Why Red Lodge, MT Is The Perfect Destination For Any Season

Published: February 15, 2025

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

Private hot tub with snow on the ground and hills in the backgground

Winter in Red Lodge transforms the charming town into a winter wonderland. With snow-dusted mountains, crisp air, and a truly cozy atmosphere. It’s a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure!

Average temperatures range from 20°F - 35°F, and snow often falls from late November through March. This creates ideal conditions for a variety of winter activities.

One of the town's biggest attractions during winter is visiting the Red Lodge Mountain Resort, a popular ski destination. Snowboarding and tubing are both popular activities for everyone to enjoy! Beyond the slopes, visitors can explore snow-covered trails for cross-country skiing or take a scenic snowmobile ride through the incredible Beartooth Mountains.

Red Lodge’s winter nights bring a comforting, festive charm. The historic downtown, lit up with twinkling lights, offers great shopping and dining, from local cafes to inviting restaurants. Many winter visitors also take part in the town’s seasonal events, like the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll or the annual National Finals Skijoring Race. Regardless of what you have in mind, Red Lodge has a variety of options that every individual will love.

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 at Red Lodge Mountain Resort
Rent Snowshoes from Sylvan Peak Mountain Shop and enjoy on local trails like The West Fork Trails and Wild Bill Lake Loop
Ice Skating at the Red Lodge Ice Rink
Winter wildlife watching—spot elk, bighorn sheep, and other animals
Holiday events like the Christmas Stroll and ice skating at the town rink

Spring

Wooden cabin with snow melted surrounding it and mountaintop

Spring in Red Lodge brings a refreshing change as the town slowly emerges from its winter snow cover. Temperatures begin to warm up, typically ranging from 30°F - 60°F, though snow is still possible early in the season. The days grow longer, and the wildflowers begin to bloom.

Spring is a great time to explore Red Lodge, Montana's natural beauty. The thawing landscape opens ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The Beartooth Highway, which is typically closed during the winter months, often begins to open in late spring around May, offering scenic drives. This famous route is known for its stunning mountain vistas and offers easy access to trails and picnic spots.

Locals and visitors enjoy the quieter pace of spring in Red Lodge, with fewer crowds than in the summer. Beginning in late May, you can also enjoy events such as Bearcreek Downs Pig Racing (every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor day) and The Annual White Stag Race in April. The town celebrates the arrival of spring with events like the Red Lodge Spring Art Walk (held monthly from May to October) and Farmers' Market, showcasing the creativity and local produce of the area.

Here is a list of the best spring activities to jumpstart your dream Red Lodge vacation:

1. Hiking through newly opened trails in Beartooth Wilderness

2. Scenic drives along the Beartooth Highway

3. Spring fishing in local rivers like the Rock Creek

4. Wildflower viewing on mountain slopes

5. Spring Art Walk showcasing local art and galleries

Summer

windows overloking large mountain in montana and trees in the area

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 come alive with lush green meadows, wildflowers, and clear blue skies, creating a stunning backdrop for summer activities.

In the summer, the town becomes a hub for outdoor adventurers, offering everything from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and horseback riding. Red Lodge Mountain Resort also shifts gears in the summer, offering scenic chairlift rides with panoramic views. Rock Creek, a well-known local fishing spot, is ideal for anglers hoping to catch rainbow and brown trout.

Summer also brings a lively cultural scene to Red Lodge, with events like the Red Lodge Music Festival, The Montana Renaissance Fair and the Fourth of July Parade drawing visitors and locals together for music, food, and fun. There is truly no end to all of the incredible festivals and events occurring in Red Lodge during the summer!

Other exciting events include Art in the Beartooths, Red Lodge Extreme Bull Riders, Home of Champions Rodeo and Parade, 56th Annual Beartooth Run, and The Annual Beartooth Rally! The historic downtown area offers unique shops, galleries, and restaurants as well.

Here is a list of the best things to do to in Red Lodge, Montana to start off your perfect summer vacation:

1. Hiking to Basin Lake or other alpine lakes

2. Scenic chairlift rides at Red Lodge Mountain Resort

3. Mountain biking on the resort’s trails

4. Fly fishing on Rock Creek

5. Attending the Red Lodge Music Festival or Red Lodge Car Show

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.

As the aspen and cottonwood trees change color, Red Lodge’s surrounding wilderness becomes a photographer’s paradise. This is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, with cooler temperatures making adventures more comfortable.

The Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in America, is particularly stunning in the fall, and offers panoramic views of fall foliage and snowy mountaintops. Local rivers and streams are still prime for fly fishing, especially for anglers hoping to catch trout before the winter chill sets in.

Fall also brings a quieter, more peaceful vibe to town, with fewer tourists but plenty of local events and festivals to take advantage of. Take part in the Annual Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities, The Nitty Gritty Marathon, The Annual Beartooth Rendezvous BMW Rally, The Annual Labor Day Arts Fair, and Oktoberfest!

Visitors may also enjoy a piece of history by visiting The Roman Theater, the oldest, moving picture theater in the area. With the charm of Red Lodge in the fall, it can be difficult to choose which activity, festival, or event to enjoy first.

Here is a list of the best starting points for the perfect fall vacation in Red Lodge:

1. Scenic drives along the Beartooth Highway for fall foliage

2. Fall fly fishing on Rock Creek and local rivers

3. Hiking through colorful aspen forests

4. Pumpkin patch visits and harvest festivals

5. Wildlife watching, particularly elk and mule deer during rut season

Best Place to Stay in Red Lodge: AAA Red Lodge Rentals

Reading nook with window overlooking snowy mountains and trees in montana

When it comes to a perfect vacation, it's important to find a vacation rental that embodies every ounce of the charm your surrounding area holds! The best place to stay in Red Lodge is just as important as the activities, and AAA Red Lodge Rentals has amazing Red Lodge vacation rentals to guarantee that 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 the inside scoop that you need to ensure the best vacation. These gorgeous cabins and vacation rentals 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 who always know 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!