Cedar City to Red Lodge: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Cedar City, UT to Red Lodge, MT traverses the backbone of the American West, crossing the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountains, and the high plains. Notably, this road trip passes within 10 miles of the 45th parallel—the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole—near the town of Lima, Montana. The journey offers a dramatic shift in elevation, from 5,840 feet in Cedar City to 5,557 feet in Red Lodge, with a high point of 7,200 feet at Monida Pass on the Montana-Idaho border.

The drive covers approximately 750 miles and takes about 11–12 hours of pure driving time, but should be stretched over at least two days to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes. Key highways include I-15 north through Utah and Idaho, US-20 east through Idaho Falls and West Yellowstone, and US-212 (the Beartooth Highway) from Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge. The route is a corridor of natural wonders, from red rock canyons to alpine peaks and geyser basins.

This route showcases an unparalleled diversity of natural landscapes: Cedar City’s red rock cliffs (part of the Colorado Plateau), the Great Salt Lake’s saline flats, the Wasatch Range’s alpine peaks, the Snake River Plain’s volcanic landscapes, Yellowstone’s geothermal basins, and the Beartooth Mountains’ glacial cirques. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is consistently ranked among America’s most scenic drives, with over 20 peaks above 12,000 feet.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (designated 1978) is the only UNESCO site directly on this route. Its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife (bison, elk, bears) require no introduction. Nearby, you can also detour to the Grand Teton National Park (not UNESCO but equally iconic).

Local commerce along the route reflects a blend of Mormon pioneer heritage (Utah), Basque influence (Idaho), and Western ranching (Montana). In Red Lodge, the historic downtown features art galleries, coffee shops, and the Carbon County Historical Museum. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide helps uncover authentic local experiences.

Fuel availability along this corridor is robust in urban centers but sparse in remote stretches like the Beartooth Highway. Plan to fill up in Cedar City, Provo, Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, West Yellowstone, and Cooke City. Gas stations in Wyoming (between West Yellowstone and Red Lodge) are rare; the last reliable stop before the Beartooth Highway is in Silver Gate, MT.

Road quality is generally excellent: I-15 is a smooth, multi-lane interstate; US-20 is a well-maintained divided highway; US-212 (Beartooth) is a winding mountain road with hairpin turns and seasonal closures (typically open late May to mid-October). All-weather tires are recommended for early or late season travel. Speed limits: 80 mph on I-15 in Utah/Idaho, 70 mph on US-20, 45 mph on Beartooth Highway.

• Rest areas: Frequent on I-15 (every 30–50 miles); limited on US-20; none on Beartooth Highway beyond Cooke City.
• Tolls: None
• Alternative routes: US-89 through Logan Canyon (scenic but slower), or I-84/I-86 via Twin Falls (less scenic).

Infrastructure safety: I-15 has good lighting, shoulders, and emergency call boxes in Utah; Idaho sections are less developed but still safe. The Beartooth Highway lacks barriers in many sections and has steep drop-offs—drive slowly. Weather hazards include sudden snowstorms even in July, and fog in Yellowstone’s geyser basins. Carry chains in shoulder seasons.

Family stops: Bryce Canyon National Park (detour, 65 mi from Cedar City) is excellent for kids with its hoodoos and easy trails. Yellowstone’s Old Faithful is a must-see. In Red Lodge, the Beartooth Nature Center offers close-up wildlife encounters. Kid-friendly restaurants include the Pine Creek Cafe (Idaho Falls) and the Red Lodge Pizza Company.

Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels along I-15 and in West Yellowstone accept pets (check La Quinta or Motel 6). Yellowstone National Park allows leashed pets in developed areas but not on trails or boardwalks. The Beartooth Highway has pullouts for pet breaks. For fatigue management, plan stops every 2 hours: rest areas in Honeyville, UT and Spencer, ID are clean and well-lit.

Hidden off-route spots: The ghost town of Cisco, UT (off I-70 near Moab) is a photographer’s paradise; Lehman Caves in Great Basin National Park (detour near the Utah-Nevada border) offers guided tours. In Montana, the town of Belfry has a historic grain elevator worth a photo stop.