hwy 212 outta belle fourche

[kyle]

anyone know how hwy 212 outta belle fourche S.D. is in late may?? were doing a huge western swing next year and heard this hwy maybe closed sometimes. plan on taking 59 north off the 212. thanks

[cimmer]

I wouldn't know why it would be close in May unless you are talking Beartooth Pass. That would depend on what the snow fall ends up being for the area but the pass usually isn't open till June usually.

Here is a link that you can check the conditions of the pass before you leave.

http://www.beartoothhighway.com/

I was out there in middle June a few years ago and they had just opened up the pass the day before we arrived there. The snow drifts along the road in places were about 20 ft tall and the snow melt was refreezing on the road when it was in the shadow of the snow drifts.

But if it is open, well worth the drive.

Hope that helps you a bit.

Rick F.

[Midrsv]

I think you would probably be OK in May if you are going westward. I rode west from Belle Forche last June with no problem and we didn't even see snow on the sides. I don't that the elevation at the summit is only 5200 feet. Here is a photo link of the Lolo Pass visitor center.

 

http://www.traynorphoto.com/WC2011/content/IMG_0743_large.html

 

Dennis