Jackson WY to Watford City ND Road Trip Guide

The route from Jackson, Wyoming to Watford City, North Dakota covers 850 miles and roughly 13 hours of driving. The highest point along the way is Togwotee Pass at 9,658 feet, where snow can fall even in June.

This journey crosses the Continental Divide twice and passes through three national forests. You'll experience a dramatic shift from alpine peaks to the Great Plains badlands.

The route begins in the Snake River Valley, surrounded by the Teton Range. As you climb over Togwotee Pass, lodgepole pine forests dominate until you descend into the sagebrush of the Wind River Basin.

• Yellowstone National Park: geothermal features, bison, and elk.
• Shoshone National Forest: dramatic canyon views along US-20.
• Bighorn Basin: rolling ranchlands and small towns like Greybull.
• Montana High Line: vast wheat fields and buttes.
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park: badlands, wild horses, and prairie dogs.

Local commerce includes Wyoming-made leather goods in Dubois, and bison jerky in Medora, ND. Fuel stops are scarce between Cody and Billings, so fill up in Cody.

Major highways: US-191, US-26, US-20, I-94, and US-85. The best stops Jackson, WY to Watford City, ND include Yellowstone National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

• How long to drive Jackson, WY to Watford City, ND: Minimum 13 hours without stops.
• Is it worth driving Jackson, WY to Watford City, ND? Yes, for the diverse landscapes.
• Things to do between Jackson, WY and Watford City, ND: hike, wildlife viewing, visit historic sites.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

Road quality is good on interstates, but two-lane highways like US-26 require caution with wildlife and slow vehicles. In winter, Togwotee Pass often has snow and ice; check conditions.

• Family-friendly stops: Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, and the Medora Musical in ND.
• Pet-friendly: most national parks allow pets in developed areas only.
• Fatigue management: rest zones every 30-50 miles on I-94; take breaks at the Pompeys Pillar National Monument or the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Hidden off-route spots include the ghost town of Kirwin, WY, and the Makoshika State Park near Glendive, MT. Culinary highlights: local steakhouses in Miles City, and kuchen (German cake) in the Dakotas.