Cody to Stanley: Wyoming to Idaho Road Trip Guide

When you leave Cody, WY heading west on US-14/US-16/US-20, you immediately climb the Shoshone River canyon, passing the Buffalo Bill Dam (built 1910, 325 feet high). The route to Stanley, ID covers roughly 350 miles and takes 6.5 to 8 hours of driving time, depending on stops and summer construction.

This stretch is part of the larger Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and the road crosses the Continental Divide twice: once at Sylvan Pass (8,530 ft) in Yellowstone National Park and again near Teton Pass (8,431 ft) in Idaho. Below is a quick reference data table for the overall trip.

The most direct route is US-14/US-16/US-20 west from Cody into Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance), then US-20 south through West Yellowstone, MT, and finally ID-87 and ID-75 through the Sawtooth Valley to Stanley. The entire route is paved and maintained year-round, but winter closures are common on Sylvan Pass (check NPS alerts).

• Fuel: Gas up in Cody (lowest prices), then in West Yellowstone (higher), and again in Ashton or Salmon, ID before the final stretch. Stanley has one small station.
• No diesel available between West Yellowstone and Stanley for about 150 miles; plan accordingly for RVs.
• Cell coverage: Spotty beyond Cody until West Yellowstone; no signal for long stretches in Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Sawtooth Valley.

Regarding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this route is particularly rewarding for those who research ahead. Offline maps (Google Maps download) are highly recommended.

Road quality is generally good, but sections of US-20 in Montana and ID-75 through the Sawtooth Valley have winding, narrow lanes with steep drop-offs. Speed limits are 55–65 mph but reduce to 35 mph in curves. Be mindful of wildlife at dawn and dusk: elk, moose, and deer regularly cross.

• Rest zones: Shoshone National Forest has pullouts every few miles. Yellowstone has designated picnic areas. In Idaho, the Warm River Rest Area (milepost 27 on US-20) has clean restrooms.
• Fatigue management: The monotony of long forest stretches can cause drowsiness. Plan stops at the following milestones: Cody (start), Yellowstone West Entrance (1.5 h), West Yellowstone (2 h), Ashton (3 h), Stanley (final).
• Family suitability: Excellent for children who can handle moderate hiking. Yellowstone’s geyser basins are boardwalk-friendly. Pack snacks and entertainment for long no-service zones.
• Pet-friendly framework: Dogs are allowed on leash in national forest areas but not on Yellowstone boardwalks or trails (only in parking lots and campgrounds). In Sawtooth NRA, dogs are allowed on most trails.

Hidden off-route spots: Visit the ghost town of Gilmore, ID (off ID-28) or the historic Beaverhead Rock, a Lewis and Clark landmark near Dillon, MT (a short detour north of US-20). These add character without significant time overhead.

The drive offers extraordinary ecological and geological diversity. From arid badlands near Cody to subalpine forests in Yellowstone, then volcanic tablelands of Idaho and finally the granite Sawtooth Range.

• Yellowstone National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Grand Prismatic Spring, Hayden Valley bison, and the possibility of grizzly sightings near Sylvan Pass.
• Caribou-Targhee National Forest – vast lodgepole pine stands, elk herds, and the Mesa Falls scenic area (Lower Mesa Falls is a 65-foot cataract accessible via a short trail).
• Sawtooth National Recreation Area – jagged peaks reflected in alpine lakes like Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake.

Local commerce along the route includes fly-fishing outfitters in Cody, historic lodges in Yellowstone (Lake Hotel, Old Faithful Inn), and art galleries in Stanley. The community of Stanley (pop. ~100) thrives on outdoor tourism; its Main Street has a mix of rustic cafes and gear shops.