So, You're Going to Beartooth Rally, Right? July 17–20, 2025

Jun 15, 2025

The Beartooth Rally is the longest-running motorcycle rally in Montana, held every summer in the mountain town of Red Lodge. It’s one of the few rallies that happens right near a national park, which makes the location just as memorable as the event itself. Riders come from all over to experience the weekend, from the scenic ride along Beartooth Highway to the party that takes over the town. Below, we’ll walk you through what to expect at the Beartooth Motorcycle Rally and how to make the most of your trip.

What Is the Beartooth Rally?

The Beartooth Bike Rally is a three-day motorcycle event held every July in Red Lodge, Montana. It’s known for drawing riders into town for the Iron Horse Rodeo, the Beartooth Pass ride, and a full weekend of racing, concerts, and side street chaos. What started with a few hundred bikes has turned into one of the biggest gatherings in the region, not because it’s flashy, but because it’s fun. The setting helps, since Red Lodge sits right at the base of Beartooth Highway, but the rally’s stayed popular because it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: loud, packed, and worth the ride.

Where & When Is the Beartooth Rally in 2025?

Beartooth Rally 2025 Dates: July 17–20, 2025

Location: Bone Daddy's Custom Cycle | 210 Broadway Ave N , Red Lodge, MT

Beartooth Rally 2025 Schedule

The rally officially runs from Thursday through Sunday, but things start picking up earlier in the week.

Monday, July 14

Camping opens on Monday, July 14 at the front of the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds. 

Thursday, July 17 

Thursday, July 17 kicks things off with the Local Poker Walk from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You don’t need a motorcycle for this one, just stop by CMor Red Lodge Real Estate to sign up, grab some cards, and walk through downtown Red Lodge collecting the rest as you visit local shops.

Later that evening is the 2nd Annual Bike Night at the rodeo grounds. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the music starts at 7:30. Entry is donation-based, with $10 suggested at the gate. The performer hasn’t been announced yet, but the crowd always shows up for this one.

Friday, July 18 

Friday, July 18 brings the BDCC Loop Poker Run, with sign ups from 8:30 AM to noon at Bone Daddy’s Custom Cycle. It’s $15 for your first hand and $10 for any extras. This route loops through small Montana towns just outside Red Lodge, giving you a chance to warm up for Saturday’s big ride.

That night, head over to Snow Creek Saloon for the first street dance of the weekend. The band and exact time are still TBA, but admission is free and the bar fills up fast.

Saturday, July 19 

Saturday, July 19 is all about the Beartooth Pass Poker Run. It’s the ride most people look forward to, which takes riders through Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, along the edge of Yellowstone, and down the Beartooth Highway. Sign ups run from 8:30 AM to noon again at Bone Daddy’s, with the last card due by 6:00 PM.

Saturday night brings another street dance at Snow Creek Saloon, open to everyone and free to attend. It’s usually the busiest night of the weekend.

Sunday, July 20 

Sunday, July 20 closes things out with the Iron Horse Rodeo at the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds. Sign-ups run from 9:30 AM to noon, and the rodeo starts at 1:00 PM. It’s $10 per event if you’re riding, and $10 admission to watch. Kids 10 and under get in free.

Also on Sunday is the Vendor Fair, which opens at 10:00 AM and is included with rodeo entry. It’s a mix of food, drinks, and gear from local and regional vendors. 

Learn more about the Beartooth Rally schedule HERE.

Beartooth Rally Camping Information

Hotels fill up fast during rally week, which is why a lot of riders go straight for the campground. It’s set up right at the front of the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds on Rodeo Road, so you’ll be close to everything. It’s $23 per person each night, and the campground opens Monday, July 14, with check-out by 11:00 AM the following Monday.

You’ll have access to porta potties, wash stations, showers, and trash bins, and there’s on-site security thanks to Set Free Ministries. Vendors are expected during the week, though the full lineup is still in the works. If you want to be near the events without bouncing between town and a hotel, this is an easy way to stay right in the middle of it all.

Lodging Options

If camping isn’t something that interests you, the Beartooth Rally also gives guests an opportunity to check out lodging options throughout the area. Here’s a few places that the rally promotes:

• Red Lodge Rentals
• The Pollard Hotel
• Red Lodge Koa Journey
• Perry's RV Park and Campground
• Alpine Lodge
• Beartooth Hideaway Inn & Cabins
• Red Lodge Inn
• Quality Inn
• Yodeler Motel
• AAA Red Lodge Rentals
• Red Lodge Reservations

Click HERE to see all lodging details and information.

Motorcycle Rentals for Beartooth Rally Weekend

Once you’ve got your camping spot or lodging figured out, the next thing to line up is your ride. Riders Share makes it easy to rent a motorcycle near Red Lodge so you can get straight to the rally without hauling a bike across state lines. You’ll find all kinds of options from local riders, and many listings offer gear if you’re flying in or packing light. Riders Share offers motorcycle rentals near Red Lodge, Montana, so you can get what you need for the weekend and still ride something that feels like yours.

Riding in?

A lot of riders make the trip to Red Lodge from nearby cities, and it’s easy to see why. Places like Billings, Bozeman, Cody, and even Casper aren’t far, and they all make for a great starting point if you’re picking up a rental and riding in. Riders Share has listings in each of those areas, so if Red Lodge is booked up or you want to turn the ride into part of the weekend, you’ve got options. Renting from a nearby city gives you a little extra time on the road before things get busy and it’s a good way to take in more of the area along the way.

Best Motorcycle Rides Near Red Lodge (Besides the Rally)

There’s no question that the Beartooth Pass Poker Run is the main event, but the riding doesn’t stop there. Red Lodge is surrounded by roads that are worth exploring before or after the rally. If you’re getting into town early or sticking around for an extra day, these routes are worth your time.

• Chief Joseph Scenic Byway into Yellowstone: This route connects with Beartooth Highway and leads you through quiet stretches of northern Wyoming before reaching the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The road itself is smooth and wide, with steady curves and long views of the Absaroka Mountains. If you’ve never ridden into the park before, this is one of the least crowded ways to do it.

• Red Lodge to Cooke City: This ride follows Highway 212 and runs right into the northeast corner of Yellowstone. It’s a shorter trip but packed with elevation changes, open views, and wide switchbacks. Cooke City is a small mountain town with just enough restaurants and gas stops to make it a good turnaround point if you're not going farther into the park.
• Absarokee Loop through Fishtail and Luther: For a quieter ride through the countryside, take the back roads through Fishtail and Luther before looping into Absarokee. You won’t find dramatic elevation or sweeping mountain views here, but the open space and minimal traffic make it a nice break from the rally crowd.
• Bridger and Belfry Run: Head north out of Red Lodge and you’ll find a stretch of road that runs through farmland and open plains toward Belfry and Bridger. It’s an easier ride without the tight curves or big climbs, but it’s a good one if you just want to stretch out for a bit and see more of the area without getting too far from town.

Want a Local to Lead the Way?

The roads around Red Lodge and Beartooth Pass are incredible, but they're also unfamiliar territory for most out-of-town riders. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across the country, and if you'd rather follow someone who knows the elevation changes, the weather patterns, and the best stops, a guided experience can make the weekend even better. Check out what's available before you head out.

Last-Minute Tips for Beartooth Rally 2025

Tip 1: Don’t wait to sign up for the poker runs. Even though sign-ups run through the morning on both Friday and Saturday, things get busy fast. Showing up early gives you more time to enjoy the ride without feeling rushed and helps you avoid long lines. Plus, some of the best rides happen earlier in the day when traffic is lighter and the roads are cooler.

Tip 2: Bring cash for food, drinks, and entry fees. While some vendors and events may take cards, cash is still the easier option in a lot of spots. From poker hands to food stands to the rodeo gate, having small bills on hand makes everything move quicker, especially when cell service gets spotty and mobile payments don’t always go through.

Tip 3: Pack for all kinds of weather. It might be warm during the day, but mornings and evenings in Red Lodge can cool off fast. Afternoon storms can also pop up with little warning. Bring layers, a good jacket, and something waterproof just in case. It’s better to have it and not need it than to get caught out on Beartooth Pass with the wrong gear.

Ride Safe and Make It a Weekend to Remember!

No matter how you’re getting to Red Lodge or what your plans look like once you’re there, Beartooth Rally is one of those weekends you’ll be talking about long after it’s over. Take your time on the roads, look out for other riders, and enjoy everything the area has to offer. Whether you’re in it for the poker runs, the street dances, or just the ride itself, make it count and ride safe.