Montana
During July 14 - August 16, 2020 we rode Suzuki DR-Z400s motorcycles on a 5,845-mile journey along the Continental Divide going north, then the Great Pacific Divide going south. The route was predominantly on dirt and gravel. It was a fantastic dual-sport motorcycle trip!
Daily stops and miles were:
1. Blythe CA (220 miles) BW SureStay Sahara
2. Flagstaff AZ (254) BW Pony Soldier
3. Cortez CO (266) Baymont by Wyndham
4. Ouray CO (139) Ouray Chalet Inn
5. South Fork CO (178) Four Seasons Lodge
6. Salida CO (169) Silver Ridge Lodge
7. Aspen CO (181) Tyrolean Lodge
8. Georgetown CO (148) Georgetown Colorado Hotel
9. Steamboat CO (201) La Quinta
10. Rawlins WY (152) Hampton Inn
11. Lander (160) Rodeway Inn Pronghorn Lodge
12. Pinedale WY (166) Best Western
13. Island Park ID (231) Sawtelle Mountain Resort
14. Salmon ID (201) Super 8
15. Helena MT (235) Days Inn
16. Seeley Lake MT (128) Seeley Lake Motor Lodge
17. Libby MT (184) Evergreen Motel
18. BIKE SERVICE: Change tires, oil, clean air filters in Libby MT
19. Cheney WA (174) Holiday Inn Express
20. Wenatchee WA (181) Best Western Chieftain
21. Naches WA (144) Silver Beach Resort
22. Gov’t Camp OR (189) BW Mt Hood Inn
23. Sisters OR (153) BW Ponderosa Lodge
24. Crescent Lake OR (124) Williamette Pass Inn
25. Ashland OR (165) BW Windsor Inn
26. Weed CA (179) Comfort Inn Mt Shasta Area
27. Mineral CA (153) Lassen Mineral Lodge
28. Truckee CA (163) BW+ Truckee-Tahoe Hotel
29. Pollock Pines CA (128) Westhaven Inn
30. Mariposa CA (167) Miner’s Inn
31. Exeter CA (174) Kaweah Motel
32. California City CA (159) Best Western California City Inn
33. Banning CA (208) Hampton Inn & Suites
34. Home in Southern California (144)
Bikes: 2020 Suzuki DR-Z400s
Tires: Dunlop D606 Rear and Pirelli MT21 front
Luggage: Wolfman Mini Beta Bag
Navigation: Garmin Montana GPS
Suzuki DRZ400s Dual-Sport ride in MT WY
August 11 - 26, 2019
1,930 miles
1. Saint George UT (truck) BW Coral Hills
2. Vernal UT (truck) Comfort Inn - we parked the truck at Comfort Inn
3. Lyman WY (187) Gateway Inn
4. Alpine Jct WY (166) Flying Saddle Resort
5. Arco ID (165) Lost River Inn
6. Challis ID (133) Pioneer Motel
7. Dillon MT (183) BW Paradise Inn
8. Ennis MT (136) Fan Mountain Inn
9. Red Lodge MT (235) Quality Inn
10. Sheridan WY (179) Comfort Inn
11. Sheridan WY (000) Comfort Inn
12. Ten Sleep WY (149) Carter Inn
13. Lander WY (167) Rodeway Pronghorn
14. Vernal UT (228) Comfort Inn
15. Saint George UT (truck) BW Coral Hills
16. San Diego CA
August 16-29, 2013
Suzuki DRZ400s motorcycles
2,300 total miles
1. Bellevue ID (140) Airport Inn
2. Arco ID (120) Lost River Motel
3. Ashton ID (160) Rankin Motel
4. Lima MT (150) Mountain View Motel
5. Elkhorn Hot Springs MT (160) Grasshopper Inn
6. Helena MT (160) Days Inn
7. Seeley Lake MT (145) Seeley Lake Motor Lodge
8. Columbia Falls MT (150) Super 8
9. Libby MT (120) Country Inn
10. Wallace ID (130) Stardust Motel
11. Pierce ID (190) Outback Cabins
12. Grangeville ID (165) Bear Den RV Resort / Cabins
13. McCall ID (150) America's Best Value Inn
14. Garden Valley ID (110) Home
When should I ride in Montana?
Planning dual-sport motorcycle rides across multiple states requires balancing weather conditions to avoid snow, cold temperatures, and other seasonal challenges. Below are recommendations for the best months to ride in Montana—while avoiding snowfall, unmelted snowbanks in high mountain passes, and temperatures below 45°F, or excessive heat. These suggestions focus on optimal riding conditions, considering elevation, regional climate variations, and typical weather patterns.
Montana
Recommended Months: June, July, August
Details:
June: High passes (e.g., Beartooth Pass) open by mid-month, with 50s-70s°F. Snowmelt finishes, and trails dry out.
July: Prime riding—60s-80s°F, all routes clear. Best balance of warmth and accessibility.
August: Warmest (70s-90s°F), with snow-free mountains. Late-month wildfire smoke or early cold snaps possible.
Avoid: October-May (snow, sub-45°F).
Recommended Best Month: July
Summary: Montana’s Continental Divide and Glacier National Park area hold snow in passes (e.g., Logan Pass) through June. July clears most routes, with 60s-80s°F days ideal for riding. Earlier months risk cold and snow, while September can see early freezes in higher elevations.