that match . Highway 191 is so good it needs to be witnessed from both directions . The famous barn often associated with the Tetons has its history in an early Mormon settlement . A significant detour is the Teton Park Road that will provide breathtaking mountain views .
I want to stay in the Tetons and explore this area , but we continue to the southern entrance of Yellowstone Park , around Yellowstone Lake , and merge onto Highway 14 out the east entrance to Cody , Wyoming . The Southern
route avoids the heavy traffic of West Yellowstone and the plethora of people at Old Faithful . To fully enjoy Yellowstone , you will need two days . Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872 and covers 3,472 square miles . It is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined and has ample bison , wolf , bear , and elk . Yellowstone contains more than 500 geysers and 290 waterfalls .
The plan is to ride over Chief Joseph and Beartooth Highways to our destination of Red Lodge , Montana . Unfortunately , the skies above the pass were gloomy , indicating snow in the middle of July on the 10,947-foot pass . Our better judgment told us not to take the pass but take the easy route to Red Lodge and ride the pass in the morning . We chose the safe route via 14 to 294 and headed north on Highway 120 through Belfry , Montana . It is a good idea to make reservations in advance for Red Lodge , Montana .
The following day was perfect
for heading south over Beartooth Pass . This pass is considered one of the best rides in the country . The danger is not in the wide sweepers , but the tendency to want to look at the beauty in all directions . You will encounter numerous motorcycles on this fantastic stretch of the road providing ample opportunity for bike blessings . We take a left on Chief Joseph Highway for some more switchbacks and unparalleled views . I wished I had my dual sport to explore the many dirt roads .
Cody , Wyoming , will be the destination where the Irma Restaurant may be the best prime rib buffet on the planet . The Irma is named after Wild Bill Cody ’ s daughter and is a historic location , opening in 1902 .
The ministry opportunities on this trip are numerous as motorcycles are everywhere , given our famous roads . You will not regret adding Northwestern Wyoming to your bucket list of stellar rides . CMA
Jeff and his wife , Michelle , serve as Area Rep - Fast Lane for Wyoming .
13⎪October 2021⎪www . cmausa . org