Medora to West Yellowstone: A Road Trip Guide

Medora, North Dakota, sits at the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the Little Missouri River carved dramatic badlands. West Yellowstone, Montana, is the western gateway to Yellowstone National Park, just 70 miles from Old Faithful. Between them lies a 450-mile stretch of US-85 and I-90 that crosses the Missouri River, the Powder River Basin, and the Bighorn Mountains.

This drive typically takes 7 hours and 20 minutes without stops, but you'll want to budget a full day. The route's appeal is its blend of prairie, mountain, and volcanic geology. The stark badlands give way to the pine-clad Bighorns, then the high plains of Wyoming, and finally the volcanic plateau near Yellowstone.

Gas stations are sparse on parts of this route, especially between Gillette, WY and Buffalo, WY. Fill up in Medora, Dickinson, ND, or at the larger towns along I-90. Fuel prices vary, but expect to pay around $3.50–$4.20 per gallon in 2024. A mid-size car will get about 360–400 miles on a tank, so plan stops accordingly.

• Major fuel stops: Medora, ND; Dickinson, ND; Gillette, WY; Buffalo, WY; Sheridan, WY; Cody, WY.
• Road quality is excellent on I-90, but US-14 to Cody and US-20 to West Yellowstone can be narrower with curves.
• Winter travel (November–April) may encounter snow in the Bighorns and Yellowstone area; carry chains.

If you're wondering is it worth driving Medora, ND to West Yellowstone, MT, the answer is a resounding yes for the scenery alone, but it's not a direct interstate route. You'll traverse three states and see a fraction of Yellowstone's wonders without the park traffic.

For those seeking things to do between Medora, ND and West Yellowstone, MT, consider a detour to Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, a sacred site and the first declared U.S. National Monument.

The landscapes transition from the rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (a unit of the national park system) to the rolling prairies of Montana, then the dramatic Bighorn Mountains, and finally the volcanic wonders of Yellowstone. Hidden off-route spots include the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, where Custer's Last Stand occurred, and the historic town of Buffalo, WY, known for its western charm.

Local commerce along the route thrives on tourism and agriculture. Medora's historic downtown offers gift shops and the Medora Musical, a summer variety show. In Buffalo, you'll find artisan boutiques and local cafes. Cody, WY, embraces its cowboy heritage with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a must-see for history buffs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are rare on this route, but Yellowstone National Park is one of the few. It was designated in 1978 for its geothermal features and wildlife. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, while not a World Heritage Site, holds its own significance as a tribute to the conservationist president.

Culinary infrastructure is sufficient but not fancy. Expect diners and fast-food chains. In Medora, try the famous pitchfork steak fondue at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. In Buffalo, the historic Occidental Hotel serves gourmet burgers. Near Yellowstone, the town of West Yellowstone offers numerous eateries, but they can be crowded in summer.

I-90 is a modern divided highway with good shoulders, but wildlife crossings are common, especially at dawn and dusk. In the Bighorn Mountains, watch for steep grades and sharp curves. The stretch from Cody to Yellowstone is scenic but can be icy in winter.

For families, the route offers educational stops like the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (a slight detour), or the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale. Kids will love the Old Trail Town in Cody, a collection of historic buildings. For pet-friendly travelers, many hotels accept pets, but note that national parks do not allow pets on trails; plan for daycare or boarding.

Fatigue management is key on long drives. Plan rest stops every 2 hours or 100 miles. Good places include the rest area near Gillette, WY, the visitors' center in Buffalo, and the Shell Falls viewpoint in the Bighorn National Forest. If driving Medora, ND to West Yellowstone, MT, know that the best stops are often the ones you plan ahead.

For discovering hidden gems, consult how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. For example, the little-known Buffalo Bill Dam near Cody offers a glimpse into early 20th-century irrigation engineering.

Finally, the climatic conditions vary: hot summers in the plains (up to 100°F), cool mountain nights, and heavy snow in winter. The route's aesthetics shift from arid grasslands to coniferous forests, making it a visual treat. Remember that the drive time can increase by 30–60 minutes with stops, so plan for a full day or an overnight in Cody.