Ketchum to Red Lodge: Ultimate Idaho-Montana Road Trip Guide

On the drive from Ketchum, ID to Red Lodge, MT, you cross the Continental Divide at Monida Pass (elevation 6,820 ft) — a point where water flows either to the Pacific or Atlantic. This 330-mile journey via US-20, I-15, and US-212 (Beartooth Highway) takes about 6.5 hours of pure driving time, but most travelers spend 9–12 hours stopping at attractions. The route juxtaposes Idaho’s volcanic moonscapes with Montana’s alpine forests, culminating in one of America’s most scenic highways. To maximize your trip, use a tool like how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to plan detours often missed by GPS.

How long to drive Ketchum, ID to Red Lodge, MT? The direct drive without stops is about 6.5 hours, but with recommended stops you should budget a full day. Is it worth driving Ketchum, ID to Red Lodge, MT? Absolutely — the Beartooth Highway segment alone is consistently rated among the top scenic drives in North America. The best stops from Ketchum to Red Lodge include Craters of the Moon, Earthquake Lake, and the town of West Yellowstone. Things to do between Ketchum and Red Lodge range from hiking in the Sawtooths to wildlife viewing in Yellowstone’s northern range.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are plentiful along I-15 and in towns like Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and West Yellowstone. However, the Beartooth Highway stretch (from Cooke City to Red Lodge) has no services for 68 miles — fill up in Cooke City or Silver Gate. Gas prices in Idaho and Montana are typically 5–10% lower than the national average, but remote stations can be pricey.

• Average fuel cost for a sedan (330 mi, 25 mpg): ~$45–$55 at $3.50/gal.
• Recommended fuel stops: Idaho Falls (exit 118), West Yellowstone (at the junction of US-191 and US-287), and Cooke City (last station before Beartooth).
• Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheapest stations; avoid running below quarter tank on US-212.

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

US-20 from Ketchum to I-15 is a well-maintained two-lane highway through farmland. I-15 is interstate standard with rest areas every 30–50 miles. US-212 (Beartooth Highway) is narrow, twisty, and without guardrails in some sections — it demands careful driving. The road is typically open from late May to mid-October, but snow can fall any month; check conditions at the Beartooth Ranger Station.

• Paved surface: 100% of route paved, except some gravel pull-offs.
• Cell signal: Strong on I-15, spotty on US-20 west of Idaho Falls, and absent on Beartooth Highway (carry offline maps).
• Hazards: Wildlife (elk, deer, bison) on open range sections; rockslides on Beartooth after rain.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The route passes three major geological provinces: the Snake River Plain (Idaho’s lava fields), the Madison River valley (Montana’s earthquake zone), and the Beartooth Mountains (one of the highest paved roads in the Rockies). Key stops include Craters of the Moon National Monument (lava tubes and cinder cones), Earthquake Lake (formed by the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake), and the Beartooth All-American Road (with 20+ peaks over 12,000 ft).

• Craters of the Moon: Drive the 7-mile loop, hike to Indian Tunnel lava tube (30 min).
• Earthquake Lake Visitor Center: Exhibits on the ’59 quake; short trail to the lake’s “ghost forest” of drowned trees.
• Beartooth Highway: Stop at Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft) for panoramic views over the Absaroka Range.

Local Commerce and Culture

Idaho Falls has a vibrant downtown with the Museum of Idaho and the historic Colonial Theater. West Yellowstone is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, with dozens of outfitters for fishing and wildlife tours. Red Lodge is a historic coal-mining town turned artsy resort, with the Beartooth Nature Center and galleries on Broadway Avenue.

• Idaho Falls: Snake River Brewing Co. for craft beer and bison burgers.
• West Yellowstone: Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (educational and ethical).
• Red Lodge: The Pollard Hotel (historic lodging) and Beartooth Billings Clinic for healthcare.

Culinary Infrastructure

You’ll find diners, cafes, and fast food in Ketchum, Idaho Falls, and West Yellowstone. On the Beartooth, options are limited to Cooke City’s Log Cabin Cafe (hearty breakfast) and Red Lodge’s many farm-to-table spots. Local specialties: Idaho trout, Montana bison, huckleberry everything (pies, jams, milkshakes).

• Breakfast: Ketchum’s Grains (bakery and coffee) or West Yellowstone’s Running Bear Pancake House.
• Lunch: Idaho Falls’ Smokin' Fins (fusion tacos) or Cooke City’s Beartooth Cafe (burgers).
• Dinner: Red Lodge’s Carbon County Steakhouse or the more upscale Cafe Regis.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Long stretches of I-15 can be monotonous — take breaks every 2 hours. Formal rest areas exist near Spencer, ID (mile marker 165) and at the Idaho-Montana border. For informal breaks, pull off at scenic overlooks like the one above Mesa Falls (US-20). On Beartooth Highway, use the wide spots at switchbacks for short rests; never stop on curves.

• Plan a 20-minute power nap at a rest area if drowsy.
• Caffeine stop: West Yellowstone’s Canyon Street Coffee for top-notch espresso.
• Stretch legs: Mesa Falls boardwalk loop (0.5 mi) or Earthquake Lake trail (1 mi).

Family and Child Suitability

The route is family-friendly with many engaging stops. Craters of the Moon offers junior ranger programs and easy lava tube walks. West Yellowstone’s IMAX theater shows Yellowstone films. The Beartooth Highway’s high elevation requires caution for young children (risk of altitude sickness); keep them hydrated and watch for headache or nausea.

• Recommended ages: 5+ for Beartooth walks; all ages for Craters loop drive.
• Kid-friendly food: Not much on Beartooth; pack snacks from West Yellowstone.
• Diaper changing: Rest areas and gas stations have basic facilities.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are allowed at Craters of the Moon on leash on developed trails (not backcountry). Leashed pets can accompany you on the Mesa Falls boardwalk and at most rest areas. Beartooth Highway has limited pet-friendly stops; Cooke City’s lodge-pole forest is good for quick walks. Pet relief areas along I-15 are at rest stops.

• Carry collapsible water bowls — high elevation dehydrates pets quickly.
• Never leave pets in hot car; summers reach 80+°F even at altitude.
• Veterinary clinics: Idaho Falls (Animal Medical Center) and Red Lodge (Beartooth Veterinary).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off the main route, discover the magical trail to Table Rock at Craters of the Moon (requires crossing a lava field). Near Earthquake Lake, follow the short side road to the collapsed Hebgen Dam spillway. On the Beartooth, hike the 2-mile trail to Beartooth Lake for crystal-clear waters and wildflowers in July.

• Burgdorf Hot Springs (just off ID-55): A rustic hot spring with cabins; requires a short dirt road detour (30 min from McCall, but if you’re on the western route? Not on this path, so skip). Instead, try the geothermal feature at “Boiling River” near Yellowstone’s north entrance — requires a short hike.
• Ghost town of Kirwin, WY (via gravel road from Meeteetse): Not on route but accessible from Cody (adds 2 hr).
• Pine Creek Lake trail (near Red Lodge): A 4-mile out-and-back with alpine views.