Cody to Watford City Road Trip Guide: Badlands & Beyond

The drive from Cody, Wyoming to Watford City, North Dakota covers roughly 380 miles along US-16, US-20, and US-85, taking you from the shadow of the Absaroka Range to the rugged badlands of the Little Missouri. This route closely parallels the path of the old Yellowstone Trail, one of America's earliest transcontinental highways, established in 1912. A quirky local detail: near the Wyoming-Montana border, you'll cross the geographic center of the Montana state—a subtle marker that few travelers notice.

In this guide, we break down the best stops, road conditions, and hidden gems to help you plan your journey. We answer questions like how long to drive Cody, WY to Watford City, ND (about 6.5 hours without stops), is it worth driving Cody, WY to Watford City, ND (absolutely, for the dramatic landscape transitions), and what are the best stops Cody, WY to Watford City, ND. For more tips on curating your road trip experience, check out our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins in Cody, where the Shoshone River cuts through red rock canyons. As you climb over the Bighorn Mountains on US-16 (Powder River Pass, 9,666 ft), you'll pass through pine forests and alpine meadows. The descent into Buffalo, WY offers sweeping views of the plains.

• Bighorn National Forest: Stop at the Shell Creek Vista for a panoramic overlook. Wildflowers bloom in June-July.
• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (near Crow Agency, MT): A detour 30 miles north of I-90. This site commemorates the 1876 battle and includes a visitor center and memorial.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit): Just east of Watford City, this park showcases petrified forests, bison herds, and the Painted Canyon. Entrance fee $30 per vehicle.

Local commerce along the route includes Wyoming's coal mining history—Gillette calls itself the 'Energy Capital of the Nation.' You'll see massive draglines and conveyor belts near the highway. In Watford City, the oil boom from the Bakken Formation has brought new businesses and lodging.

Fuel stops are plentiful along I-90 but sparse on US-85 in Montana and North Dakota. Plan to refuel in Cody, Sheridan (WY), Gillette (WY), and after crossing into ND. The last reliable gas before Watford City is at the town of Belfield, ND (Exit 42 on I-94, then 70 miles north on US-85).

• Speed limits: 65-75 mph on interstates, 55-65 mph on two-lane US highways. Reduce speed in construction zones and near wildlife.
• Cell coverage: Spotty in mountain passes and remote plains. Download offline maps for stretches between Sheridan and Gillette, and from Gillette to Watford City.
• Best time to drive: May to October for clear roads and full access to attractions. Winter driving can be hazardous due to snow and ice.

Road quality is generally good, with well-maintained interstates. The two-lane portions of US-85 have some rough patches and undulating pavement. Watch for livestock and wildlife, especially deer and pronghorn, at dawn and dusk.

Safety considerations include long stretches without services, wildlife crossings, and erratic weather. Carry water, blankets, and a first-aid kit. The most dangerous section is the two-lane US-85 from I-94 to Watford City, where high-speed passing accidents occur.

• Family-friendly stops: Thunder Basin National Grassland (east of Gillette) offers picnic areas and easy hikes. The Kawasaki Museum in Cody (free) is a hit with kids.
• Pet-friendly: Most hotels in Gillette and Watford City accept pets with fees. National parks allow leashed pets on roads and in campgrounds, but not on trails.
• Fatigue management: Rest areas at mile markers 30 and 136 (I-90 in WY) and at the rest area 13 miles north of Belfield, ND. The town of Sheridan has a cozy diner, the Sheridan Inn, for a break.

Hidden off-route spots include the 'Devil's Tower' (actually a national monument, 60 miles north of I-90 near Sundance, WY) and the ghost town of Kildear, ND (abandoned homesteads). For a true gem, take the gravel road at the border: explore the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site in WY, featuring ancient rock art.