top of page

A Red Lodge Photographer's Guide: Winter Edition

The Pollard Hotel

Winter transforms Red Lodge, Montana into a breathtaking wonderland, offering endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts. From dramatic mountain landscapes to unique wildlife sightings, this guide highlights the best spots to capture the magic of winter while basing your stay at The Pollard Hotel.



Yellowstone National Park

While it’s a longer drive via the Chief Joseph Highway, Yellowstone in winter is worth every mile. With fewer tourists, the park becomes a serene haven for wildlife photographers. The Lamar Valley is a prime spot to photograph wolves, bison, coyotes, and foxes in their natural habitat. Along the way, the Chief Joseph Highway’s red rock formations and open landscapes also offer opportunities to capture antelope and other wildlife.



Beartooth Pass

Although the Beartooth Pass is closed to vehicle traffic in winter, you can stop where the gate closure begins and walk along the snow-covered road. This area provides stunning mountain vistas and peaceful spots to photograph Rock Creek winding through the winter landscape.


Lake Fork and Main Fork

These two picturesque areas are perfect for photographers looking to capture mountain views and potential wildlife sightings. Moose are often spotted here, making it a favorite for nature photography.


East Rosebud

With its jagged mountain peaks and tranquil winter ambiance, East Rosebud offers dramatic scenes ideal for landscape photography. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to showcase the rugged beauty of Montana.


Cooney Dam State Park

For those seeking a mix of rolling hills and stunning views of the Beartooth Mountains, Cooney Dam State Park is a great choice. It’s also a fantastic spot for bird photography, with opportunities to capture a variety of species against a snowy backdrop.


So Many More Options

Every corner of the Red Lodge area holds photographic potential. Whether it’s the quaint streets of downtown, the serene trails, or the towering peaks, you can’t go wrong.



Make The Pollard Hotel Your Basecamp

After a day of chasing the perfect shot, return to The Pollard Hotel for a cozy retreat. Located in the heart of downtown Red Lodge, our historic property offers modern comforts, an onsite restaurant, and easy access to all the area’s top photography spots. Don’t miss our sister businesses while you’re here: grab a hearty meal at Bogart’s or Carbon County Steakhouse, enjoy a cocktail from Marli’s, or unwind with a pizza night at Red Lodge Pizza Co.


Be sure to always check road conditions before heading out on your next adventure. Many of these mountain roads are not maintained in the winter so be sure to do your research and plan ahead before you go!


Share Your Adventures

We love seeing how our guests experience Red Lodge! Share your winter photos on social media and tag us at @thepollardhotel to join the community of adventurers capturing the magic of Montana.


Plan your winter photography getaway today and let Red Lodge’s natural beauty inspire your lens!

52 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


national-geographic-symbol.jpg

FEATURED IN

stash-earnfreenights-no-url-vert-2c.png
download.png
Pollard-with-Hotel-Line.png
RLH Bison.png

A Red Lodge Hospitality Property
Locally Owned and Operated

bottom of page