Cody to Red Lodge: Wyoming's Wild West to Montana's Mountain Charm

The US-212 corridor from Cody, WY to Red Lodge, MT is one of the most dramatic transitions in the American West. In just 67 miles as the crow flies, you climb from Cody's 5,100-foot high plains to the 10,947-foot Beartooth Highway summit before descending into Red Lodge's 5,500-foot mountain valley. A local driving quirk: the Wyoming portion of US-212 is relatively straight and flat, but once you cross into Montana at mile marker 0, the road transforms into a series of 20 steep switchbacks over 30 miles. This 80-mile drive typically takes 2-3 hours without stops, but adding scenic pullouts and hikes can extend it to a full day.

The Beartooth Highway (US-212) was completed in 1936 and is designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. It’s also one of the highest paved roads in the Northern Rockies. Drivers should note that the Montana section is closed from mid-October to late May due to snow. Many travelers ask: is it worth driving Cody, WY to Red Lodge, MT? Absolutely—it’s a world-class drive through alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and wildlife habitats. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, see this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The Beartooth Highway traverses the Beartooth Plateau, part of the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Key viewpoints include Rock Creek Vista (mile 11 from state line) with views of the 60-foot Rock Creek Falls, and Beartooth Lake (mile 20) where you can hike to Island Lake. The summit area features the Beartooth Burro Packing Company's heritage.

• Natural Attractions: Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft), Clay Butte Lookout Tower, Gardner Lake
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: This route passes near Yellowstone National Park (Grand Loop Road option, 50 miles south of Cody) but is not itself a UNESCO site; however, the greater Yellowstone ecosystem is part of a biosphere reserve.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Weather changes fast: average July highs 70°F at base, 50°F at summit. Sudden thunderstorms or snow can occur. The best months are July–August for wildflowers; September offers golden aspens. The alpine tundra is visually stunning with sweeping vistas.

Culinary Infrastructure

Pack food from Cody—no restaurants on the highway. In Red Lodge, try The Wild Table (farm-to-table) or Red Lodge Pizza Company. For a quick bite, the Beartooth Highway General Store at the summit sells snacks.

Local Commerce & Culture

Red Lodge’s downtown Historic District has galleries and shops. Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must before departure. In between, the town of Cooke City (MT) has a few gift shops. The Beartooth Highway Heritage Trail maps are available online.

Start in Cody, WY at the intersection of US-14A and US-20. Follow US-14A west for 4 miles, then turn left onto US-212 at the sign for Beartooth Highway. The first 25 miles to the Wyoming-Montana state line are gentle rolling hills. At the state line (mile 0), the pavement quality improves but the road narrows.

• Total distance: 80 miles (128 km)
• Estimated driving time: 2-3 hours (without stops)
• Season: Late May to mid-October (snow possible June and September)
• Speed limit: 55 mph on Wyoming portion, 35-45 mph on switchbacks
• Cell service: Sparse after state line; download offline maps

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas up in Cody before departure; the tiny town of Cooke City, MT (45 miles from Cody) is the only option for fuel on the route, but it's pricey. Red Lodge has multiple stations. Average gas cost for this trip: about $15-20 round trip. No tolls exist on US-212.

Road quality is generally good on US-212, but watch for gravel patches, frost heaves, and wildlife (deer, moose, bighorn sheep). Use turnouts frequently to let faster cars pass. No guardrails on some steep sections. Always carry chains in early/late season.

• Infrastructure Safety: 42 pullouts along the route; emergency call boxes every 10 miles on Montana side. No services after dark (gates close at dusk in some areas).
• Family and Child Suitability: Great for families; kids enjoy the snow patches in July, hiking to waterfalls, and spotting marmots. Stroller-friendly only at Red Lodge's parks.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Dogs allowed on leash at pullouts and trails; no water stations—carry extra water. Many Red Lodge lodging options accept pets.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detour 2 miles east of the state line to Island Lake Campground for a serene picnic. Another gem: the old ghost town of Cook City (not Cooke City) is a 4-mile gravel road east of Tower Junction. For a short hike, the Lost Lake Trail (mile 15 from state line) offers solitude.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Take breaks every 45 minutes. Restrooms exist at the Beartooth Lake picnic area and the summit parking lot. Red Lodge offers many benches along the main street. The Cooke City rest area has vault toilets. Napping is not recommended at summit due to altitude—acclimatize in Cody first.