Red Lodge to Afton: Montana-Wyoming Road Trip Guide

The route from Red Lodge, Montana to Afton, Wyoming spans approximately 320 miles along US-212, US-310, US-14A, and US-30, crossing the Montana-Wyoming border near Cody. This drive typically takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops, but the real value lies in its rich geology: you'll traverse the Beartooth Highway (US-212), a designated National Scenic Byway that climbs to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass.

One little-known fact: the Beartooth Highway was originally a Native American trail used by the Crow and Shoshone to cross the Absaroka Range. Today, it offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the contiguous US, with over 20 peaks exceeding 12,000 feet visible from the road. For a deeper dive on roadside discoveries, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is the crown jewel: 68 miles of switchbacks, glacial lakes, and vistas of Granite Peak (Montana’s highest at 12,799 ft). Top pull-offs include Beartooth Lake, Island Lake, and the Beartooth Pass summit. Beyond, the route crosses the Shoshone National Forest, where you'll see the Clark's Fork Canyon and the massive Cody Dam (Shoshone Dam).

• Beartooth Pass summit: 10,947 ft elevation
• Top photo spots: Beartooth Lake, Clay Butte Lookout
• Wildlife: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, black bear

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just south of Red Lodge, detour along Rock Creek Road to the West Fork Trailhead for a short hike to a waterfall (4 miles round trip). Near Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (5 museums in one) is a cultural gem. In the Bighorn Basin, the ghost town of Meeteetse (off US-30) has a historic saloon and the remains of an old mining camp. South of Afton, the periodic geyser of Intermittent Spring (near the Utah border) is a rare natural phenomenon.

• Red Lodge: Rock Creek Falls hike (easy, family-friendly)
• Cody: Buffalo Bill Center of the West (museum complex)
• Meeteetse: Ghost town with original false-front buildings

Local Commerce & Culture

Red Lodge retains a Wild West vibe with its historic downtown, full of art galleries and craft breweries (e.g., Red Lodge Ales). Cody is a hub for Western heritage, with the nightly rodeo in summer. Smaller towns like Lovell and Greybull have local diners and antique shops. Afton is famous for its elk antler arches on Main Street and the annual Afton Festival of the Arts.

• Red Lodge: Pollard Hotel (historic), Beartooth Nature Center
• Cody: Irma Hotel (built by Buffalo Bill), nightly rodeo
• Afton: World's largest elk antler arch, Star Valley cheese

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel stations are sparse along US-212 between Red Lodge and Cooke City, so fill up in Red Lodge (several stations near the I-90 interchange). Expect prices to be 10-15% higher in remote areas like Cooke City and Cody. Plan for at least one refuel in Cody (mile 125) and another in Greybull (mile 200).

• Distance between stations: 60-80 miles in mountain sections
• Average fuel cost (2025): $3.50-$4.20/gallon
• Suggested fuel stops: Red Lodge, Cooke City (limited), Cody, Greybull, Basin, Afton

Toll Roads and Permits

No tolls on this route. However, if you plan to detour into Yellowstone National Park, a $35/vehicle entry fee is required (valid 7 days). The Beartooth Highway is free and does not require a pass.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While the route itself does not include a UNESCO site, Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978) is a short detour from Cody via US-14/16/20. The park's geothermal features and wildlife are world-class. Alternatively, the route passes near the Shoshone National Forest, which is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, though not a World Heritage site.

• Yellowstone National Park: 1.5-hour detour from Cody
• Nearest World Heritage: Yellowstone (approximately 50 miles west of Cody)

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Beartooth Pass (US-212) is open only from late May to mid-October due to snow. Even in summer, temperatures at the pass can drop to freezing, while Afton sits at 6,200 feet with mild summers. The route transitions from alpine tundra to high desert sagebrush plains. The aesthetic highlights include the red-hued Beartooth Mountains, the Bighorn Basin’s badlands, and the Salt River Range near Afton.

• Best months: July-September for wildflowers and clear skies
• Winter: US-212 closed; alternate via Billings (adds 2 hours)
• Rainfall: July averages 1.5 inches; afternoon thunderstorms common

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-212 (Beartooth Highway) is well-maintained but narrow with steep drop-offs—no guardrails in many sections. Speed limit is 35-45 mph on switchbacks. US-310 and US-14A through the Bighorn Basin are straight but may have livestock crossings. Roadside assistance is limited; cell service is absent on large stretches of US-212 and spotty in Wyoming valleys. Carry a paper map and emergency kit.

• Road conditions: Check 511 for Montana and Wyoming
• Emergency services: Red Lodge (406-446-1234), Cody (307-527-1234)
• Cell coverage: No signal on Beartooth Pass; intermittent on US-14A

Family and Child Suitability

The route is excellent for families with older children (8+) who can handle long drives and altitude. Kids will love the Beartooth Highway's snow patches (even in July) and wildlife spotting. In Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center has interactive exhibits. Afton’s Star Valley Cheese offers free samples and a petting zoo.

• Best for ages: 8+ due to altitude and road conditions
• Activities: Scenic hikes, museum, wildlife viewing
• Travel time: Break into 2-3 days to avoid restlessness

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most outdoor rest stops are pet-friendly, but national forest trails may require leashes. Cooke City and Cody have several pet-friendly hotels (e.g., Best Western in Cody). Fuel stations often allow pets if well-behaved. Always carry water and shade—summer temperatures in the Bighorn Basin can exceed 100°F.

• Pet-friendly accommodations: Many in Red Lodge and Cody
• Rest stops: National forest areas allow pets on leash
• Warning: Hot pavement in Basin towns; use booties

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan rest stops every 2 hours. Key rest areas: Beartooth Pass summit (picnic tables, no facilities), the Lake Creek rest area near mile 40 on US-212 (vault toilets), and the Buffalo Bill State Park near Cody. In the Bighorn Basin, pull-offs are sparse—use town parks in Lovell or Greybull. Afton has a city park with restrooms.

• Rest stop suggestions: Island Lake (mile 30), Cody (mile 125), Greybull (mile 200)
• Fatigue signs: Glare from snow fields in summer; use polarized sunglasses
• Suggested overnight stops: Red Lodge (start), Cody (midpoint), Afton (end)