Red Lodge to Gillette: A Wyoming-Montana Road Trip Guide

Red Lodge, Montana, sits at the base of the Beartooth Highway—a famously winding road that climbs to nearly 11,000 feet. But heading east toward Gillette, Wyoming, the landscape shifts to sprawling plains and rolling foothills. One little-known fact: the route roughly follows the old route of the Burlington Northern Railroad, which once transported coal from the Powder River Basin. Today, US-212 and I-90 offer a straightforward drive, but the real magic lies in the detours.

If you're wondering how long to drive Red Lodge, MT to Gillette, WY, plan for about 5.5 hours without stops. But to truly experience the region, budget a full day. The answer to is it worth driving Red Lodge, MT to Gillette, WY is a resounding yes—the journey reveals the quiet grandeur of the American West.

This guide covers the best stops Red Lodge, MT to Gillette, WY, including little-known viewpoints and historical markers. For a deeper dive into spotting hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Leaving Red Lodge, the Beartooth Mountains dominate the western skyline. Within 20 miles, you'll cross into the Crow Reservation, where the landscape opens into grasslands. The Pryor Mountains appear to the south—home to wild mustangs and the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. Stop at the overlook on US-212 near Warren, MT (mile marker 25) for a panoramic view.

Near Belfry, the Clark's Fork Canyon offers a quick detour. The canyon is a deep limestone gorge carved by the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River. It's not a UNESCO site, but it's a significant geological feature. Further south, the Bighorn Basin is a vast semiarid basin known for dinosaur fossils. The town of Lovell has a small dinosaur museum.

Local commerce is modest. In Belfry, you'll find a gas station and a convenience store. Cody is the commercial hub, with grocery stores, restaurants, and motels. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must-see museum complex. For things to do between Red Lodge, MT and Gillette, WY, the center alone could take half a day. Beyond museums, local arts and crafts shops in Cody sell Western-themed souvenirs.

The route is generally safe, but beware of wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Deer and pronghorn are common. The road between Cody and Greybull has long straight stretches that can cause driver fatigue. Use rest areas: there's a pullout at the Bighorn River overlook (mile marker 100 on US-14) and a rest area near Lovell.

For families, Cody is the best stop. The Cody Firearms Museum and the Old Trail Town are kid-friendly attractions. Between Red Lodge and Cody, a picnic at the Clark's Fork Canyon is a good idea—there are no playgrounds, but the scenery is open. Pet-friendly stops: the Beartooth Highway allows dogs on leashes at viewpoints, but keep them away from wildlife. In Cody, many motels accept pets.

Fatigue management: plan to stop every 2 hours. The stretch from Greybull to Gillette is monotonous; break it at the town of Buffalo (though slightly out of the way). On the direct route, a short break at the massive coal mines near Wright, WY (visible from I-90) offers a stark industrial contrast. Always carry water and snacks—services are sparse.

The drive from Red Lodge to Gillette primarily uses US-212, I-90, and US-14. Though most of the route is well-maintained, expect occasional construction zones, especially near Cody. The speed limit on interstates is 80 mph in Montana and 75 mph in Wyoming. Fuel stations are sparse between Belfry and Lovell, so fill up when you can.

• Distance: ~300 miles (480 km)
• Driving time: 5–6 hours without stops
• Road type: Mixed (interstate, two-lane, winding mountain sections)

Cell service is spotty between Red Lodge and Belfry, and again near the Wyoming border. Download offline maps before you go. The only major town with full services (gas, food, lodging) is Cody, WY, which also has a hospital. Greybull and Lovell offer basic services. Clarity is key: the route is safe but remote.

For those asking how long to drive Red Lodge, MT to Gillette, WY, consider adding 2-3 hours for side trips. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is an alternative scenic route, but it adds time and altitude. Fuel economy may drop on mountain grades; plan accordingly.