Red Lodge, MT to Garden City, UT Road Trip Guide

The drive from Red Lodge, Montana to Garden City, Utah covers approximately 400 miles along US-212, I-90, and US-89. This route traverses the Beartooth Highway—a stretch known for its hairpin turns and alpine vistas—before descending into the high desert of Wyoming and Idaho. At Red Lodge's start elevation of 5,568 feet and Garden City's 5,930 feet, you'll cross the Continental Divide twice, once at 10,947 feet on Beartooth Pass. The journey typically takes 7–8 hours without stops, but most travelers allocate a full day to absorb the scenery. For a deeper dive, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Beartooth Highway is closed from mid-October to late May due to snow. Even in summer, weather can change rapidly—carry warm layers and rain gear. Speed limits drop to 25 mph on hairpin turns. Use pullouts to let faster traffic pass. Fatigue management is crucial: plan stops every 2 hours or at scenic viewpoints. Ideal rest zones include the Beartooth Basin (ski area in summer), Cody's visitor center, and the Jackson Visitor Center.

• Family suitability: Many kid-friendly attractions: Beartooth Nature Center in Red Lodge; Yellowstone's wildlife; Jackson Hole Aerial Tram; Bear Lake's beaches.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops and trails allow pets on leash; pet-friendly lodging options in Red Lodge (The Yodeler Motel) and Garden City (Bear Lake KOA). Note: National parks restrict pets on backcountry trails.
• Hidden off-route spots: Sunlight Basin (gravel road near Cody, hot springs); American Falls Reservoir (fishing and camping).

Fuel stations are sparse along the Beartooth Highway, so fill up in Red Lodge. After that, reliable gas is available in Cooke City, MT; Cody, WY; and then regularly along I-90. In Wyoming, stations become more frequent near Jackson and Alpine. Expect higher fuel prices in remote areas—budget $60–$80 for the trip.

• Fuel stops: Red Lodge (multiple), Cooke City (one station), Cody (many), Jackson (many), Alpine (few), Garden City (few)
• Road quality: Beartooth Highway (US-212) is narrow with sharp curves; I-90 is well-maintained; US-89 varies from good to fair near the Wyoming/Utah border.
• Tolls: None on this route.

Cellular coverage is patchy on Beartooth Pass (no service for about 20 miles) but consistent along I-90 and near towns. Download offline maps before departure. Restrooms are available at visitor centers and gas stations, but portable toilets are useful for remote stretches.

The most breathtaking section is the Beartooth Highway (US-212), designated an All-American Road. It climbs to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, offering views of alpine lakes, glacial cirques, and tundra. Wildlife frequent the area—bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and marmots are common. Further south, the route skirts Yellowstone National Park's northern edge, then enters the lush Star Valley near the Idaho border. Garden City sits on Bear Lake, an azure lake straddling the Utah-Idaho line.

• Key landscapes: Beartooth Plateau, Shoshone National Forest, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Bear Lake
• Local commerce: Red Lodge is a historic mining town with art galleries; Cody offers Wild West shows and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West; Jackson is a luxury resort hub; Garden City is a quiet lakeside community.
• Souvenirs: Beartooth honey from local apiaries, Wyoming jade, Bear Lake raspberry products.