Great Falls to Pinedale: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 500-mile route from Great Falls (elevation 3,335 ft) to Pinedale (elevation 7,175 ft) traverses the Continental Divide twice, crossing the Lewis and Clark Pass and then the Wind River Range. The drive follows I-15 south to I-90 near Butte, then US-287 through Wyoming, ending on US-191. Plan for 8–9 hours of driving time without stops, but the journey is best savored over two days. For tips on finding offbeat stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Whether you're asking “how long to drive Great Falls, MT to Pinedale, WY” or “is it worth driving Great Falls, MT to Pinedale, WY,” the answer is an emphatic yes—the landscape shifts from prairie to alpine, offering unparalleled solitude.

The route is primarily interstate (I-15 and I-90) with long stretches of two-lane highway in Wyoming. Fuel stations are sparse between West Yellowstone and Pinedale—fill up at every opportunity. Cell service is intermittent in mountain passes.

• Fuel stops: Great Falls, Butte, West Yellowstone, Dubois.
• Road conditions: Snow possible October–May; check Montana 511 and Wyoming 511.
• Toll roads: None.
• Best time to drive: June–September for clear weather and open passes.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for wildlife (deer, elk, bison) especially at dawn and dusk. In Wyoming, winds can be strong on US-287; reduce speed accordingly. For families: Yellowstone is kid-friendly with ranger programs; Pinedale has the Museum of the Mountain Man. Pets are allowed at national forest campgrounds and most outdoor attractions, but not inside Yellowstone’s backcountry. Rest zones: designated scenic overlooks along US-191 near the Hoback River; plan breaks every 2 hours. Hidden off-route spot: the ghost town of Kirwin in the Shoshone National Forest (requires high-clearance vehicle). Fatigue management tips: rotate drivers, stop for short walks, and avoid driving after dark in wildlife-heavy areas.

From the Missouri River breaks near Great Falls to the volcanic plateaus of Yellowstone and the granite peaks of the Wind Rivers, this drive is a geology textbook. The route passes near two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Yellowstone National Park (shared with Idaho and Wyoming) and the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (Montana).

• Missouri River: Great Falls’ namesake waterfalls—actually five cascades—are a must-see.
• Big Hole Valley: Scenic farmland and historic Nez Perce battlefields.
• Yellowstone National Park: West Entrance at West Yellowstone; geysers, wildlife, and thermal features.
• Wind River Range: Pinedale is the gateway to the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Continental Divide Trail.

Local commerce thrives in small towns: Butte boasts historic copper mining architecture; Dubois offers cowboy culture and the National Bighorn Sheep Center.