Red Lodge to Panguitch: Scenic Utah Road Trip Guide

This route crosses the Beartooth Highway (US-212) before merging onto I-90, I-94, and US-191, eventually reaching Panguitch via UT-20. The drive spans approximately 700 miles and takes 11–13 hours without stops. Part of the journey overlaps with the ancient Lake Bonneville shoreline, visible near the Utah border.

Gas stations are sparse between Dillon and West Yellowstone; fill up in Red Lodge. US-191 from West Yellowstone to Jackson is winding but well-maintained. In winter, check pass conditions on UT-20 between US-89 and Panguitch.

• Total drive time: 11–13 hours.
• Recommended fuel stops: Dillon, MT; Idaho Falls, ID; Beaver, UT.
• Road surfaces: Mostly asphalt in good condition; gravel sections on US-212 are rare.
• Tolls: None.

Wildlife crossings are common on US-191 near Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Drive at dawn/dusk with caution. For families, consider a stop at the Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, ID (drive-through wildlife park).

• Pet-friendly: Most motels in Panguitch and Jackson accept pets; Yellowstone NP has restrictions.
• Fatigue management: Rest areas at Ashton, ID; Montpelier, ID; and Beaver, UT.
• Hidden off-route: Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (ID-47) near Ashton offers three waterfalls and fewer crowds than Yellowstone.

Climatic conditions: Summer highs 80°F in valleys; winter temps below freezing. Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft) can have snow into June. Carry chains in shoulder seasons.

Infrastructure quality: I-90 is interstate grade; two-lane highways in Wyoming and Utah are well signed but lack lighting at night.

The Beartooth Highway offers alpine tundra and glacial lakes. Yellowstone National Park (west entrance) is a major detour, featuring geothermal features and bison herds. Between Jackson and Panguitch, the landscape shifts to red rock canyons and high desert.

• how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities
• Best stops Red Lodge, MT to Panguitch, UT: Beartooth Pass, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Fossil Butte NM.
• Local commerce: Jackson Hole art galleries, Panguitch quilt shops.

Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming contains one of the richest fossil fish deposits in the world. Allow 1 hour for the visitor center and short hike.

Panguitch Lake, 20 minutes west of town, offers trout fishing and cabins. The lake is a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville.