Cody to Hope: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This route follows US-14 and US-16 through the Bighorn Basin and over the Bighorn Mountains, then crosses into Idaho on I-90. A notable fact: near Shell, Wyoming, you'll pass the natural bridge formed by Shell Creek, a rare limestone arch that developed over millennia. The entire drive spans approximately 520 miles and takes 8 to 9 hours without stops.

For those wondering how long to drive Cody to Hope, ID, expect a full day with breaks. The question of is it worth driving Cody to Hope is answered by the stunning landscapes: the Bighorn Mountains, Yellowstone River corridor, and the rolling hills of eastern Idaho. This guide covers the best stops Cody to Hope, ensuring you experience the journey's highlights.

To uncover more hidden treasures along any route, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel up in Cody, as stations become sparse between Greybull and Sheridan. The Bighorn Mountains section includes steep grades; ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Road quality varies: US-14 is well-maintained but winding, while I-90 is smooth interstate.

Estimated driving time: 8.5 hours. Plan for longer with stops. The route offers multiple fuel options in larger towns like Sheridan and Butte. Check weather conditions, as winter can bring closures over the mountains.

• Gas stops: Cody, Greybull, Sheridan, Hardin, Billings, Butte
• Rest areas: Bighorn National Forest, near Buffalo, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
• Cell service: Good in towns, spotty in mountain segments

The drive traverses the Bighorn Basin, a high desert, then climbs into the Bighorn National Forest with alpine meadows and granite peaks. After Sheridan, the landscape flattens into Montana's wheat fields. Near Butte, the Continental Divide offers panoramic views.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region include Yellowstone National Park, accessible via a detour from Cody. While not directly on the route, it's a notable add-on. Local commerce in Cody offers cowboy gear and art galleries; Sheridan boasts historic downtown; Butte's mining history is visible in its Berkeley Pit.

• Natural arch near Shell, WY
• Bighorn Scenic Byway
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (detour)
• Butte's historic district

Road safety is excellent on main highways, but watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk at dawn/dusk. The Bighorn Mountains have sharp curves; reduce speed. Family-friendly stops include the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, and the T-Rex Natural History Museum in Butte.

Pet-friendly infrastructure: many hotels in Cody, Sheridan, and Butte accept pets; rest areas have dog-walking areas. Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours at designated rest areas or towns. Hidden off-route spots include the ghost town of Kirwin, WY, accessible via gravel road south of Meeteetse.

• Buffalo Bill Center of the West
• Pompeys Pillar National Monument (near Billings)
• Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (near Three Forks)
• Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain (near Lovell, WY)