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Grizzly Harley-Davidson® Airport5106 East Harrier Dr., 59808 MissoulaView map
Missoula is a university town in the Rockies, at the meeting point of several valleys, and the gateway to northwest Montana. You pick up your motorcycle here before heading for Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park, or east to the Beartooth Highway. The platform's partner is Grizzly Harley-Davidson, an EagleRider partner dealership: the EagleRider catalogue lists 39 models, from cruisers to touring bikes, depending on the branch's availability.
The dealership is at 5106 East Harrier Dr, very close to Missoula airport, less than 5 km away as the crow flies, and less than 10 km from downtown. Ideal for setting off as soon as you land, with Montana's main roads within easy reach.
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Where to pick up your vehicle to Missoula?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Missoula
1 Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park
- Missoula
- Polson
- Kalispell
- West Glacier
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Saint Mary
- East Glacier
- Seeley Lake
- Missoula
Ride up the Flathead Valley and along the shores of the very large Flathead Lake on US 93. After Kalispell, reach West Glacier and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses Logan Pass, above the tree line, with views of glaciers.
Ride down to Saint Mary in the east, then go through East Glacier and Marias Pass before returning via the Swan Valley. The Going-to-the-Sun Road closes in winter, and the opening dates vary each year: find out before booking.
- Distance
- about 800 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Large touring bike for comfort, or light cruiser for the climb to Logan
2 Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone
- Missoula
- Butte
- Bozeman
- Red Lodge
- Beartooth Highway
- Cooke City
- Lamar Valley
- Gardiner
- Livingston
- Missoula
Cross Montana via Butte and Bozeman, then reach Red Lodge at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains. The Beartooth Highway climbs to more than 3,000 metres onto a high plateau between glacial lakes and snowfields, all the way to Cooke City.
The northeast entrance to Yellowstone leads to the Lamar Valley, rich in bison, then to Gardiner. The return is via Livingston and Interstate 90. The Beartooth closes in winter: it can only be ridden in summer, and its opening varies.
- Distance
- about 1,200 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Large touring bike or comfortable adventure bike, with warm layers for the altitude
3 Bitterroot, Big Hole and the Pintler route
- Missoula
- Hamilton
- Chief Joseph Pass
- Wisdom
- Anaconda
- Philipsburg
- Rock Creek
- Missoula
Ride down the Bitterroot Valley via Hamilton, between ranches and granite peaks, then cross Chief Joseph Pass to enter the Big Hole Valley, wide open ranching country at the foot of the mountains. Wisdom and its open meadows make you forget towns.
Return via Anaconda and the Pintler Scenic Route, which passes through Philipsburg, a former mining town, before following Rock Creek to Missoula. A two-day loop to ride without haste, with little traffic.
- Distance
- about 450 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or cruiser, for easy riding on open roads
Weather and seasons
When to go to Missoula?
Best time
June to September
June to September
highs 23 to 30 °C, lows 9 to 14.5 °C
The motorcycle season in Montana: a high of 23.6 °C in June, 30.3 °C in July, 29.1 °C in August, and only 9 mm of rain in July, 19 mm in August. The sun shines more than 14 hours a day in July. The Glacier and Beartooth passes generally open in summer: the dates vary, so check them before setting off.
May and October
May, October
highs 14 to 19 °C, lows 2.4 to 5.7 °C
May rises to 19 °C with 54 mm of rain, October drops back to 14.1 °C with 53 mm. Nights are cool, down to a low of 2.4 °C in October. Ride in the valley, at low altitude: the high pass roads are still closed or already snowed under.
Winter
November to April
November to April
highs 1.3 to 13.1 °C, lows -8 to 0.5 °C
Winter is cold: a high of 1.3 °C in January, down to a low of -8 °C, and only 4.9 hours of sunshine in December. Snow closes the passes and ice sets in on the valley floor. Keep the motorcycle for another season, apart from a very short outing in April.
Climate to Missoula, month by month
Most pleasant months: May to September.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1 °C | -8 °C | 37 mm | 6 h/day |
| Feb | 2 °C | -8 °C | 53 mm | 6 h/day |
| Mar | 8 °C | -3 °C | 42 mm | 9 h/day |
| Apr | 13 °C | 1 °C | 46 mm | 10 h/day |
| May | 19 °C | 6 °C | 54 mm | 12 h/day |
| Jun | 24 °C | 10 °C | 48 mm | 13 h/day |
| Jul | 30 °C | 15 °C | 9 mm | 14 h/day |
| Aug | 29 °C | 14 °C | 19 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 23 °C | 9 °C | 35 mm | 10 h/day |
| Oct | 14 °C | 2 °C | 53 mm | 8 h/day |
| Nov | 7 °C | -2 °C | 47 mm | 6 h/day |
| Dec | 3 °C | -6 °C | 58 mm | 5 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmets and Montana rules
Helmet use in Montana depends on age: find out, and choose to wear one everywhere. Filtering between stopped cars is tolerated there under certain conditions, but passing between moving lanes of traffic is still to be avoided.
Mountains and temperatures
The difference is large between the Missoula valley and the Glacier or Beartooth passes: a twenty-degree gap is possible. Bring warm gloves, a liner and a rain suit, even in the middle of July.
Wildlife on the road
Deer, elk, bison in Yellowstone, bears and bighorn sheep in the parks: wildlife is everywhere along the roadside. Never stop in the middle of the road to photograph an animal and keep your distance.
Distances and fuel
Petrol stations are far apart in the Montana valleys and in the parks. Fill up before every long crossing, especially in Big Hole, on the Beartooth and around Glacier.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This road is narrow, without guardrails on many sections, and busy in summer. It has vehicle size restrictions and possible access controls. Find out about current conditions before setting off.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip to Missoula
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Missoula?
At Grizzly Harley-Davidson, an EagleRider partner dealership, 5106 East Harrier Dr. It is near the airport, less than 5 km away as the crow flies. Your confirmation gives the time and the handover formalities.
Which motorcycle for Glacier and the Beartooth?
A touring bike such as the Harley-Davidson Road Glide or BMW R 1250 RT handles the long stages well. For the Beartooth and steeper roads, an adventure bike like the BMW R 1250 GS remains more versatile. Availability changes by branch and dates.
How many days for Glacier?
Three days allow you to ride along Flathead Lake and cross the Going-to-the-Sun Road in good conditions. Add two or three days if you push on to the Beartooth and Yellowstone.
Can I pick up the motorcycle in Missoula and return it elsewhere?
It depends on the offer at the time of the search. EagleRider also has branches in Seattle, Portland and Salt Lake City, but a one-way drop-off is not always offered: check it for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Missoula
Which licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Missoula?
Present the motorcycle licence from your country, category A in Europe. Some rental companies also require an international permit. The minimum age and the length of time you have held your licence depend on the rental company and the motorcycle rented.
Is riding two-up possible?
Yes, most cruisers and touring bikes in the catalogue carry a passenger with backrest and saddlebags. Helmet rules for the passenger in Montana depend on age; it is better for them to wear one.
Can I travel with large luggage?
Large touring bikes have side cases and a top case. On a cruiser, a waterproof saddle bag is recommended. For a short loop, leave the big suitcases at the hotel.
Are the national parks paid?
Yes, Glacier and Yellowstone charge an entry fee per vehicle, motorcycles included, and these rates can change, especially for foreign visitors. If you link several parks, the America the Beautiful annual pass may be worthwhile.
Do I need to book early for summer?
Yes, July and August are the busiest months in Montana. Book in advance, especially for accommodation around Glacier. The search shows the motorcycles available for your dates.
About us
Why set off from Missoula by motorcycle
Missoula offers one of the best accesses to the northern Rockies, without crowds or heavy traffic. After a day in the saddle, you are in the Flathead Valley or in the Big Hole, and Montana's big sky gives the roads a rare sweep.
Renting at a Harley-Davidson dealership, near the airport, makes arrival simpler. Summer is the obvious season, but high pass roads close in winter: plan flexibly, and keep some margin in the calendar.
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