I wouldn't know with certainty. Depends on '18/'19 snowpack and May-June weather. There are certainly a goodly number of north-facing slopes along the road where snowbanks can linger, but I faintly recall reading about some Springtime snow removal efforts along the GRR. With so much above-timberline open space, the wildflowers are a big deal and that may be a factor in spurring some snow removal. I'd consider a chat by telephone with somebody at the Madison Ranger District office of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and following them on Facebook keeps you close to the news feed, as well.
Foy, I'm thinking of doing this in 2019, likely first week of July. Is that too early?
Twice in consecutive years I've been turned around in the first or second weeks of July by snowbanks on north-facing slopes at elevations between 9,200' (2010) and down to 8,500' (2011) in the Pioneer Mountains of Montana, around 40 miles W-NW of the Gravellies. The great majority of the "good stuff" along the GRR is at 9,000' and above. The 2010 stoppage was on a spur road which sees little other than ATV traffic but the 2011 stoppage was on a through-route, albeit following a near record snowpack in '10/'11.
Since you'll be in the neighborhood, you'll want to consider visiting the Centennial Valley (home to Red Rock Lakes NWR) at the south end of the GRR. Searching for Nowhere, the Ski3pins, and yours truly heartily recommend it.
Foy
Edited by Foy, 16 October 2018 - 09:31 AM.