Recognized for its western hospitality, historic downtown, and spectacular mountain vary, Crimson Lodge, Montana is the right vacation spot on your subsequent trip. I’ve spent many holidays right here and nonetheless think about it probably the most numerous locations for vacationers in Montana.
Whether or not you need to fish, hike, see wildlife, attempt distinctive meals, or take within the historical past and tradition, Crimson Lodge has a lot to supply. This is without doubt one of the high locations to see in Montana for good purpose.
Finest Issues To Do in Crimson Lodge, Montana
For 2 consecutive summers, I’ve hung out exploring Crimson Lodge and the encompassing space. Every time I go to there appears to be extra I uncover and much more I need to discover. I’ve skilled extra Crimson Lodge than I’ve listed right here, however to make this checklist extra concise, I’ve saved it to the highest 15 very best issues to do in Crimson Lodge, Montana.
1. Drive the Beartooth Freeway
The Beartooth Freeway makes for probably the most iconic and scenic drives in the whole United States. Driving this steep and windy highway is without doubt one of the most enjoyable actions in Crimson Lodge.
Beginning proper within the city of Crimson Lodge, the freeway continues for 68.7 miles arriving on the entrance of Yellowstone Nationwide Park and reaching practically 12,000 ft. at its highest level.
Alongside the way in which you’ll go breathtaking alpine lakes, lush mountainsides, and snowcapped peaks. There are numerous viewpoints to cease to soak up the surroundings and snap some memorable photos.
I typically discover myself trying again on the images from our visits after I’m craving some recent mountain air.
Should you’re feeling bold, you possibly can lease a 3-wheeled Polaris Slingshot, (a three-wheeled, open-top motorbike), up and down the Beartooth Freeway for an open and up-close expertise.
Between the excessive elevation and thrilling experience, the views are certain to take your breath away. Renting is made simple via Beartooth Slingshots. This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable actions in Crimson Lodge that you could sit up for.
Do not forget that the Beartooth Freeway is open from late Could to October so plan accordingly.
GPS Location: 44.9392845,-109.6158698 (Get Instructions)
2. Hike the Beartooth Mountains
My favourite approach to see and expertise Crimson Lodge, Montana is to discover the Beartooth Mountains on foot. The mountain climbing choices are limitless and are an excellent exercise for summer season, spring, or fall. Being a few of the tallest mountains in Montana, the Beartooths provide a few of the finest path views and alpine lakes.
My favourite hikes within the space embody:
Basin Lakes Path No. 61 to Higher Lake: This 7.4-mile out-and-back path presents essentially the most lovely surroundings. With pockets of wildflowers and an alpine lake because the vacation spot, the climb is nicely price it. (And perhaps you’ll catch some wildlife alongside the way in which!)
Glacier Lake Path: Should you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit shorter, do this 4.6-mile path to Glacier Lake. A preferred path; you’ll make sure you see others alongside the way in which. Understand that you’ll want an all-wheel drive car to succeed in the trailhead and meander the dust roads.
Sundance Move: My favourite hike accomplished close to Crimson Lodge is unquestionably this one. Begin on the Lake Fork Trailhead and make your means down the path for 9.4 miles to succeed in Sundance Move.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll go Misplaced Lake and Keyser Brown Lake which make for good locations to soak up the views and cease for some lunch. Head out on this hike for the perfect Crimson Lodge sightseeing.
GPS Location: 45.1632684,-109.8160388 (Get Instructions)
3. Go Fishing
The Custer Gallatin Nationwide Forest presents 1000’s of acres to be explored. Subsequently, the alternatives to catch a gorgeous fish are limitless.
Top-of-the-line lakes to fish in is Wild Invoice Lake as it’s accessible with only a 7-mile drive. Wild Invoice Lake is repeatedly stocked with rainbow trout, making it a excellent spot for fly fishing in Montana.
Should you’re trying to fish a stream, Rock Creek flows proper via Crimson Lodge and presents anglers a few of the finest rainbow and brown trout. The choices don’t finish there although. There’s additionally the Stillwater River west of Crimson Lodge and the Yellowstone River additional outdoors of Crimson Lodge.
The fishing via Rock Creek is technical, however when you’re capable of finding any slack water, the fish shall be sitting there prepared and ready. The fishing is superb and I didn’t discover that there was an excessive amount of stress on the river both.
Should you’ve all the time needed to offer fly fishing a attempt, Crimson Lodge presents fishing guides who’re desperate to get you out on the water and excellent your expertise, able to catch loads of fish!
GPS Location: 45.597777,-109.73424 (Get Instructions)
4. Ski at Crimson Lodge Mountain
Should you’re on the lookout for an iconic Montana snowboarding expertise, Crimson Lodge Mountain is a must-visit. Solely 6 miles from city, Crimson Lodge Mountain is thought for its laid-back really feel and small-town character.
Crimson Lodge Mountain presents 71 runs unfold throughout two mountains. They provide a full-service store together with leases, classes, a retail retailer, and loads of eating choices.
Think about Crimson Lodge Mountain for an iconic Montana journey within the recent winter snow.
Handle: 305 Ski Run Rd, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
5. Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Positioned between Crimson Lodge Excessive Faculty and the Coal Miners Memorial Park sits the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. This non-revenue animal sanctuary has been round for 30 years and supplies a house and refuge for animals in any other case not match for all times within the wild.
The animals listed below are native to the Larger Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sanctuary contains the likes of bison, black bears, mountain lions, hawks, owls, and falcons. Not solely does the sanctuary have animals, however in addition they home lovely gardens.
Go to their web site to e book your family-friendly exercise in Crimson Lodge.
Handle: 615 2nd St E, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
6. Carbon County Historic Society and Museum
Should you prefer to get to know the historical past of a spot you’re visiting, the Carbon County Historic Museum is for you. The museum not solely shares dates and names, however seeks to protect, talk, and educate those that go via concerning the vital historical past of Carbon Nation, Montana.
Go to their web site to study extra and e book your go to. Check out their guided strolling tour of the museum.
Handle: 224 Broadway Ave N, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
7. Crimson Lodge Mountain Golf Course
Getting a spherical of golf in at Crimson Lodge Mountain Golf Course is an effective way to multi-task; apply your swing and take within the beautiful mountain views. {Golfing} at this course ensures scenic mountains, lakes, and creeks with gap #15 being the signature gap.
Crimson Lodge Mountain Golf Course presents inexpensive inexperienced charges, a driving vary, and golf equipment to lease when you didn’t journey with your individual.
{Golfing} is a enjoyable exercise in Crimson Lodge. Make the most of this distinctive and exquisite course!
Handle: 828 Higher Continental Dr, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
8. Crimson Lodge Clay Middle
The Crimson Lodge Clay Middle is dedicated to ceramic artistry and is thought for internet hosting resident artists for weeks or months at a time. Not solely is the Clay Middle out there for resident artists, however neighborhood members and vacationers can make the most of this inventive outlet.
The Clay Middle presents each baby and grownup workshops and lessons. Should you’d reasonably partake within the artwork by buying it, the Clay Middle additionally has handcrafted ceramics on the market.
Handle: 123 Broadway Ave S, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
9. Go Horseback Driving
On my bucket checklist for issues to do subsequent time I’m in Crimson Lodge, is to go horseback using. Sitting up excessive on a horse and taking within the mountain surroundings and huge countryside seems like a super exercise to do in Crimson Lodge.
A guiding firm proper in Crimson Lodge, Elk River Outfitters, is bound to have an itinerary that matches your schedule; with rides starting from an hour lengthy to a full day, and even an in a single day journey. Think about reserving a horseback experience on your subsequent journey between Could and September.
Different guiding providers yow will discover slightly additional out of city are Whispering Winds Horse Adventures and Paintbrush Adventures.
Handle: 10 State Hwy 308, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
10. Discover Historic Downtown
Though Crimson Lodge is simply a city of two,000, you could be pleasantly stunned by the attraction and plentiful locations to discover of their historic downtown.
When you have a candy tooth, there’s the historic Montana Sweet Emporium. With each sweet possible within the emporium, count on to stroll out with a full and heavy bag of taffy, fudge, jawbreakers, and jellybeans.
As you head down Broadway Avenue, you’ll encounter the Coleman Gallery and Studio the place you possibly can take pleasure in your time trying on the award-winning pictures of Merv Coleman. For an additional type of artwork, cease at Again Alley Metals to see the customized metalwork that’s shipped everywhere in the nation.
To prepare on your outside adventures, cease at The Village Shoppe, Grizzly Peak Outdoor, and Sylvan Peak for all of your outside garments and kit wants.
Historic downtown Crimson Lodge has one thing for everybody – youngsters and adults alike.
Location: 45.1931639,-109.2669235 (Get Data)
11. Strive Whitewater Rafting
One in every of my favourite recollections from my time spent in Montana is of white-water rafting. You may’t beat the crisp water, the mountain surroundings, and the joys of flying down rapids.
Drive 33 miles north of Crimson Lodge to Absarokee, Montana to expertise an epic white water rafting expertise.
Journey Whitewater is a family-oriented enterprise that gives rafting journeys down the Stillwater River. Because the river adjustments all through the season, Journey Whitewater selects the perfect part of the river to offer friends the perfect rafting.
Anticipate to have enjoyable rafting down the well-known rapids of the Stillwater River: Beartooth Drop, Mad Max, and Nemesis.
Later into the season, the tour shifts to the Yellowstone River. As you raft this river, you’ll see snowcapped mountains, emerald inexperienced swimming pools, and wildlife on each banks.
With 30 years of expertise, Journey Whitewater is bound to supply the rafting expertise you’d count on and extra.
Absaroka River Adventures is one other nice family-owned enterprise that prides itself on being the one rafting firm that floats on the higher part of the Stillwater River.
In order for you a continuous paddling journey, e book the upper-Stillwater half-day journey early within the season, (Could-June), the place you’ll traverse via class III rapids.
Should you’re on the lookout for the perfect itinerary on your first time rafting as a household, I like to recommend the center/decrease Stillwater River half-day float. This half-day will embody rafting via rapids similar to Sideswipe, Beartooth Drop, Dew Drop, and Play Pen, and may incorporate some swimming and cliff leaping.
Guide with them at the moment on your subsequent rafting journey!
Handle: Journey Whitewater – 1 N Stillwater Rd, Absarokee, MT 59001 (Get Instructions)
12. Journey ATVs or Snowmobiles
Should you’re on the lookout for a fast-paced exercise that’s assured to please the entire household, renting and using ATVs is a high factor to do in Crimson Lodge. Crimson Lodge Powersports makes it simple to lease the car and head straight out of city for a half or full day of using.
On an ATV, discover Hell Roaring Plateau, Glacier Lake Street, West Fork of Rock Creek, and the Meeteetse Path.
Take a look at this hyperlink for a listing of Forest Service trails.
Handle: 1002 Broadway Ave N, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
13. Go Biking
Take your mountain or highway bike alongside to Crimson Lodge to discover the huge roads and trails.
If you wish to put your legs and lungs to the take a look at, make the trek up the Beartooth Freeway on two wheels. This could be probably the most spectacular issues to do in Crimson Lodge.
Should you’re on the lookout for a distinct sort of problem, hit the mountain bike trails and take within the lush mountain panorama. Take a look at this web page to seek out the perfect trails to discover.
Location: Decrease Parkside Path Montana 59068 (Get Instructions)
14. Discover the Meals Scene
After a protracted day of exploring the nice outdoor, you’ll possible be after a scrumptious and filling meal. Regardless of when you’re on the lookout for a home-cooked breakfast, burger and fries, a farm-to-table expertise, pizza, or steak – Crimson Lodge has the place for you.
Cafe Regis has been voted for the perfect breakfast for a number of years in a row. For a scrumptious steak take a look at Bear Creek Saloon and Steakhouse or Carbon County Steakhouse. To seek out massive, hand-tossed pizzas, make a cease at Crimson Lodge Pizza Co. for his or her pizza and huge collection of specialty beers.
For the perfect of native delicacies and an intensive checklist of cocktails, spend a night at Marli’s on the Pollard Resort for dinner and drinks.
Foster and Logan’s Pub and Grill is exclusive in that they’re the one sport’s bar on the town. From private expertise, be sure you begin the evening off by ordering their mozzarella sticks.
Places:
– Cafe Regis: 501 Phrase Ave S, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
– Bear Creek Saloon & Steakhouse: 14 W Important St, Bearcreek, MT 59007 (Get Instructions)
– Carbon County Steakhouse: 121 Broadway Ave S, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
– Crimson Lodge Pizza Co: 115 Broadway Ave S, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
– Foster & Logan’s Pub & Grill: 17 Broadway Ave S, Crimson Lodge, MT 59068 (Get Instructions)
15. Take a Journey to Yellowstone Nationwide Park
The Beartooth Freeway winds its means from Crimson Lodge to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone Nationwide Park. Though they’re solely 85 miles aside, plan for a 3+ hour journey.
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Sizzling Springs to Go to in Montana
As soon as in Yellowstone Nationwide Park, maintain your eyes peeled for wildlife like bison, black bears, grizzlies, and elk.
Make your means via the park making stops at Mammoth Sizzling Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Previous Devoted.
GPS Location: 44.5854032,-111.0744634 (Get Instructions)
Fast Journey Itineraries For Crimson Lodge
As you possibly can see, the choices of issues to do in Crimson Lodge are limitless. Plus, there’s one thing to do for everybody together with youngsters and adults, those that love the outside, and even those that favor to be inside!
Listed below are some itinerary concepts of locations to go to and issues to see in Crimson Lodge from only a day to a complete week.
1 Day in Crimson Lodge Itinerary
When you have simply in the future in Crimson Lodge, listed below are some choices of actions to think about:
Drive the Beartooth Freeway and cease on the scenic overlooks alongside the way in which. Head again into city after your breathtaking journey and take within the sights and sounds of Crimson Lodge’s historic downtown. Go to Montana Sweet Emporium, do some purchasing on the many outside shops, and end the break day with dinner at one of many many native eating places.
Another choice for in the future in Crimson Lodge is to start out your break day with a hike to Glacier Lake. This 4.6-mile hike shall be exercise to fill your morning. Cease on the town to refuel at Cafe Regis for lunch and head again out for a day of white water rafting up in Absarokee.
2-3 Days in Crimson Lodge Itinerary
You could be stunned by what number of issues you possibly can pack into simply 2 or 3 days in Crimson Lodge. Right here’s an thought of how you might spend 3 days taking within the vacationer sights of Crimson Lodge.
Day 1: Spend the morning on the Wildlife Sanctuary admiring the animals of the native ecosystem. This exercise will make sure you entertain the whole household. Within the afternoon, proceed the day outdoor at Wild Invoice Lake.
When you’ve eaten your lunch on the picnic space, take a .4-mile stroll across the lake and cease to fish alongside the way in which. Wild Invoice Lake is a peaceable and exquisite place to hang around in Crimson Lodge.
Day 2: After starting your journey with a full day outdoor, begin day two by visiting the Carbon County Historic Society and Museum. Take within the historical past of the native space and observe it up with a burger and fries at Foster and Logan’s Pub and Grill on Important Road.
Now that you just’re sufficiently full, pile into the automobile to drive the Beartooth Freeway. It will make for a day you received’t neglect.
Day 3: Now that you just’ve skilled the Beartooth mountains by automobile, it’s time to discover them by foot, (or on two wheels). Convey out the mountain climbing footwear or the mountain bike and hit the paths – it’ll be exhausting to decide on one which isn’t spectacular.
After your day trip on the paths, clean up and luxuriate in a day of purchasing downtown. End the break day with a pleasant dinner at Marli’s on the Pollard Resort. It will make for an ideal approach to cap off three days within the iconic Montana mountain city.
1 Week in Crimson Lodge Itinerary
With a full week in Crimson Lodge, you’ll have the ability to soak up a lot of what the world has to supply.
Day 1: Begin your first day in Crimson Lodge with a morning at Wild Invoice Lake. Pack the fishing poles and a picnic and loosen up on the lake simply 7 miles from city. Within the afternoon, decide up the tempo by renting some ATVs and getting dusty on the native forest roads and trails.
Day 2: Start day 2 with a hike within the Beartooth Mountains. Select from the various trails together with, however not restricted to, Glacier Lake, Sundance Move, or Basin Lakes Path. Head again into city for lunch. I’m all the time within the temper for pizza after mountain climbing so think about Crimson Lodge Pizza Co. on your favorite slice and a beer. Now that you just’re refueled, spend the afternoon purchasing downtown.
Day 3: Spend the morning of day three exploring the Wildlife Sanctuary. After having fun with the animals and crops of the Yellowstone ecosystem, pack up the automobile and drive 30 miles north to Absarokee for a day of white water rafting. With two family-owned and skilled rafting corporations to select from, you possibly can’t go mistaken by spending a day on the Stillwater River.
Day 4: Yesterday you explored by raft; at the moment attempt exploring by horseback. Schedule a guided horseback experience via the native outfitters listed in merchandise 9. Since you’re on the town for a complete week, think about scheduling the full-day experience to get essentially the most in depth expertise.
Day 5: On day 5, think about waking up early and taking a day journey to Yellowstone Nationwide Park. Take the Beartooth Freeway for a 3-hour drive to the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone and luxuriate in spending the day taking within the sights and sounds of the Nationwide Park.
After your packed day of enjoyable and wonder, flip round and make the 3-hour journey again. If the journey to Yellowstone feels a bit too bold, at the least spend the day driving the Beartooth Freeway. You don’t need to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime expertise – I promise you it’s price it.
Day 6: After a full day behind you, sleep in and ease into day 6 by consuming an all-American breakfast at Cafe Regis. Following a sluggish morning and scrumptious breakfast, attend a workshop or class on the Crimson Lodge Clay Middle. After crafting your individual ceramics, store their choice and decide a particular piece to take residence.
Day 7: Shut out your week of adventures by getting in a spherical of golf on the Crimson Lodge Mountain Golf Course. Make the most of this distinctive course surrounded by mountain views.
The place to Keep in Crimson Lodge
These are a couple of of the perfect neighborhoods in Crimson Lodge for vacationers.
West Fork Street – Finest for a True Mountain Expertise and House for Households to Collect.
Should you’re trying to expertise the massive sky of Montana and breathe within the mountain air every morning and evening, think about staying south of city off West Fork Street.
→ Take a look at This Cool Cabin close to West Fork Street. Click on Right here for more information.
Discover a cabin with a wrap-around porch and a sizzling tub and admire the blue sky throughout the day in distinction to the starry nighttime sky.
Staying on this space leaves you solely approx. quarter-hour outdoors of city however grants you some extra peace and quiet.
Selecting a cabin like this places you in an ideal place to benefit from the mountain climbing trails or ski runs. Return after a protracted day outdoor to the recent tub and comfy beds, figuring out you’re solely 3.5 miles from downtown in case your stomach craves an enormous steak.
Rock Creek – Finest for Households or These Who Need To Be Shut To City But Nonetheless Have the Serene Mountain Feeling.
Should you’ve all the time dreamed of waking up within the mountains and having fun with your morning espresso subsequent to a dashing creek, think about staying in a spot instantly on Rock Creek itself.
→ Take a look at This Transformed Luxurious Home close to Rock Creek. Click on Right here for more information.
This location supplies friends with improbable views and sounds of Crimson Lodge whereas additionally being mere blocks away from downtown, and a 20-minute drive to Crimson Lodge Mountain Ski Lodge.
You’ll make sure you have the serenity and peace of the mountains whereas concurrently moments from the eating places and outlets.
For the expertise of staying on Rock Cree, think about this newly reworked luxurious residence with three decks and a hot-tub.
Downtown Crimson Lodge – Finest for Younger {Couples} or First-time Guests Who Need To Be Shut To The whole lot.
Should you favor taking in all {that a} historic mountain city has to supply, think about staying in downtown Crimson Lodge. This location is simply steps away from the native eating places, parks, and outlets making the world handy to discover. Staying downtown ensures that there’ll all the time be one thing to do for everybody.
→ Take a look at Funky Townhouse in downtown Crimson Lodge. Click on Right here for more information.
And don’t neglect, you may have mountain views regardless of the place you’re in Crimson Lodge – it solely takes a couple of minutes from most places to be out of city, and up within the mountains.
Think about this 3-bedroom trendy townhome simply steps away from downtown for a comfy keep – together with a rooftop deck and a sizzling tub.
FAQs About Issues To Do in Crimson Lodge
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Crimson Lodge.
Crimson Lodge is thought for its numerous outside actions similar to: mountain climbing, fishing, horseback using, snowboarding, mountain biking, and extra. Crimson Lodge is a premier mountain city that’s charming, but filled with alternatives on your subsequent journey.
House to the breathtaking Beartooth Mountains and Custer Gallatin Nationwide Forest, the attractive views are limitless. Nestled proper into the mountains with alpine lakes and clear creeks flowing via it, Crimson Lodge is bound to offer you psychological and bodily photos to treasure endlessly.
Crimson Lodge is nestled proper as much as the Beartooth Mountains and is the gateway vacation spot to the Beartooth Freeway which takes you over and throughout the Beartooth Mountains.
Conclusion
Should you’ve been desirous to plan a Montana trip however aren’t certain the place to go, plan your journey round Crimson Lodge. For outside fans, historical past and meals buffs, or purchasing lovers, Crimson Lodge has numerous actions so that you can take pleasure in. Whether or not you may have a day or every week to spend, your days shall be packed filled with sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Montana.