Red Lodge to Keystone: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Red Lodge, Montana to Keystone, South Dakota covers roughly 400 miles and crosses some of the most dramatic terrain in the American West. This drive begins on US-212, the legendary Beartooth Highway, which climbs to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass before descending into Wyoming. The highway was completed in 1936 and was named a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road due to its breathtaking alpine scenery.

From there, the journey continues through the high plains of Wyoming and into the Black Hills of South Dakota, ending at the iconic Mount Rushmore. Driving time is about 6-7 hours without stops, but plan for at least two days to fully experience the highlights. The optimal season is late May through September, as Beartooth Pass closes in winter due to heavy snow.

Route Overview

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse along this route, especially on the Beartooth Highway portion. Fill up in Red Lodge before heading out. The next reliable fuel is in Cody, WY (about 68 miles). After Cody, gas is available in Greybull, Worland, Buffalo, Gillette, and Sundance. Prices can be 10-20¢ higher in remote areas. Estimated fuel cost for a mid-size sedan is about $50–$70 one way.

• Red Lodge: multiple stations, competitive prices
• Cody: several stations, slightly higher than Red Lodge
• Buffalo: good options, reasonable
• Sundance: last chance before Black Hills

Accommodation Along the Route

Lodging ranges from rustic cabins to mid-range motels. In Cody, book ahead during summer due to tourist demand. Buffalo offers historic hotels and modern chains. Sundance has limited options but nearby small towns have more. For those wanting to break the drive, consider staying in Buffalo or Gillette.

• Cody: Best Western, Holiday Inn, or local lodges
• Buffalo: Historic Occidental Hotel, Super 8
• Gillette: many chain hotels
• Sundance: modest motels

How long to drive Red Lodge, MT to Keystone, SD?

Direct driving time without stops is 6-7 hours. However, with photo stops, meals, and detours, plan for 10-12 hours. Many travelers split it into two days, especially to enjoy the Beartooth Highway and Black Hills attractions.

Beartooth Highway: Alpine Tundra and Glacial Lakes

The first 68 miles from Red Lodge to the Wyoming border are the most visually spectacular. The road climbs through switchbacks above treeline, with views of snowfields and wildflower meadows in July. Numerous pullouts offer views of the Beartooth Mountains and the Absaroka Range. This section is not recommended for RVs over 40 feet due to steep grades and tight turns.

• Top of the World Store: highest elevation store on US-212, at 10,000 feet
• Island Lake: a picturesque glacial lake just off the highway
• Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft): panoramic views, often snow-lined even in June

Black Hills: Granite Peaks and Pine Forests

Approaching Keystone, the scenery shifts from plains to the forested Black Hills. This area is rich in Native American history and home to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. The Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road offer thrilling drives with tunnels and pigtail bridges.

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial: iconic presidential faces
• Custer State Park: wildlife viewing (bison, elk) and scenic drives
• Needles Highway: narrow granite spires and tunnels

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mount Rushmore is not a UNESCO World Heritage site, but the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial (private) and the overall Black Hills cultural landscape are of significant heritage value. On the Montana side, the Beartooth Highway is recognized as a National Scenic Byway but not UNESCO listed.

Local Commerce and Culture

Red Lodge has a quaint downtown with art galleries and breweries. Cody is famous for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a complex of five museums. Buffalo has a historic downtown with western saloons and the Occidental Hotel. Sundance is the birthplace of the Sundance Kid, with a small museum. In Keystone, souvenir shops and cafes cater to Mount Rushmore tourists.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

US-212 Beartooth Highway is well-maintained but narrow with no guardrails in some sections. Watch for loose gravel and wildlife (deer, elk). In Wyoming, interstates I-90 and I-25 are smooth divided highways. The Black Hills roads have sharp curves and tunnels; obey speed limits. Winter driving is hazardous; the Beartooth section closes October to May.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is family-friendly with many educational stops. Kids enjoy the Buffalo Bill Center, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park’s wildlife loop. The Beartooth Highway offers short nature trails suitable for children. Plan bathroom breaks; facilities are limited on the Beartooth section.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are allowed at most outdoor stops but not inside museums or Mount Rushmore’s visitor center. Carry water and food as few services are on the high-altitude stretch. In Custer State Park, keep pets on a leash due to wildlife.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For a detour, head to the ghost town of Kirwin in the Shoshone National Forest (requires high-clearance vehicle). Near Sundance, visit the Devils Tower National Monument (40 miles north), a stunning igneous formation and the first US national monument.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

The drive includes long stretches of highway. Rest areas exist near Cody (west of town) and Buffalo (I-25 rest stop). Use these to nap. Consider downloading audio guides or podcasts. Coffee and snacks are available at gas stations. Break every 2 hours.

Climatic Conditions and Route Aesthetics

Summer temperatures range from 60-80°F in the mountains to 80-90°F in the plains. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Rockies. In the Black Hills, summer can be humid. The aesthetic changes from alpine meadows to arid plains to pine forests. Fall colors peak in late September.

Things to do between Red Lodge, MT and Keystone, SD

Don’t miss the Beartooth Highway scenic drive, Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Lovell, and the Vore Buffalo Jump near Sundance. In the Black Hills, visit Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. For a great guide on finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.