Montana Department of Transportation announced Wednesday crews are finishing up the repair work south of Red Lodge on the Beartooth Highway (U.S. Highway 212) ahead of schedule and will be opening the road from Red Lodge to Cooke City and Silver Gate Friday at 5 p.m. 

The popular byway over the Beartooth Pass and on to Yellowstone National Park gateway communities opened for the season in late May. But it was soon closed for repairs after heavy rain and floods damaged the highway in the second week of June. Crews were hopeful to have the road open for the Red Lodge motorcycle rally, but the damage was too extensive.

Rally organizers led a large contingent of riders on a route around the highway to patronize businesses in the gateway communities at the Northeast Entrance to the park hurt by the devastating floods. But as news of the damage spread, attendance at the rally was lower than expected.

However, the highway will reopen just in time for Red Lodge’s largest summer car show. The fun starts Friday night with a barbecue and parade. The Car Show opens Saturday bright and early at 7 a.m. on Broadway. Awards will be announced at 2 p.m. on 10th street by Market 5555.

Sunday, drag races will be held at the airport on the runway. Races run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Come see what your car will do in a fun and safe environment!” the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce beacons.

After repairing damage caused by the record-breaking flood event, the highway was partially reopened June 28. The open section includes 23 miles of the Beartooth Highway beginning at the U.S. Highway 212/Wyo. Highway 296 junction and continues to the Beartooth Ski Hill parking lot. Until Friday night, motorists will need to turn around in the parking lot.

Highlights of the trip are experiencing snow at the highest elevations well into summer and getting a good view of wildflowers, which are currently at their peak. Powell photographer and outdoors enthusiast Greg Wise also reports large herds of mountain goats foraging near the road.

“The goats are in the prime season of losing their fur by clumps and doing their best in eating the prime greens of the high country above 10,000 feet in elevation,” he reported.

There were almost 60 goats counted near the skiing area. Another benefit is the comfortable temperatures while traveling among the peaks, he said. 

“It was 100 degrees in Powell on [Saturday], but it was in the upper 50’s at this elevation with the goats.”