I know by early June most of us are going to be focussed on water but how about a - 1 last snowkite adventure get-together.

With the snow loads the Beartooths got this season there should be better than average terrain possibilities once the highway opens. If lots of people are interested we could maybe get a block of motel space in Red Lodge, Do a large scale camp scene up on the pass, or ??? The actual dates would be slightly tentative due to the highway dept's clearing progress isn't concrete. There's time to plan something of a larger scale if plenty of folks like the idea & at this point the suggestion box is wide open.

Anyone else?

Yep!! Im in , Ive been wanting to ride up there since I first saw some of Noahs pics from there. Lets do this. I would like to ride with windgumby, Noah, and maybe some of those Billings guys. Oh and of course Lewmt, as we still havent met. I could proabably even bring a sled or two if need be, in case the highway doesnt open till fricken august with the winter we have had. I would be hip to camp in the lowlands probably, or wherever would be warm enough to have a fun (social) camp trip by then.

Excellent idea!Lodging in Redlodge can be pricey and hard to come by for the opening. Thousands of visitors flock to the pass for the Memorial day opening to ski, board, site-see, kite, etc.. It's an absolutely rippin event for all. Many of the hard-cores will camp on Rock Creek and have fantastic barbeque parties. The camp sites will fill up very fast on that side of the pass. I'm not sure if you can reserve your spot in advance...? I'll look into it. Camping on the WY side is less crowded and nearly the same distance to the high plateaus. I live in Powell, about 1hr from Redlodge (1.5 hr to the pass) and can comfortably house 10 guests... Keep me in the loop!

http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?topTabIndex=CampingSpot&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75489

I found this campsite^ on the Recreation.gov website on the Wyo side which is reservable.

Also http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundDetails.do?topTabIndex=CampingSpot&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71535

on the Red Lodge side. I don't know anything about these camp sites but camping at windgumby pallisades sounds good too

I know that Mt DOT puts up progress reports on the clearing detail once it begins complete with pictures & video. Right now nothing is being posted because they aren't doing any work yet.

The two campgrounds listed above are probably the best options. I also have several friends that own summer cabins on the Clarksfork (WY side), very close to the Hunter Peak campground. Having this gathering on private property, next to the river, would be ideal. I'll see what I can possibly put together.

Snowkiting off the Beartooth Highway is really an exhilarating experience. The views are stunning and fresh snow in late May is common. Speaking of snow, just because the rest of the Northwest has had a great winter does not necessarily mean the Beartooths are fat also. The day the pass opens there is usually good snow to kite on but it can melt out fast, session one day – rocks the next.

Winds on the plateau are definitely gusty. Having good gust management skills and knowing what to do if the winds go Richter comes with flying a kite up at 10,000 feet. Don’t forget your smallest kites - I’ve had days that I started out on my seven, dropped to a five and finished with a 3m, it’s that windy!

Also, during May, before the Pass opens, one can drive past Cooke City and around to the Chain of Lakes. There’s good kiting there and, after a short hike, up on Clay Butte. It’s wild and you may not see a soul. Be prepared for winter.

See ya out there,

Noah

I am definitely interested in hitting up the Beartooths. I used to live over there and have done lots of late season skiing up on the pass. Has anyone came up with any potential dates for the ride. I have a place for people to stay in Absarokee about 20 minutes from Red Lodge if I can make it out. I still have to see how things are going with the business with the whole season change. Having to get in new summer gear and stuff for the store so money might be tight, but I would love to make it if I can.

Well if NIK comes over he's gotta ride right past you to get to Red Lodge, Rhett too. Maybe convoy up with some Bozo kiters. If we do a camp-out you'll only be buying the beer/food you'd be spending $$ on anyhow.

Sounds like great info Noah - I can imagine the wind's capability up there. Nice to know there's good alternatives too.

I'm going on snotel info on both sides of the pass for right now. Cooke is having an epic year & even the Red Lodge side has a good dosage. I know it can change in a hurry - hell - its Montana.

I think its hard to say an exact date right now because of what can happen with the DOT highway crews. Just my $.02 but maybe if we planned a weekend after Memorial day just because the crowds do get so thick? Or if by some miracle they clear the highway the weekend before? Totally open to what everyone interested would like though so no big deal.

Do a lot of people just camp in the snow up on top along the pullouts? Someone was telling me there's some pretty huge parties up there on opening weekend?

Oh - & HELLYEAH on the private land along the river idea windgumby - if its doable

Well i will try and keep some money set aside, but if it all goes down on Memorial day, i wont make it. Any other weekend, I should be able to hit it, this sounds like if could be fun. I am down to camp anywhere nearby or accomadatoins are always nice too. Wherever the best partys will be.

Why don't we shoot for June 6-8th then? Weekend after Mem. day. Works for me if everyone else likes it.