Nestled at the base of the Beartooth Mountains in south-central Montana, Red Lodge is a year-round destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Red Lodge in all seasons. In winter, Red Lodge offers skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, the surrounding wilderness invites hiking, fishing, and camping.
Whether you’re visiting for outdoor sports and adventures, or the small-town atmosphere, you can never run out of things to do in Red Lodge, Montana.
Winter
Winter transforms Red Lodge into serious snow territory. Mountains get dusted, the air gets crisp, and the town takes on that cozy mountain-town vibe. Average temperatures hover between 20°F and 35°F, with snow falling from late November through March exactly what you need for winter sports.
Red Lodge Mountain Resort is the main draw. The resort covers 1,635 acres with a 2,400-foot vertical drop across 70 slopes served by 7 lifts. The resort typically opens in early December and runs through mid-April, weather permitting.
Red Lodge Ticket Pricing:
- Daily Lift Tickets: Save up to 35% when you buy online in advance (dynamic pricing varies by date and demand)
- 6-Tix Package: $569 for adults, $359 for juniors, $189 for children (six non-consecutive days, blackout dates December 24-January 4 and February 13-15)
- Season Passes: Starting around $1,179 for adults (ages 19-64) when purchased early, $899 for seniors (ages 65-69)
If you are unsure of where to start, here is a list of incredible winter activities to start your Red Lodge vacation in the best way possible:
- Skiing and snowboarding - The resort offers terrain for everyone, from beginner greens to advanced blacks, when Cole Creek opens! Lessons are available daily through the ski school with full-day, half-day, and private options for all ages. First-timer program for beginners starts at $299 and includes multi-visit progression, rentals, and lift access.
- Enjoy local snowshoeing trails- The staff at Sylvan Peak can provide trail maps and current snow conditions to help you choose the perfect trail. Wild Bill Lake Loop offers an easy 0.4-mile accessible trail, while West Fork Trails deliver more challenging terrain through beautiful pine forests with stunning mountain views.
- Ice Skating at the Red Lodge Ice Rink - The outdoor rink opens when temperatures allow and offers public skating sessions throughout winter. Skate rentals are available on-site, and the rink hosts occasional hockey games and special events.
- Winter wildlife watching - Drive slowly along Highway 212 heading south toward Beartooth Highway, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. The Beartooth Wildlife Management Area offers additional incredible spotting opportunities.
- Attend Holiday events: Enjoy the Christmas Stroll, which transforms historic downtown with twinkling lights, local vendors, and festive activities in early December. The National Finals Skijoring Race brings horse-and-skier teams racing down snow-covered Broadway in a thrilling competition unique to mountain towns!
Spring
Spring in Red Lodge brings a refreshing change as the town slowly emerges from its winter snow cover. Temperatures typically warm up to 30°F to 60°F, though snow is still possible early in the season. The days grow longer, and the wildflowers begin to bloom.
The Beartooth Highway typically opens around Memorial Day weekend in late May, weather permitting. Locals and visitors enjoy the quieter pace of spring in Red Lodge, with fewer crowds than in the summer.
Here is a list of the best spring activities to jumpstart your dream Red Lodge vacation:
- Hiking through newly opened trails in Beartooth Wilderness - Trails like West Fork and Basin Lakes become accessible as snow melts, offering waterfalls and wildflowers. Arrive early as parking fills quickly, and bring bear spray.
- Scenic drives along the Beartooth Highway - Plan 2-3 hours minimum for the drive, but allow a half-day for stops at overlooks like Rock Creek Vista Point and Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook.
- Spring fishing in local rivers - Once spring runoff clears (usually by mid-June), Access at public sites like Parkside Campground or Liver-Eating Johnston Park within city limits. You'll need a non-resident fishing license ($50 for a 2-day, $81 for a 10-day) available at fly shops on Broadway.
- Wildflower viewing on mountain slopes - Late May through July brings vibrant displays of shooting stars, columbine, and Indian paintbrush across alpine meadows.
- Spring Art Walk showcasing local art and galleries - First Friday of each month, May-October, along Broadway, or you can visit the Saturday Farmers' Market, which features local produce, crafts, and live music.
Summer
Summer in Red Lodge is a vibrant and active season, with warm, sunny days and cool, refreshing nights. Average temperatures range from 60°F - 80°F, providing perfect conditions for outdoor exploration and relaxation. The surrounding Beartooth Mountains feature lush green meadows, wildflowers, and clear blue skies, creating a stunning backdrop for summer activities.
Here is a list of the best things to do in Red Lodge, Montana to start your perfect summer vacation:
- Hiking to Basin Lake or other alpine lakes: Glacier Lake offers a slightly more leisurely hike with a gradual incline to crystal-clear waters surrounded by boulders and breathtaking mountain backdrops. Both trails start from trailheads along West Fork Road, about 15 minutes from town.
- Scenic chairlift rides at Red Lodge Mountain Resort - Weekend rides offer panoramic mountain views. Dogs are allowed on chairlifts, but bring a light jacket as temperatures drop at the summit.
- Mountain biking on the resort's trails - Trails range from beginner-friendly to technical downhill runs for experienced riders! Helmets are required on all trails. Bike rentals are available at local shops, and the resort offers beginner lessons.
- Fly fishing on Rock Creek and exploring Wild Bill Lake - You can fly fish from public access points in Rock Creek or get guided half-day trips that start around $350, with peak action during the late June salmonfly hatch. For a family-friendly alternative, Wild Bill Lake offers free fishing from two docks, swimming, and picnic areas, making it ideal for kids.
- Attending exciting summer events: The Red Lodge Music Festival features world-class performances throughout the summer. Home of the Champions Rodeo, Beartooth Rally, and Montana Renaissance Fair, each draws crowds for unique entertainment. You can purchase tickets in advance, as many events sell out. Check redlodge.com for dates—events sell out.
Fall
Referred to by locals as the "Secret Season”, Fall in Red Lodge is a breathtaking time of year, when the landscape is painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The crisp air and cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 40°F to 60°F, signal the change of seasons. You even get the first hints of snow, sometimes dusting the mountaintops.
Here is a list of fall activities and events in Red Lodge:
- Elk and deer rut watching - Witness the fall mating season from September through October. Bring spotting scopes and binoculars, and maintain a distance of 100+ yards, as bulls become aggressive during this time.
- Local pumpkin patches - Visit family-run farms surrounding Red Lodge for pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds, and fall produce. Most farms are cash-only operations located on rural roads, so bring bills and call ahead to confirm hours, availability, and directions.
- Red Lodge Fun Run and Nitty Gritty Marathon - Join runners from across Montana for these annual fall races featuring stunning mountain backdrops.. The Fun Run offers family-friendly distances while the marathon challenges serious athletes with elevation changes and breathtaking Beartooth scenery.
- Beartooth Rendezvous BMW Rally - Watch hundreds of BMW motorcycles roll into town for this annual gathering. The event brings riders from across the country for group rides through fall foliage on the Beartooth Highway, bike shows, and camaraderie at local establishments.
- Labor Day Arts Fair and Oktoberfest - Browse handmade Montana crafts, jewelry, and artwork from regional artists at the Labor Day festival. Later in the fall, Oktoberfest brings German beer, authentic cuisine, live polka music, and community celebration to downtown Red Lodge!
- Watch Classic films at The Roman Theater - Experience movies the old-fashioned way at Montana's oldest continuously operating movie theater! This historic venue shows current releases and classic films in an authentic setting with vintage charm perfect for cooler fall evenings.
Best Place to Stay in Red Lodge: AAA Red Lodge Rentals
When it comes to a perfect vacation, it's important to find a vacation rental that captures every ounce of the charm your destination offers! The best place to stay in Red Lodge is just as important as the activities, and AAA Red Lodge Rentals offers exceptional Red Lodge vacation rentals to ensure your trip is one to remember.
This locally owned company is run by a team that lives and loves all things Red Lodge, and is perfectly equipped to provide you with the inside scoop that you need to ensure the best vacation. These gorgeous cabins and vacation rentals like Last Resort, .West Fork Haven, .Grizzly Peak Cabin exceed every expectation with high-quality amenities, stunning views, and prime locations.
You can enjoy the cozy comfort of a cabin rental or lodge perfectly equipped to meet your every need, while enjoying the support of a team that always knows the right direction to point you in, and prices you just can’t beat. It truly doesn't get much better than that! AAA Red Lodge Rentals is the perfect vacation rental base to ensure your Red Lodge getaway is your best one yet.
Red Lodge is the perfect destination year-round, offering something special in every season. In winter, it's a snowy paradise for skiing and snowshoeing; in spring, it comes alive with wildflowers and scenic drives; summer brings endless outdoor adventures and festivals, and fall offers stunning foliage and peaceful hikes.
Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the Beartooth Mountains, the rich history of the town, or the local art and culture, Red Lodge’s charm is undeniable. Enjoying a lodge rental that ensures a relaxing and memorable visit with AAA Red Lodge Rentals, all while basking in the vibrancy and thrill of this incredible town is just the beginning of your perfect vacation in Red Lodge!
