Idaho Falls to Watford City: Scenic Drive Through Mountain West & Plains

This 700-mile route from Idaho Falls, ID to Watford City, ND closely follows the historic Lewis and Clark Trail across the Rocky Mountains and into the Great Plains. The drive takes roughly 12 hours without stops, but well worth extending over several days to absorb the dramatic shifts in landscape and culture.

Start elevation in Idaho Falls is 4,700 feet; you'll climb to over 6,800 feet at Teton Pass before descending into the high desert and eventually the Missouri River breaks. The route uses I-15, US-20, US-26, US-16, and I-94 among others.

Fuel stations become sparse east of Billings, especially on US-94 between Glendive and Watford City. Plan to fill up at major towns: Idaho Falls, West Yellowstone, Cody, Billings, Miles City, Glendive.

• Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone: 110 miles, gas stations every 20-30 miles.
• West Yellowstone to Cody: 170 miles, limited services after Yellowstone; fill up in West Yellowstone.
• Cody to Billings: 120 miles, gas in Lovell, Bridger, and Laurel.
• Billings to Glendive: 200 miles, stations in Hardin, Forsyth, Miles City.
• Glendive to Watford City: 100 miles, few options; fill up in Glendive.

Cell coverage is spotty in Yellowstone and parts of Montana. Download offline maps and check weather alerts. The route is open year-round but winter storms may close Teton Pass or mountain sections.

Road quality is generally good on interstates, but two-lane highways like US-20 through Wyoming require attention. Watch for wildlife, especially in Yellowstone and at dusk. Speed limits range from 65 to 80 mph.

• Family stops: Yellowstone National Park (geysers, hiking), Cody's rodeo and museum, Pompeys Pillar (Lewis and Clark), and the Makoshika State Park near Glendive.
• Pet-friendly: Most national forests and BLM land allow dogs; national parks require leashes. Many motels in Cody and Billings are pet-friendly.
• Fatigue management: Rest areas every 50-70 miles in Montana. Take breaks in towns like Lovell, Hardin, or Forsyth. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide can help plan rest stops with local character.
• Hidden off-route spots: Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range (south of Billings), and the ghost town of Bannack in southwestern Montana (a detour near Dillon).

Things to do between Idaho Falls, ID and Watford City, ND include exploring Yellowstone, hiking the Beartooth Highway (alternate route from Cody to Red Lodge), and visiting the Fort Union Trading Post near Williston.

From the Snake River Plain to the Yellowstone highlands, then across the plains to the Missouri River, this drive showcases a geographic cross-section of the American West. The route passes near two national parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and along the Bighorn River.

• Natural Landscapes: Teton Range, Yellowstone caldera, Bighorn Basin, Pryor Mountains, Missouri River breaks.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is a short detour from West Yellowstone. The park features geothermal wonders, wildlife, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
• Local Commerce: In Cody, visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. In Miles City, the Range Riders Museum. Watford City boasts the North Dakota Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit).

For those wondering is it worth driving Idaho Falls, ID to Watford City, ND, the answer is a resounding yes: the transition from mountain peaks to prairie badlands is visually spectacular and historically rich.