Ely to Red Lodge Road Trip: Nevada Ghost Towns to Montana Rockies

The route from Ely, Nevada to Red Lodge, Montana spans roughly 600 miles, crossing the Great Basin, the Wasatch Range, the Snake River Plain, and the Beartooth Mountains. A little-known fact: the first 90 miles of this drive follow the historic Lincoln Highway (modern US-93 and US-6), America's first transcontinental road. You'll traverse four distinct ecosystems and climb from 6,427 feet in Ely to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass. Expect 9-11 hours of pure driving time, but plan for two days to soak in the sights.

This guide provides a thorough breakdown of each leg: natural attractions, fuel economics, culinary stops, and safety considerations. For a deeper dive on finding hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

US-93 north from Ely to I-80 at Wells is a two-lane road through high desert. Gas stations are sparse: fill up in Ely, then next available at Wells (70 miles). From Wells, take I-80 east to Salt Lake City, then I-15 north to Idaho Falls. At Idaho Falls, switch to US-20 and then US-212 toward Red Lodge. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is closed October to May; check conditions at (406) 446-1220.

• Fuel stops: Ely (NV), Wells (NV), Wendover (UT), Salt Lake City (UT), Ogden (UT), Logan (UT), Idaho Falls (ID), West Yellowstone (MT), Red Lodge (MT).
• Road quality: I-80 and I-15 are excellent; US-93 is good but winding; Beartooth Highway is narrow with tight switchbacks.
• Tolls: None.
• Rest areas: Rest stops at mileposts 66 and 86 on I-15 in Utah; numerous in Idaho and Montana.

The drive opens with the stark beauty of the Great Basin: sagebrush, distant mountains, and the ghost town of Osceola (off US-50). Next, the Wasatch Range rises abruptly east of Salt Lake City. The geology transitions to volcanic basalt in the Snake River Plain, then to alpine tundra on the Beartooth Plateau. This route passes near three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (just south of Red Lodge), the nearby Grand Teton National Park, and the historic Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City (a tentative site).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Notch Peak, UT: A dramatic limestone cliff, 30 miles west of US-93 via a dirt road (high clearance needed).
• Bear Lake Overlook, UT/ID: Raspberry milkshakes at Bear Lake State Park marina.
• Meadow Creek Falls, ID: A short hike off US-20 near Ashton, Idaho.

Local Commerce and Culture

• Ely: Visit the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and the historic Hotel Nevada.
• Salt Lake City: Temple Square (free), Red Iguana for mole.
• Idaho Falls: The Idaho Falls Temple visitor center and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
• Red Lodge: Carbon County Museum and the Beartooth Nature Center.

High-altitude driving demands awareness: the body dehydrates faster, and engine performance drops above 8,000 ft. Carry extra water, a first-aid kit, and tire chains for the Beartooth Highway. Wildlife (deer, elk, moose) is common at dawn and dusk, especially on US-93 and US-212.

Family and Child Suitability

• Great Basin National Park: Lehman Caves tour (accessible for kids 5+), ranger programs.
• Bear Lake: Sandy beach and calm waters for swimming.
• Beartooth Highway: Pullouts for short walks and photo ops; no steep drop-offs if you stay on the main road.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Hotels: La Quinta in Salt Lake City and Super 8 in Idaho Falls allow pets.
• Rest stops: Most have grassy areas; avoid high-traffic areas.
• National parks: Pets allowed on paved trails but not in caves or wilderness.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

• Break every 2 hours: stretch, hydrate, and walk 5 minutes.
• Nap spots: Rest areas in Utah (miles 66 and 86) have shaded tables.
• Overnight: Stay in Salt Lake City or Idaho Falls to break the drive.