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

The route from Red Lodge, Montana to Kemmerer, Wyoming covers approximately 430 miles, mostly along US-212, I-90, US-310, and US-287. This drive takes you through the heart of the Rocky Mountains, past the iconic Beartooth Highway, and across the high plains of Wyoming. One notable fact: the Beartooth Highway (US-212) is one of the highest paved roads in the Rockies, reaching 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, and is typically open only from late May to mid-October due to snow. The estimated driving time is 7 to 8 hours without stops, but plan for a full day to enjoy the scenery.

This guide answers the key questions: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Whether you're wondering about things to do between Red Lodge and Kemmerer, is it worth driving this route, or the best stops along the way, we've got you covered.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

• Beartooth Highway: alpine tundra, glacial lakes, wildflowers. Stop at Beartooth Lake and Island Lake for photos.
• Yellowstone National Park: accessible via the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City; but this adds significant time. Best as a side trip.
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: near Lovell, WY; stunning canyon views.
• Thermopolis Hot Springs: the world's largest mineral hot spring; public bathhouse available.
• Boysen State Park: near Shoshoni; fishing and camping.
• Wind River Canyon: scenic drive with towering cliffs.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range: east of Lovell; see mustangs.
• Legend Rock Petroglyph Site: near Thermopolis; ancient rock art.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: detour south of Kemmerer; red rock canyons.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Cody: Buffalo Bill Center of the West (five museums).
• Thermopolis: Wyoming Dinosaur Center; good for kids.
• Kemmerer: Fossil Butte National Monument; fossil exhibits.
• Local crafts: Western art galleries in Cody; native jewelry in Thermopolis.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route does not directly pass any UNESCO sites, but Yellowstone National Park (UNESCO) is a detour. Fossil Butte National Monument is a National Natural Landmark. For cultural heritage, the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain (near Lovell) is a National Historic Landmark.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

• Beartooth Highway: high elevation, cold even in summer; sudden thunderstorms.
• Cody and east: semi-arid; hot summers, cold winters.
• Wind River Canyon: wind gusts can be strong.
• Best time: June to September for Beartooth; year-round for lower elevations but winter requires snow tires.

The primary route from Red Lodge to Kemmerer involves multiple highways. Start on US-212 (Beartooth Highway) south to I-90 west, then US-310 south to Cody. From Cody, take US-20/US-14/US-16 south to Thermopolis, then US-20 south to Shoshoni, and US-26 west to US-287 south to Kemmerer. This route avoids major mountain passes except Beartooth. Alternatively, a longer but more straightforward option is I-90 west to US-14/16/20 via Greybull, but that misses the Beartooth scenery. Cellular coverage is sporadic in remote stretches; download offline maps. Gas stations are spaced roughly 50-70 miles apart; fill up in Red Lodge, Cody, Thermopolis, and Rawlins.

Fuel and Route Economics

• Red Lodge: multiple gas stations; average price $3.50/gal
• Cody: cheaper fuel; $3.30/gal
• Thermopolis: moderate prices; $3.40/gal
• Kemmerer: similar to Thermopolis; $3.45/gal
• Total fuel cost for a typical sedan: ~$50-60

No toll roads on this route. Towing a trailer is possible on most highways, but note that the Beartooth Highway has steep grades and sharp curves unsuitable for large RVs. Road conditions in winter can be hazardous; check weather before departure.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

• Beartooth Highway: narrow, no guardrails in some sections; proceed slowly.
• I-90 and US-310: well-maintained.
• US-20 and US-26: two-lane highways with moderate traffic.
• Cell service: absent in Beartooth and parts of Wind River Canyon; carry satellite phone or offline maps.
• Wildlife: elk, deer, and bears; dusk/dawn caution.

Family and Child Suitability

• Red Lodge: family-friendly; hiking, Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Cody: rodeo in summer; Buffalo Bill museum.
• Thermopolis: hot springs pool; Dinosaur Center.
• Kemmerer: Fossil Butte; visitor center with hands-on exhibits.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Most national forests allow leashed pets; Beartooth District.
• Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis): pets allowed on trails but not in pools.
• Fossil Butte: pets on leash allowed on trails.
• Many motels along route are pet-friendly; check ahead.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

• Take breaks every 2 hours; rest areas exist at scenic pullouts.
• Recommended stops: Beartooth Lake (walk), Cody (lunch), Thermopolis (hot springs soak).
• Designated rest areas: I-90 east of Laurel; US-20 near Thermopolis.
• Alternate driver strategy: switch at Cody or Thermopolis.

Culinary Infrastructure

• Red Lodge: Cafe Regis; Italian-American.
• Cody: The Millstone; coffee; Cassie's Supper Club; steak.
• Thermopolis: Sterk's Grocery; deli; OneEye's BBQ; casual.
• Kemmerer: The Tamarack; diner; Pizza Hut; fast food.
• Picnic spots: Beartooth Lake, Bighorn Canyon overlooks.