Red Lodge to Stanley Road Trip Guide: Scenic Montana-Idaho Adventure

The drive from Red Lodge, Montana to Stanley, Idaho covers roughly 350 miles and takes about 6 hours without stops. The route follows US-212, I-90, US-287, and ID-75, crossing the Continental Divide twice.

This journey traces the edge of the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest volcanic system in North America. The Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge to Cooke City is famously winding, with 20 switchbacks and an elevation gain of over 5,000 feet.

For context, the two highest points on US-212 are Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet) and the summit near Cooke City. This makes it one of the highest-elevation highways in the United States.

To make the most of your trip, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

This route delivers a stunning variety of ecosystems: alpine tundra on Beartooth Pass, pine forests in the Shoshone National Forest, and the sagebrush steppe of the Centennial Valley.

• Beartooth Highway: Known as "the most beautiful drive in America" by Charles Kuralt. Wildflowers peak in July.
• Gallatin River: Rafting and fishing near West Yellowstone.
• Salmon River: Follows ID-75 from Salmon to Stanley, offering views of the Bitterroot Range.

Local commerce includes art galleries in Red Lodge, fly-fishing outfitters in Cooke City, and hot springs in Stanley. Visit the Beartooth Nature Center in Red Lodge for wildlife encounters.

Idaho's gem mining is a draw; you can try panning for sapphires at the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine in Philipsburg (a slight detour but worth it).

The route crosses two states, Montana and Idaho, and passes through small towns. The speed limit on US-212 is 45-55 mph due to curves, while I-90 allows 80 mph.

Cellular coverage is spotty especially on the Beartooth Highway and in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Download offline maps before departing Red Lodge.

• Fuel stations: Red Lodge, Cooke City, West Yellowstone, Salmon, and Stanley are spaced 50-70 miles apart. Do not skip a chance to refuel at West Yellowstone.
• Road conditions: Beartooth Highway (US-212) is open only from late May to mid-October. Snow can occur even in summer; check weather.
• No tolls on this route.

Estimated driving time without stops is 6 hours, but plan for 8-9 hours with photo stops, meals, and rest breaks. The road is paved but narrow in sections.

West Yellowstone is the last major town for supplies before Salmon, Idaho, so stock up on snacks and water.

Safety on the Beartooth Highway demands caution: 20 mph hairpin turns, steep drop-offs with no guardrails in some sections, and potential for sudden storms. Use low gear for descending to avoid brake fade.

• Best rest stops: Beartooth Basin (ski area in summer with picnic tables), Island Lake Campground, and the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River overlook.
• Family-friendly: Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, and the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot (detour).
• Pet-friendly: Allowed on leash at most overlooks. Keep dogs away from wildlife.

Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. The drive from West Yellowstone to Salmon is long and straight, so take breaks at the Earthquake Lake overlook (site of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake).

Cell service is absent for long stretches; inform someone of your itinerary. Carry a paper map and extra water.