Cody to Wallace: Through Shoshone and Silver Valley

Driving from Cody, Wyoming to Wallace, Idaho means crossing the Bighorn Basin, the high plains of Montana, and the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. The route, roughly 280 miles along US-14, US-310, and I-90, takes about five hours without stops. Cody sits at 5,086 feet, while Wallace lies at 2,740 feet, so you'll descend significantly. One peculiarity: US-14A over the Beartooth Pass is a stunning detour, but it adds hours and is closed in winter. The main route avoids that pass, sticking to lower elevations through Powell and Laurel.

This guide covers everything you need: the best stops, fuel planning, and hidden gems. For a meta-strategy on finding stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Below is a quick overview of the route.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-14 east of Greybull is a winding two-lane road with steep drop-offs. Use low gear for descending. I-90 has wide shoulders and rumble strips. In winter, check road conditions via WYDOT and MDT apps. Lookout Pass sees fog and ice. Always carry chains in winter. The route has no major construction projects as of 2025.

• Emergency services: Sheriff offices in each county; cell coverage gaps.
• Recommended vehicle: Any sedan, but an SUV for winter.

Family and Child Suitability: The drive is long but manageable with children. Plan stops at parks in Powell (Homesteader Park) or Greybull's River Park. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is an excellent pre-trip stop. In Wallace, the Sierra Silver Mine Tour entertains older kids. Pack car games and snacks.

• Kid-friendly attraction: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Lovell.
• Restroom breaks: Many gas stations; clean rest areas near Laurel (I-90 eastbound).

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most hotels in Cody and Wallace accept pets, but early booking is advised. National forests allow dogs on leash. The Shoshone River Trail in Cody is dog-friendly. In Wallace, the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a paved bike path suitable for dog walking. Note that state parks may require a permit.

• Pet relief spots: Rest areas along I-90 have grass areas.
• Vet clinics: Powell Animal Hospital (307-754-2291) and Wallace Veterinary Clinic (208-556-4331).

Hidden Off-Route Spots: A few miles north of Lovell, the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range offers free-roaming mustangs. Access via gravel road, requires high clearance. In Montana, the ghost town of Elkhorn (south of I-90 near Boulder) is a detour worth 30 minutes. Near Wallace, the abandoned Burke mining district is a eerie walk from the road.

• Coordinates: Pryor gate: 45.141, -108.494; Elkhorn ghost town: 46.090, -111.954.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: The most monotonous stretch is from Laurel to Butte (100 miles of straight highway). Take breaks every 2 hours. Designated rest areas on I-90: at milepost 434 (east of Laurel) and milepost 378 (near Big Timber). In Wallace, the city park has benches and shade. Consider a power nap at a scenic overlook, like the one at Lookout Pass (rest area).

• Best rest stop: Lookout Pass Rest Area (Idaho side) with views.
• Caffeine stations: Espresso stands in Laurel and Missoula.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: Just west of Cody, the Shoshone National Forest presents dramatic red-rock cliffs and the Shoshone River Canyon. The Bighorn Basin is arid badlands, transitioning to the agricultural Powell Valley. Near Lovell, the Bighorn Mountains rise in the east. In Montana, the landscape flattens into rolling plains before the Coeur d'Alene Mountains near the Idaho border. Wallace sits in a narrow valley surrounded by pine-covered peaks.

• Key viewpoint: Red Gulch/Alkali Creek Overlook (Bighorn Basin).
• Wildlife: Pronghorn, mule deer, occasional bears in Shoshone.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is 50 miles west of Cody. A side trip to Yellowstone is common, but adds a full day. The route passes near the former Chinese rail workers' camps in the Montana plains, but no official UNESCO designations.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Summer temperatures range from 80°F in the basins to 60°F at higher passes. Winters bring snow and ice, especially on US-14 and I-90 near Lookout Pass. The aesthetic changes from Wyoming's sagebrush and sandstone to Montana's wheat fields to Idaho's dense conifer forests. The drive through the Coeur d'Alene National Forest is especially lush.

Culinary Infrastructure: In Cody, try the Buffalo Bill's Irma Grill or a bison burger at The Cody Cattle Company. Powell has casual diners like The Bread Board. For a quick break, grab coffee at Big Dipper Espresso in Laurel. Wallace's historic downtown offers sit-down dining at 1313 Club or the Snake Pit. Most small towns have basic fast food.

• Best lunch stop: Bighorn Siege Food Truck in Lovell (summer).
• Unique bite: Huckleberry treats in Wallace (seasonal).

Local Commerce & Culture: Cody is touristy with cowboy shops. Lovell's economy is agriculture and the nearby Bighorn Canyon. Wallace is a preserved mining town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Look for silver jewelry and mining memorabilia. The Wallace District Mining Museum is a must.

Fuel availability is good but sparse between towns. Fill up in Cody before heading west. Powell has several stations, then Laurel offers the last cheap gas before Montana's higher taxes. After Laurel, the next significant fuel stop is in Butte or Missoula. On I-90, gas stations are at most exits but can be 30+ miles apart. Use the 'GasBuddy' app to find prices. The road quality on US-14 is generally good, two-lane with occasional passing lanes. I-90 is well-maintained and divided.

• Best fuel: Costco in Cody (if member) or Kum & Go in Powell.
• Drive time: 5 hours without stops; add 1-2 hours for breaks.
• Cell service: Sporadic in Bighorn Basin, decent on I-90.

How long to drive Cody, WY to Wallace, ID? The fastest route is 4.5 hours via I-90, but most take 5-6 hours with scenic pauses. Is it worth driving Cody, WY to Wallace, ID? Absolutely, for the transition from Wyoming's mountain landscapes to Idaho's forested canyons. Things to do between Cody, WY and Wallace, ID include visiting the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range near Lovell, or the historic mining town of Wallace itself.

• Route: Cody → US-14 → Greybull → US-310 → Lovell → US-14A → Powell → US-310 → Laurel → I-90 W → Wallace.
• Alternative: US-14A over Beartooth (adds 3+ hours, seasonal).