Red Lodge to Evanston: Epic Mountain Drive Guide

The drive from Red Lodge, Montana, to Evanston, Wyoming, is a transcontinental journey through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This route, largely composed of US-212 (the famed Beartooth Highway) south to I-90 and then I-80, passes just 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance. The Beartooth Highway, at 10,947 feet, is the highest paved road in the Northern Rockies. It was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a feat of engineering that remains a bucket-list drive.

Covering approximately 330 miles, the trip takes about 5 to 6 hours of pure driving time, but most travelers spend two days exploring. The question 'is it worth driving Red Lodge, MT to Evanston, WY?' is met with a resounding yes: this is one of America's most scenic drives, rivaling the Alps. The best stops Red Lodge, MT to Evanston, WY include the Beartooth Scenic Byway, the town of Cody, and the Wind River Canyon.

Road safety on Beartooth Highway demands caution: narrow lanes, 25 mph switchbacks, and falling rocks. I-80 from Rock Springs to Evanston is prone to crosswinds; reduce speed. Infrastructure safety is good; cell service is spotty above 8,000 ft. Carry a paper map. For families, the route has built-in stops every 30 miles. Cody's rodeo (summer evenings) entertains all ages. Kid-friendly hikes include the 0.5-mile Island Lake Trail near Beartooth Pass.

Pet-friendly framework: most national forest trails allow dogs on leash. In Yellowstone, pets are restricted to parking lots. Evanston's Bear River State Park has a 1.5-mile dog-friendly loop. Fatigue management: plan stops at Chief Joseph Scenic Byway overlook (mile 15) and the town of Meeteetse (population 300) for a coffee break. Rest zones: Beartooth Lake Campground has tables and vault toilets. The route has no 24-hour rest areas, but gas stations in Cody and Worland are open late.

Hidden off-route spots: Sunlight Basin Road (off US-212 near Cody) leads to a remote valley with hot springs. The ghost town of Kirwin (accessible by high-clearance vehicle) offers mining ruins. For culinary infrastructure, Red Lodge has the Carbon County Steakhouse, Cody has the Irma Hotel's silver dollar grill, and Evanston has Pappa's Pizza. Farm-to-table options exist at the Cody Cattle Company. Local commerce includes artisan shops in Red Lodge's Broadway Avenue and the Evanston Quilt Walk.

Planning how long to drive Red Lodge, MT to Evanston, WY requires factoring in altitude and weather. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is typically open from late May to mid-October. Snow can close it even in summer, so check road conditions via Wyoming 511. Gas stations are sparse: fill up in Red Lodge, Cooke City (limited), and Cody. Red Lodge to Evanston distance is 330 miles; a fuel-efficient car will need one top-off. Expect gas prices 10-20% higher in tourist towns.

• Best fuel stops: Red Lodge (last cheap gas), Cody (Walmart station), Worland, Evanston.
• EV charging: Superchargers in Cody, Evanston; Level 2 in Red Lodge.
• Road conditions: Beartooth Highway has hairpin turns, no guardrails in sections; I-80 can be windy.
• Altitude sickness: Possible above 8,000 ft; hydrate and ascend slowly.

For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, use offline maps and local visitor centers. The route passes through Shoshone National Forest, one of the first national forests in the US, established in 1891.

Natural landscapes dominate: the Beartooth Plateau offers alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and wildlife like bighorn sheep. Rock Creek Vista Point at mile 14.5 provides panoramic views. The descent into Cooke City leads to the Absaroka Range. Further south, the Bighorn Basin near Worland is a high desert with dinosaur fossil sites. The Wind River Canyon between Shoshoni and Riverton is a dramatic 2,000-foot-deep gorge.

Local commerce includes the Red Lodge Mercantile (since 1900), Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West (five museums under one roof), and Evanston's historic downtown with Bear River State Park. Things to do between Red Lodge, MT and Evanston, WY include hiking the Beaten Path trail, fly fishing on the Shoshone River, and visiting the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park is a UNESCO site, and the route's northern edge touches its boundary. While not directly on the route, a detour to Yellowstone's Lamar Valley is 30 miles from Cooke City. The park's geothermal features and wildlife are unparalleled.