Red Lodge to Pocatello: Best Stops & Drive Guide

This route traces the path of the historic Nez Perce Trail, a poignant reminder of the 1877 flight of the Nez Perce people. As you drive, you'll follow the Yellowstone River through the Beartooth Mountains, then cross the high plains of Wyoming and Idaho, ending in the Portneuf Valley. The drive covers roughly 340 miles, which typically takes about 5.5 to 6 hours of pure driving time. But the question of whether it's worth it is answered by the diversity of landscapes and attractions you'll encounter.

This table provides a segment-by-segment breakdown, but note that actual times vary with traffic and stops.

Safety is a priority: always carry a spare tire, emergency kit, and extra water, especially in remote sections. Cell coverage is intermittent on US-287; download offline maps before you go. For families, the route offers educational stops like the Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, which is a drive-through wildlife park. Children also enjoy the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, which has dinosaur exhibits. For pets, most motels are pet-friendly but verify in advance; there are no designated pet rest areas, so use rest stops.

To combat fatigue, plan rest stops every 2-3 hours. The Montana rest areas along I-90 are well-maintained, and the Idaho Falls rest area has scenic views. Hidden off-route spots include the Lewis and Clark Caverns near Whitehall (a state park with guided tours) and the ghost town of Virginia City, which is a bit off the beaten path but worth a detour. Local commerce also includes the historic bars of Livingston and the shops of downtown Idaho Falls.

Most of the drive uses Interstate 90 West from Red Lodge to Livingston, then US-287 South to West Yellowstone. From there, US-20 West takes you to Idaho Falls, before joining I-15 South to Pocatello. Alternatively, you can take the more scenic Beartooth Highway (US-212) to Yellowstone, which adds time but offers alpine views. The road quality is generally excellent: I-90 and I-15 are well-maintained, while US-287 and US-20 are rural two-lane highways in good condition. Winter driving can be hazardous due to snow and ice, especially over mountain passes like Homestake Pass (elevation 6,329 feet).

• Fuel prices are typically lower in Montana than in Wyoming or Idaho; fill up in Billings or Bozeman to save money.
• There are no tolls on this route.
• Rest areas are plentiful along interstates, but sparse on US-287; plan stops in towns like Three Forks and Dillon.
• The fastest route is via I-90 and I-15, bypassing Yellowstone, and takes about 5.5 hours.
• The scenic route through Yellowstone adds about 2 hours but includes the Beartooth Highway, a designated All-American Road.

For more tips on finding hidden gems, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route showcases the transition from the rugged Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to the rolling plains of southern Montana, then to the volcanic landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and the Snake River Plain. Near West Yellowstone, you'll find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yellowstone, known for its geothermal features like Old Faithful. In contrast, the small towns along the way—such as Big Timber and Three Forks—offer local commerce like ranching supplies and artisan shops.

Culinary infrastructure is spotty; while Billings and Bozeman have diverse dining options, smaller towns may only have basic cafes. However, you'll find excellent local beef in Montana and famous Idaho potatoes in the east. The region's agriculture also supports farmers' markets in season, especially in Bozeman and Idaho Falls.