Livingston to Orderville Road Trip Guide: Scenic Utah and Montana

Did you know that the route from Livingston, MT to Orderville, UT roughly follows the path of the old Yellowstone Highway, a precursor to the interstate system, and crosses the Continental Divide twice? This road trip spans over 600 miles, weaving through diverse ecosystems and historical corridors.

Livingston, the fly-fishing capital of Montana, sits at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Boulder Rivers. Orderville, a small town in southern Utah, is named after the United Order, a Mormon communal living experiment. This journey connects two distinctly Western towns.

For those asking how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, Wayro's guide will help you discover the most rewarding waypoints.

Driving time from Livingston to Orderville ranges from 10 to 12 hours of pure driving, but expect at least two days to truly experience the highlights. The route primarily follows I-90 east, then I-15 south, with scenic detours on US-89 and US-287.

This guide is your comprehensive companion for the journey, covering natural wonders, budget stops, climate tips, and family-friendly logistics.

From Livingston, take I-90 west for about 70 miles to Butte, then US-15 south through Idaho Falls. Alternatively, take US-89/US-287 through Yellowstone National Park for a long, scenic route. The quickest route is I-90 east to I-94, then I-15 south, but skip some sights.

Fuel stops are plentiful along interstates, but some gaps exist on two-lane highways. Plan to fill up in Bozeman, Butte, Idaho Falls, and Beaver, UT. Gas prices tend to be highest in remote areas.

• I-90: Many services and towns.
• I-15: Frequent rest areas and exits.
• US-89: Scenic but fewer services; fill up before entering.

For how long to drive Livingston to Orderville: 10 hours non-stop; with stops, a full day of driving is realistic. Fatigue management is crucial; longer stretches like Butte to Idaho Falls (about 4 hours) require a break.

Cell coverage is good in cities but spotty in mountains. Download offline maps. Emergency services are available near towns; some rural zones have no cell service for 30+ miles.

Road quality on interstates is excellent; two-lane highways may have gravel sections or wildlife crossings. Winter driving can be hazardous with snow and ice. Summer brings construction zones. Always carry chains and water.

Is it worth driving Livingston to Orderville? Absolutely, for the contrasts of mountain and desert, and the wealth of national parks. The journey itself is a highlight.

• Family stops: Yellowstone Bear World (Rexburg, ID), the Discovery Center (Idaho Falls), dinosaur tracks near St. George.
• Pet-friendly: Many motels along I-15 allow dogs. National parks have strict rules; keep pets on leash and not on trails.
• Hidden off-route: The lava tubes at Craters of the Moon (limited entry), the ghost town of Bannack near Dillon, MT, and the Minnetonka Cave near St. Charles, ID.

Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. Use rest areas like the Montana Welcome Center near Dillon, the Idaho Falls rest area, and the Beaver Canyon scenic overlook. Local diners, such as the famous 'Buffalo Jump' in Dillon, provide good coffee.

Culinary infrastructure: Food options range from classic steakhouses to fast food. Don't miss the huckleberry treats in Montana, fry sauce in Idaho, and funeral potatoes in Utah. Many small cafes close early in rural areas; check hours.

Climatic conditions: Livingston to Butte can be below freezing even in May. Idaho and Utah can be hot; southern Utah deserts reach 100°F in summer. Check forecasts and dress in layers.

This route passes through the Northern Rockies, Snake River Plain, and Great Basin. Highlights include the Bridger-Teton National Forest, volcanic formations at Craters of the Moon, and the red cliffs of Dixie National Forest.

Things to do between Livingston and Orderville: Yellowstone National Park (adds time but iconic), Grand Teton National Park (south of Jackson Hole), Fossil Butte National Monument (near Kemmerer), and Cedar Breaks National Monument (near Orderville).

• Yellowstone: Old Faithful, wildlife.
• Grand Teton: Jenny Lake, mountain views.
• Craters of the Moon: Lava tubes, cinder cones.

Local commerce varies from cowboy culture in Montana to Mormon pioneer heritage in Utah. Visit local co-ops in Livingston, Basque restaurants in Idaho, and sheep ranches near Afton. Orderville offers quilting shops and cheese factories.

UNESCO sites: Yellowstone National Park (World Heritage Site) and the nearby Grand Teton are visited on detours. This adds weeks of exploration, but a quick stop at Yellowstone's West Thumb or a scenic drive through Grand Teton is possible.