Introduction
The Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge, MT, climbs over 10,000 feet before descending into Wyoming, a feat of engineering that opened in 1936. This road trip to La Grande, OR, covers 550 miles of changing terrain, from alpine tundra to high desert.
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lodge to Cody, WY | 70 mi | 2.5 hr |
| Cody to Greybull, WY | 70 mi | 1.5 hr |
| Greybull to Buffalo, WY | 50 mi | 1 hr |
| Buffalo to Sheridan, WY | 30 mi | 35 min |
| Sheridan to Gillette, WY | 120 mi | 2 hr |
| Gillette to Wright, WY | 50 mi | 1 hr |
| Wright to La Grande, OR | 160 mi | 3 hr |
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
The route uses US-212, US-14, I-90, US-87, and I-84. Total drive time is 10-12 hours without stops. Best stops Red Lodge, MT to La Grande, OR include Cody, Sheridan, and the Bighorn Mountains.
- Fuel: Stations every 30-50 miles; fill up in Cody (44.5°N, -109.0°W), Greybull (44.5°N, -108.1°W), and Wright (43.8°N, -105.5°W).
- Road quality: I-90 and I-84 are excellent; Beartooth Highway is winding with switchbacks but well-maintained.
- Season: Beartooth Highway open late May to mid-October; rest of route year-round.
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
The Beartooth Highway offers views of glacial lakes and granite peaks. In Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains provide pine forests and rock formations. High desert near La Grande features sagebrush and canyons.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites (nearby): Yellowstone National Park (south of Red Lodge) is a UNESCO site, but not directly on route. The route itself includes no UNESCO sites, but the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a notable natural area.
- Climatic Conditions: Summers: 70-85°F in valleys, 50-60°F at high passes. Winters: below 0°F with snow; check road conditions.
- Culinary Infrastructure: In Red Lodge, try the Red Lodge Cafe for breakfast. Cody offers the Irma Hotel restaurant. La Grande has local breweries like Mount Emily Ale House.
- Hidden Off-Route Spots: Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (off US-14A, near Lovell, WY): an ancient Native American stone circle. Detour adds 20 miles.
- Local Commerce: Red Lodge has art galleries and shops. Sheridan is known for Western wear stores. La Grande has a historic downtown with boutique shops.
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
Road safety: Beartooth Highway lacks guardrails in sections; drive slow. I-90 has heavy truck traffic. Fatigue management: Plan rest stops every 2 hours.
- Family Suitability: Kids enjoy the Beartooth Highway's wildlife (mountain goats, marmots) and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.
- Pet-Friendly Framework: Most motels allow pets (e.g., Best Western in Cody). Keep pets leashed in national forest areas.
- Rest Zones: Recommended stops: Rock Creek Vista (Beartooth Pass), Powder River Pass (Bighorn Mountains), rest area near Moorcroft, WY.
- Things to do between Red Lodge, MT and La Grande, OR: Visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (detour north of Sheridan), explore the Bighorn National Forest, stop at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (further south).
For more tips on finding hidden gems along the way, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to drive Red Lodge, MT to La Grande, OR?
The drive covers about 550 miles and takes 10-12 hours without stops, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Is it worth driving Red Lodge, MT to La Grande, OR?
Yes, especially if you enjoy diverse landscapes from alpine tundra to high desert. The Beartooth Highway is a highlight, and the route offers historical sites, wildlife, and cultural stops.
What are the best stops between Red Lodge and La Grande?
Top stops include Cody (Buffalo Bill Center), Sheridan (historic downtown), Bighorn National Forest, and the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark.
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