Sheridan to Hope: An Essential Road Trip Guide

Few road trips capture the essence of the American West as vividly as the drive from Sheridan, Wyoming to Hope, Idaho. This route crosses the Bighorn Basin, traverses the Bighorn Mountains via US-14A with its notorious switchbacks, and eventually rolls into the lush Panhandle of Idaho. The journey spans approximately 650 miles and clocks in at about 10 to 11 hours of driving without stops.

One little-known fact: the town of Shell, Wyoming, along US-14A, marks the point where the landscape shifts abruptly from high desert to alpine forest, a transition visible in the span of just a few miles. This guide is designed to help you navigate every mile, with deep dives into must-see attractions, practical logistics, and hidden treasures. For more on discovering unique stops along any route, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Route Overview and Key Highways

The primary route is I-90 West from Sheridan to Buffalo, then US-16 West over the Bighorn Mountains to Ten Sleep, following US-20/WY-789 to Greybull and Cody. From Cody, US-14A West crosses the Bighorn National Forest into Lovell, then US-310/US-14Alt to Powell. Continue on US-14 Alt/WY-120 to Cody, then US-14A West, then US-310 West to Lovell. Actually, the most direct is US-16 West from Buffalo to Ten Sleep, then WY-434 to WY-30, then US-20 to Greybull, but many travelers prefer US-14A for the scenic Medicine Wheel Passage. After Lovell, take US-310 West into Montana, then I-90 West to Butte, US-93 South to Idaho, and ID-200 West to Hope. This route is well-maintained but includes mountain passes and high-desert stretches.

Driving Times and Distances

The total distance is about 650 miles. With minimal stops, expect 10-11 hours. However, factoring in scenic pullouts, meals, and rest breaks, a one-day drive is feasible but tiring; many split it over two days.

• Sheridan to Ten Sleep: 65 miles (1 hour)
• Ten Sleep to Greybull: 35 miles (40 minutes)
• Greybull to Lovell: 28 miles (30 minutes)
• Lovell to Butte, MT: 270 miles (4 hours)
• Butte to Missoula, MT: 120 miles (1.5 hours)
• Missoula to Hope, ID: 155 miles (3 hours)

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel efficiency varies, but a mid-size SUV gets about 25 mpg. Gas prices along the route are generally lower in Wyoming than in Montana or Idaho. Key fuel stops: Buffalo, Ten Sleep, Greybull, Lovell, Powell, Cody, Red Lodge (if you detour), Butte, Missoula, and Coeur d'Alene. Plan to fill up in towns rather than in remote stretches. The section between Lovell and Butte spans 100+ miles with limited services, so top off in Lovell.

• Estimated fuel cost (round trip, 25 mpg, $3.50/gal): about $182
• Safe budget for gas: $100-$120 one way
• Tolls: None

Weather and Climate Considerations

Summer (June-August) is ideal: temperatures range from 70-90°F in valleys, cooler in mountains. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Bighorns. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have variable weather; snow can linger on mountain passes into May and return in October. Winter (November-March) brings heavy snow and possible pass closures. Check road conditions at wyoroad.info and mdt.mt.gov.

• Best months: June, July, August, September
• Worst months: December, January, February
• Key passes: Powder River Pass (9,666 ft) on US-16; Medicine Wheel Passage (9,000+ ft) on US-14A. Both close in winter storms.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The Bighorn Mountains are the highlight. Ten Sleep Canyon offers granite cliffs and the Ten Sleep Creek, perfect for a quick hike. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (US-14A) is a 9,000-year-old medicine wheel; a short, steep trail (0.5 miles) leads to the wheel. The Bighorn National Forest has numerous overlooks. In Montana, the route parallels the Beartooth Highway (US-212) for a short stretch, offering views of the Beartooth Mountains. As you approach Idaho, the landscape shifts to pine forests and lakes: Lake Pend Oreille near Hope is stunning.

• Medicine Wheel: Access via US-14A, 25 miles west of Lovell. Open June-September. No fee.
• Ten Sleep Canyon: Popular for rock climbing and fishing. Trailheads along WY-16.
• Cody (detour 30 miles): Home to Buffalo Bill Center of the West (five museums under one roof).
• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: South of Lovell; dramatic canyon views.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO World Heritage Sites sit directly on the route, Yellowstone National Park (south of I-90 via US-14/16/20) is a two-hour detour from Cody. Yellowstone is a UNESCO site and biosphere reserve. The route also passes near the monument at Pompeys Pillar (MT), which is not UNESCO but is a National Monument. For UNESCO enthusiasts, consider a side trip to the Frank Slide (Alberta, Canada) or the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park (north of Butte, about 3 hours). However, that extends the trip significantly.

Culinary Infrastructure

Food options range from classic diners to local steakhouses. In Sheridan, stop at The Proud Cut Saloon for prime rib. In Ten Sleep, the Ten Sleep Mercantile & Bakery offers pastries and sandwiches. Greybull has the Busy Bee Café for comfort food. Lovell's White Palace Café serves Mexican-American staples. In Butte, MT, the city is known for pasties (meat pies) at Joe's Pasty Shop. For finer dining in Missoula, try Plonk or Scotty's Table. In Hope, ID, the Hope Café & Bistro offers lakeside dining.

• Breakfast: The Busy Bee Café (Greybull), Joe's Pasty Shop (Butte)
• Lunch: Ten Sleep Mercantile (sandwiches), Plonk (Missoula)
• Dinner: The Proud Cut Saloon (Sheridan), Hope Café (Hope)

Local Commerce and Culture

Sheridan has a historic downtown with boutiques and art galleries. Ten Sleep is a small gateway community; its name comes from a Native American phrase meaning “ten sleeps to the Bighorn River.” Greybull is a ranching town; look for the Greybull Museum. Lovell has a Pioneer Museum. Butte is rich in mining history, with the World Museum of Mining. Missoula is a vibrant college town with breweries and bookstores. Hope is tiny, but nearby Sandpoint offers shopping and art.

• Sheridan: Don King's Western Store for cowboy gear
• Butte: Uptown district historic walking tour
• Missoula: University of Montana campus murals

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

Highways on this route are generally in good condition, but mountain passes can have tight curves and steep grades. US-14A has switchbacks and no guardrails on some sections; drive slowly. US-16 is wider but still winding. Cattle and wildlife (deer, elk, even bears) are common on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk. In Montana sections, I-90 is divided highway but can be windy. In Idaho, ID-200 is narrow but well-paved. Police presence is moderate; speed limits are strictly enforced in small towns.

• Watch for: Wildlife crossings between Ten Sleep and Buffalo; loose gravel on US-14A shoulders.
• Mobile coverage: Spotty on US-14A and US-16 through Bighorns; AT&T and Verizon have best coverage. Download offline maps.
• Emergency services: Wyoming Highway Patrol (307-777-4300); Montana Highway Patrol (406-444-7000); Idaho State Police (208-884-7070).

Family and Child Suitability

This route is family-friendly with several interactive stops. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody (detour) has a youth activity center and shooting gallery. The Bighorn Canyon visitors center offers ranger programs. For nature, the Medicine Wheel is a short, memorable walk. Butte's World Museum of Mining has a mine tour that kids enjoy. Missoula has the Missoula Children's Museum and Splash Montana water park. In Hope, swimming and boating on Lake Pend Oreille are great for families.

• Buffer stops every 2 hours for leg stretching.
• Pack snacks and water for mountain sections.
• Carry a first-aid kit and basic tools.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most motels along I-90 and in towns are pet-friendly; chain hotels (La Quinta, Motel 6) typically allow pets. The Bighorn National Forest and Bighorn Canyon are leash-friendly. Gatherings indoors: some restaurants with patios allow dogs. In summer, never leave pets in the car, even with windows cracked; temps can rise rapidly. Specific pet-friendly stops: Sheridan Dog Park, Missoula's Fort Missoula trail (dogs on leash), and Hope's Sam Owen Campground (leash policy).

• Pet relief areas: Most rest areas have grassy spots.
• Recommended pet-friendly hotels: Super 8 Lovell, Days Inn Butte, Best Western Missoula.
• Always carry water and a travel bowl.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Driving 10+ hours requires planning. Wyoming has rest areas at 30-60 mile intervals on interstates: the rest area near Buffalo on I-90 (eastbound) has picnic tables. The Ten Sleep rest area on US-16 is small but clean. In Montana, I-90 rest areas at Butte and Drummond. In Idaho, rest area at Cataldo (near Coeur d'Alene) with vending machines. Plan to stop every 2 hours or at sightseeing points. Consider overnighting in Greybull (5 hours from Sheridan) or Butte (6.5 hours). Alternatively, stay in Missoula (about 9 hours) before finishing last leg to Hope.

• Suggested split: Overnight in Butte (highways, full services).
• Nap spots: Any scenic overlook or rest area with shade, but lock doors if sleeping in car.
• Caffeine: Coffee at roadside gas stations; try Cowboy Coffee in Sheridan.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just west of Greybull lies the town of Shell, with the Shell Falls a short hike off US-14. The canyon is photogenic and rarely crowded. East of Lovell, the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range (accessible via gravel road) offers views of wild mustangs. Near Butte, the Berkeley Pit is a massive former copper mine, now a toxic lake, but the viewing platform is educational. In Idaho, the Clark Fork River near Hope has quiet fishing spots. For a ghost town, detour to Garnet Ghost Town near Missoula (1 hour off route). These spots require some off-pavement driving but reward with solitude.

• Shell Falls: 0.5-mile paved trail, no fee. Wheelchair accessible.
• Pryor Mountain: Best at sunrise or sunset. High-clearance vehicle recommended.
• Garnet Ghost Town: Open May-September. $3 fee.