Introduction
The drive from Red Lodge, Montana, to Wallace, Idaho, spans roughly 400 miles and crosses two major mountain ranges. A unique fact: the route includes the Beartooth Highway (US-212), which reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, one of the highest paved roads in the Rockies. The journey typically takes 7-9 hours of pure driving, but with stops, plan for at least two days.
This guide covers the best stops from Red Lodge to Wallace, including Yellowstone National Park, the ghost town of Garnet, and the historic Coeur d'Alene mining district. For tips on finding hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
| Segment | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Red Lodge to Cooke City | 70 mi | 2 hrs |
| Cooke City to West Yellowstone | 90 mi | 2.5 hrs |
| West Yellowstone to Missoula | 170 mi | 3 hrs |
| Missoula to Wallace | 70 mi | 1.5 hrs |
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
The Beartooth Highway has tight switchbacks and no guardrails in some sections. Use lower gears for descents. Watch for gravel trucks. Family-friendly stops: Yellowstone's visitor centers have kid-oriented exhibits. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone is a hit with children.
- Pet-friendly: Most national forest lands allow leashed pets; Yellowstone restricts pets to developed areas.
- Rest zones: Cooke City, West Yellowstone, Butte, Missoula.
- Fatigue: Plan to stop every 2 hours; scenic pullouts on Beartooth offer breaks.
Hidden off-route spots: Garnet Ghost Town (northeast of Missoula) requires a short unpaved road but offers a well-preserved mining camp. In Idaho, the Hiawatha Trail (bike rail-trail) is a family-friendly option near Lookout Pass. For culture, Wallace's Oasis Bordello Museum provides quirky local history.
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
Most of the route follows US-212 (Beartooth Highway) and I-90. The Beartooth is only open late May to mid-October due to snow. Check road conditions at MDT (Montana Department of Transportation). Fuel is available in Red Lodge, Cooke City, West Yellowstone, and Missoula; between these, stations are sparse, especially on the Beartooth.
- Gas up in Red Lodge; next reliable fuel is in Cooke City (70 mi).
- West Yellowstone has multiple stations; fill up before heading west on US-20.
- Missoula has abundant fuel; final stop before Wallace.
Tolls: None. Major passes: Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft) and Lookout Pass (4,730 ft). Speed limits: 45-65 mph. Cell service is intermittent on Beartooth and in remote stretches; download offline maps.
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
The Beartooth Highway offers alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and wildflower meadows in July. Key stops: Rock Creek Vista, Beartooth Lake, and Island Lake. Wildlife: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bears. The route then enters Yellowstone National Park's north entrance at Gardiner, then west to Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin.
- Mammoth Hot Springs: Terraced limestone formations.
- Norris Geyser Basin: Steamboat Geyser, the world's tallest active geyser.
- West Yellowstone: Gateway town with museums and dining.
Beyond Yellowstone, US-20 crosses the Gallatin National Forest and then I-90 through Butte and Deer Lodge. Butte's historic mining district features the World Museum of Mining. Near Missoula, the National Bison Range offers bison herds. In Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene River valley leads to Wallace, a historic silver mining town listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Red Lodge, MT to Wallace, ID?
Pure drive time is 7-9 hours, but with stops for scenery and attractions, plan for 2 days.
Is it worth driving the Beartooth Highway?
Absolutely. It's one of the most scenic drives in the US, with alpine views, wildlife, and access to Yellowstone.
What are the best stops between Red Lodge and Wallace?
Yellowstone National Park, the town of Cooke City, and the historic mining district of Butte. Also consider Garnet Ghost Town and Wallace's Silver Valley.
Is the route pet-friendly?
Pets are allowed on Forest Service lands and in most pullouts, but not on Yellowstone trails or in buildings. Keep pets leashed.
What is the road quality like on US-212?
Paved but winding, with steep grades and potholes in spring. In summer, it's well-maintained. Snow possible even in July.