Best Motorcycle Gloves for Mountain West Riders
- jamesjordan
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
Mountain West riding is some of the best in North America — and some of the most unpredictable. Beartooth Highway in Montana will drop you from 60°F into near-freezing conditions within a few miles of elevation gain. Utah's canyon country runs blazing hot at the bottom and genuinely cold at the top. Idaho's River of No Return corridor, Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains — these are all spectacular, but they all demand gloves that can handle a 40-degree temperature swing in a single ride.
Elevation Is the Key Variable
In the Mountain West, elevation determines temperature more than season or time of day. A ride that starts at 5,000 feet in the low 70s can end up at 10,000 feet in the mid-40s — in the same afternoon. Riders who plan a single glove for the whole day often regret it. The smarter approach is to wear gauntlets or a lined glove that handles both ends, or to pack a second pair in your bags.
Afternoon thunderstorms are another Mountain West constant. They develop quickly at altitude and they're cold. Even a brief summer storm at 9,000 feet can drop temperatures dramatically. Deerskin handles light rain better than most synthetic alternatives, but the wind after a mountain storm is what really chills you — gauntlet coverage at the wrist and forearm makes a significant difference.
The Gauntlet Case for Mountain West Riders
The Legendary USA Classic American Whitetail Deerskin Gauntlets are the Mountain West rider's most versatile tool. They provide enough coverage for cold morning starts at elevation, enough breathing room for warm valley afternoons, and the deerskin construction handles the constant thermal cycling that mountain riding demands. They're not the lightest glove, but they're the right glove for a ride that covers serious altitude range.
Summer Valley Riding: Ventilated Gloves
When you're riding through southern Utah in July — Moab, Zion, Capitol Reef — temperatures at valley floor can hit 100°F. For these conditions, the Short Wrist Ventilated Touchscreen Gloves are the right call. Perforated deerskin keeps your hands cool in desert heat, and the short wrist cuff doesn't trap heat at the wrist the way longer gloves do in blazing conditions.
Cold Mountain Riding: When to Go Heavier
If you're planning a Beartooth Pass crossing, a trip over Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, or a run through Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Legendary USA Fleece Lined Deerskin Gloves or full insulated mittens may be the right choice. These high-altitude passes can see frost even in August. Riding at 12,000 feet in an exposed mountain environment without warm gloves is not a comfort issue — it's a safety issue.
Mountain West Routes Worth the Elevation Change
Beartooth Highway in Montana/Wyoming. Trail Ridge Road in Colorado. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway in Idaho. US-89 through the Grand Staircase in Utah. These are once-in-a-lifetime rides. Gear up properly, because the best views are always at the top — and the top is always cold.
FAQ: Motorcycle Gloves for Mountain West Riders
Q: What gloves work best for rapid elevation changes in the Mountain West? A: Gauntlets or lined gloves that handle both warm valleys and cold passes. The Legendary USA Deerskin Gauntlets provide this range without forcing you to stop and change.
Q: How cold does it get at altitude in the Mountain West? A: Even in July and August, passes above 10,000 feet can see temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Summer afternoon storms can drop it further with rain and wind chill.
Q: Can I wear ventilated gloves for Beartooth Highway? A: At the summit (10,947 feet), ventilated gloves are not enough. Bring a lined glove or gauntlet. The Beartooth is worth it, but so is having warm hands at the top.
Q: Does deerskin hold up in Mountain West conditions? A: Yes. Deerskin handles the thermal cycling, light rain, and UV exposure of mountain riding well. It's a natural material with good durability under real-world use.
Q: What's the best glove for riding through Utah's canyon country in summer? A: Short wrist ventilated deerskin. The canyon country bakes in summer and you need maximum airflow at valley floor. A second lined pair is worth packing if you're going to altitude.
