Driggs to Red Lodge: Epic Idaho-Montana Road Trip Guide

The route from Driggs, Idaho to Red Lodge, Montana traverses some of the most dramatic topography in the Lower 48, crossing the Continental Divide twice and skirting the Yellowstone Plateau. A geographic curiosity: Driggs sits in Teton Valley, but its views of the Grand Teton are actually from the west—a perspective most visitors miss. The drive covers roughly 330 miles (531 km) via US-20, US-287, and US-212 (Beartooth Highway), taking 6-7 hours without stops, but plan a full day to absorb the scenery.

This guide answers key questions: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, how long to drive, and whether the journey is worth it. Spoiler: it absolutely is, especially if you detour through Yellowstone National Park.

Below is a quick-reference table for driving segments and approximate times.

Fuel stations are sparse between Driggs and Red Lodge, especially once you enter Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Highway. Fill up in Driggs (several stations on Main Street) and again in West Yellowstone or Cody. Gas prices in Idaho are typically lower than in Montana or Wyoming, so top off before crossing the border.

• Best stops Driggs, ID to Red Lodge, MT for fuel: Driggs (Chevron, Sinclair), West Yellowstone (multiple), Cody (multiple), Red Lodge (several).
• Average cost per gallon: Driggs ~$3.30, West Yellowstone ~$3.80, Cody ~$3.50, Red Lodge ~$3.60 (2025 prices).
• No EV charging stations along the Beartooth Highway; plan accordingly if driving electric.

Road conditions vary dramatically by season. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) typically closes mid-October to late May due to snow. Even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common at high elevations. Check road alerts at 511 Montana and 511 Wyoming before departure.

• Cell service: Patchy. Driggs to West Yellowstone has decent coverage; Yellowstone interior and Beartooth have none. Download offline maps.
• Food and water: Carry snacks and at least a gallon of water per person. Restaurants are limited to towns (West Yellowstone, Cody, Cooke City).

The Beartooth Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the US due to steep grades, hairpin turns, and lack of guardrails. Drive slowly, use lower gears, and pull over at scenic pullouts to admire the view—and to let faster cars pass. Altitude can exceed 10,000 feet; passengers prone to altitude sickness should take it easy.

• Pet-friendly framework: Most pullouts allow leashed pets, but Yellowstone National Park prohibits pets on trails and boardwalks. Plan for pit stops at pet-friendly rest areas (e.g., Island Park, ID).
• Family suitability: The route is kid-friendly if you break up the drive. Highlights: Yellowstone's geysers, Cody's rodeo (summer evenings), and the Beartooth Basin ski area in summer for snow play.
• Fatigue management: The most scenic section—Beartooth Highway—requires intense focus. Stop every 1-2 hours. Top rest zones: West Yellowstone (visitor center), Cooke City (general store), Rock Creek Vista (picnic area).

Hidden off-route spots: Just north of Driggs, the Grand Targhee Resort offers summer chairlift rides with panoramic views. Between West Yellowstone and Cody, the small town of Silver Gate (just before Cooke City) has a historic saloon. On the Beartooth, the Clay Butte Lookout (fire tower) provides a 360-degree view of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

• Infrastructure safety: Road quality is excellent on US-20 and US-287, but Beartooth sections are narrow and winding. Watch for frost heaves in early summer.
• Local culture and commerce: In Red Lodge, visit the Carbon County Historical Society Museum and the Red Lodge Farmers Market (Saturdays). The town's mining history contrasts with its current artsy vibe.

The drive begins in the agricultural flats of Teton Valley, with the Teton Range looming to the east. Driggs itself is a small ranching town with a burgeoning arts scene. Stop at the Spud Drive-In for a photo with the giant potato truck—a quirky local landmark. As you head north on ID-33, the landscape transitions to pine forests and rolling hills.

• Key natural attractions: Teton Range views, Warm River Springs (just south of Ashton), Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (ID-47, a short detour).
• Local commerce: Driggs has several galleries (e.g., Teton Valley Gallery) and farm stands. In season, buy local huckleberries or wildflower honey.

Entering Montana on US-20, you'll pass through West Yellowstone—the busiest gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and while this guide focuses on the route, it's impossible to ignore the geothermal wonders. Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Hayden Valley are all short detours. However, if time is tight, consider a quick stop at the West Yellowstone entrance to see the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.

• UNESCO connection: Yellowstone National Park was designated in 1978; its geothermal features and wildlife are unparalleled.
• Things to do between Driggs, ID and Red Lodge, MT: Wildlife watching (bison, elk, bears), photography at Artist Point, hiking the Beartooth High Lakes.