Red Lodge to Hanksville Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

This route traces US-212 south from Red Lodge, Montana, climbing the Beartooth Highway before dropping into Wyoming. It continues via I-90, US-310, US-14, I-25, I-80, US-191, and finally UT-24 into Hanksville, Utah. The total driving distance is approximately 550 miles (885 km) with an estimated drive time of 9–10 hours without stops.

Beartooth Highway (US-212) is a designated National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, reaching 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass. It is typically open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. The route crosses the Continental Divide twice and passes through parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

This guide provides exhaustive detail on landscapes, logistics, safety, and hidden gems. It answers the question: is it worth driving Red Lodge, MT to Hanksville, UT? The answer is a resounding yes, but preparation is key.

The route offers dramatic shifts from alpine tundra to high desert. You'll encounter National Forests, National Parks (Yellowstone), and National Monuments (Dinosaur National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante). Fuel stops are scarce between Cody, WY and Hanksville, UT, especially in remote sections of US-191 and UT-24.

Plan for at least two full days to enjoy stops. A single-day drive is possible but exhausting. The best stops Red Lodge, MT to Hanksville, UT include Beartooth Pass, Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge, and Goblin Valley State Park. Use this guide to find how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Historically, this route follows portions of the Bozeman Trail, used by prospectors and settlers. Red Lodge itself was a coal mining town, while Hanksville was a Mormon settlement along the Old Spanish Trail. Today, the drive offers a blend of frontier history, geothermal wonders, and dark skies.

Road Safety: Beartooth Highway has no guardrails in sections; slow down. Watch for wildlife (bears, bison, elk, deer) especially at dawn/dusk. Wyoming highways are often straight and monotonous, leading to fatigue. Take breaks every 2 hours. In Utah, watch for flash floods in canyons (even if sunny upstream).

• Family and Child Suitability: Beartooth Highway may cause car sickness due to switchbacks. Plan motion sickness remedies. Yellowstone's wildlife viewing is great for kids. Goblin Valley State Park is a playground of hoodoos (kids love it).
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most motels allow pets (check policies). National Parks: pets on leash allowed in developed areas only. Beartooth National Forest: pets allowed on trails. Bring plenty of water for pets in desert sections.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Rest areas along I-80 are spaced every 50-70 miles. Wyoming has safety rest areas with restrooms, picnic tables. In remote US-191, few rest stops: use gas station breaks. Utah has scenic viewpoints along UT-24. Plan to stretch at Flaming Gorge Dam overlook or at the Green River State Park.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Beartooth Pass may have snow in July. Temperature swings: 40s°F at pass, 80s in desert. Sunscreen and layers essential. Desert segment from Rock Springs to Hanksville is hot and dry; carry extra water (min. 1 gallon per person). Dust storms possible in Utah.

• Best season: June-September for Beartooth; April-May and October for desert (avoid summer heat).
• Sunset views: Over the San Rafael Swell from UT-24, spectacular.
• Dark skies: Dinosaur National Monument and Capitol Reef are International Dark Sky Parks; excellent stargazing.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While Dinosaur National Monument is not UNESCO, the nearby Flaming Gorge is part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem; the route also passes near the newly designated (2021) “Yellowstone” UNESCO site. For a slight detour, visit Dinosaur National Monument's Quarry Exhibit Hall (well-preserved dinosaur fossils).

Fuel stations are sparse between Cody and Hanksville. Fill up in Cody, WY (last major town before the long stretch). Next reliable fuel is in Rock Springs, WY (200 miles). Then Green River, UT, and finally Hanksville. Carry extra fuel if towing or driving an RV.

• Red Lodge: multiple stations, premium fuel available.
• Cody: several stations, including truck stops.
• Rock Springs: many options, 24-hour stations.
• Green River, UT: limited hours, diesel available.
• Hanksville: one station, cash or credit, closes early.

Road quality is excellent on Interstates (I-90, I-80, I-25). US-212 (Beartooth) is narrow, winding, and steep with switchbacks. US-191 from Rock Springs to Green River is two-lane highway in good condition. UT-24 is well-maintained but remote. No major construction reported as of 2025.

Cell service: Interstates have 4G LTE; Beartooth Highway has no service for long stretches; US-191 has intermittent service; UT-24 has no service east of Hanksville. Download offline maps and GPS. Satellite communicators recommended.

• Emergency services: Cody and Rock Springs have hospitals. Between towns, call 911, but response may be slow.
• Towing: available in Cody and Rock Springs; limited in Hanksville.
• Weather check: always check conditions before Beartooth Pass (may close suddenly).

Accommodation: Lodging in Red Lodge, Cody, Rock Springs, Green River, and Hanksville. Book ahead in summer. Campgrounds exist along the route. Hanksville has motels and RV parks.

The route offers two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (partially visited) and the Dinosaur National Monument (transboundary, but not officially UNESCO, though adjacent to one). Actually, Yellowstone and the broader Greater Yellowstone area are not UNESCO? Yellowstone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 1978). You'll pass near its northeast entrance via US-212, but the main access is via Cooke City. For a short detour, enter Yellowstone via the Northeast Entrance and see Lamar Valley. This adds 2-3 hours.

• Natural Landscapes: Beartooth Pass (alpine tundra), Shoshone National Forest (absaroka range), Wind River Canyon (deep canyon), Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (red cliffs, reservoir), San Rafael Swell (desert badlands).
• Local Commerce: Red Lodge has art galleries and shops; Cody has cowboy culture; Rock Springs has mining heritage; Hanksville is a gateway to Capitol Reef and Lake Powell.

Agriculture: Ranching dominates Wyoming and Utah. You'll see cattle, sheep, and hay fields. In Hanksville, check out the Hollow Mountain gas station and gift shop (quirky local landmark).

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Along Beartooth Highway, pullouts for lakes (Beartooth Lake, Island Lake). Near Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (five museums in one). From Cody, take US-14 Alt (Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) for a longer but scenic route. Near Rock Springs, visit the White Mountain Petroglyphs (ancient rock art). Near Green River, UT, the Swell (Goblin Valley State Park) is a must-see; take a side trip to Little Wild Horse Canyon for slot canyons. Between Hanksville and Goblin Valley, stop at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) simulation habitat.

Culinary Infrastructure: Red Lodge: The Carbon County Steakhouse (bison burgers). Cody: The Irma Hotel (historic, prime rib). Rock Springs: Bitter Creek Brewing (local beer, pub food). Green River: Ray's Tavern (burgers, fries). Hanksville: Stan's Burger Shak (fast food) or Duke's Slickrock Grill (southwest fare). Vegetarian options limited in smaller towns.