Great Falls MT to Riverton WY: Wild West Road Trip Guide

Did you know the town of Edgar, MT, just off I-90, was once a bustling railroad hub? This road trip from Great Falls to Riverton crosses the historic Bozeman Trail and the Continental Divide at South Pass, elevation 7,412 feet — a key crossing for pioneers and gold seekers.

Covering roughly 450 miles, the drive takes about 7.5 hours without stops, but you'll want at least two days to explore. The best stops include Lewis & Clark Caverns, Yellowstone River, and Wind River Canyon.

From Great Falls, take I-15 South to I-90 East through Butte and Bozeman. Fuel up in Bozeman (gas ~$3.50/gal). Continue on US-191 South to West Yellowstone, then US-20 East to Cody, WY. In Cody, fill up before heading south on US-20/US-26 to Riverton. Total distance: ~450 mi, with 7 fuel stations along the route.

• Best fuel stops: Bozeman, MT (Shell at exit 305) and Cody, WY (Exxon at 1501 Sheridan Ave).
• Road conditions: I-90 is well-maintained; US-191 has occasional construction. South Pass can be snowy in winter.
• Consider an alternative route via US-287 for fewer crowds.

Cell coverage is spotty between Yellowstone and Riverton; download offline maps. Restrooms available at rest areas near Big Timber and Greybull. For RV drivers, propane stations in Bozeman and Cody.

I-90 is a four-lane highway with a speed limit of 80 mph; watch for deer near Three Forks. US-191 is two-lane with passing zones; slower traffic from RVs can cause delays. South Pass is prone to sudden snowstorms even in spring.

• Family-friendly stops: Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance) for geysers; Buffalo Bill State Park near Cody for fishing; Wind River Canyon for scenic overlooks.
• Pet-friendly: Many rest areas have pet-walking areas. National forests allow leashed pets; Yellowstone requires pets in vehicles or at developed areas.
• Fatigue management: Rest stops at Big Timber (mile 400) and Shoshoni (mile 400). Plan a meal break in Cody.

Hidden off-route spots: North of I-90, the ghost town of Castle City (abandoned 1890s mining camp) near Livingston. South of Cody, the Thermopolis Hot Springs (free state park pool). For stargazing, head to the Bighorn National Forest dark sky site.

Things to do between Great Falls and Riverton include fly fishing on the Madison River, touring the Moss Mansion in Billings, or hiking the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Shell, WY.

The route crosses three distinct zones: the Rocky Mountain foothills, the Yellowstone region, and the Wyoming basin. Near Bozeman, the Bridger Range offers hiking at Palisade Falls. Between West Yellowstone and Cody, you skirt the Shoshone National Forest with views of the Absaroka Range.

• Natural attractions: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park (50 mi E of Butte), Yellowstone River Fishing Access, and Wind River Canyon (south of Thermopolis).
• Local commerce: In Bozeman, the farmers market on Saturday features local huckleberry products. In Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West showcases Western art and history.

The Wind River Indian Reservation near Riverton offers cultural tours and the annual Eastern Shoshone Powwow. Riverton's local commerce includes the Riverton Museum and the weekly Riverton Farmers Market (June–September). Don't miss the Sinks Canyon State Park for its unique disappearing river.