Sheridan to Kellogg Road Trip: Scenic Drive Guide

The drive from Sheridan, WY to Kellogg, ID covers approximately 450 miles, traversing the northern Rockies via I-90 and US-14. This route shadows the historic Yellowstone Highway, a path first mapped by Native Americans and later by early settlers seeking gold and timber. One quirky fact: near Cody, WY, the highway actually bends to avoid a sacred Native American burial ground.

The journey takes roughly 7 hours of pure driving, but savvy travelers stretch it to two days to absorb the majesty of the Bighorn Mountains, the Absaroka Range, and the vast Coeur d'Alene National Forest. The route is punctuated by small towns that offer glimpses into frontier life, each with its own character.

More than just a highway, this corridor is a living museum of geological and human history. Our guide, enhanced by tools like how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, ensures you don't miss the subtle wonders.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Bighorn Mountains rise abruptly from the plains east of Sheridan. The Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16) offers panoramic views; key pullouts at Powder River Pass (9,666 ft) and Shell Falls. Further west, the Absaroka Range frames the Shoshone River valley approaching Cody.

Yellowstone National Park dominates the middle third of the route. Even if you don't enter the park, the drive along the North Fork of the Shoshone River is stunning. For a free alternative, take US-14/16/20 through the park's east entrance, but beware the $35 entry fee.

• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (near Lovell, WY): boating, hiking, spectacular canyon views.
• Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range: see free-roaming mustangs.
• Beartooth Highway (US-212): a detour from Red Lodge to Cooke City, rated one of America's most scenic drives.

Local Commerce & Culture

Cody celebrates its Wild West heritage with nightly rodeos in summer (Cody Stampede). The Buffalo Bill Center of the West houses five museums under one roof. Butte, Montana, offers a gritter history: the World Museum of Mining and underground mine tours at the Orphan Girl mine.

Kellogg sits in Idaho's Silver Valley, once the world's richest silver mining district. The Silver Mountain Resort offers summer gondola rides to a mountain-top lodge with views of the Bitterroot Range. Local shops sell silver jewelry and prospecting gear.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

I-90 is a divided highway with wide shoulders and frequent rest areas (every 30-40 miles). On US-14, shoulders narrow and guardrails are present on mountain curves. Runaway truck ramps exist on steep descents near Shell Canyon and Lookout Pass.

Winter driving requires chains or snow tires; states enforce traction laws. Summer brings wildlife: elk, deer, and occasionally bison near the park. Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is family-friendly, with many kid-oriented attractions. In Cody, the Cody Firearms Museum and the Old Trail Town are hits. Yellowstone has Junior Ranger programs. In Kellogg, the Silver Mountain gondola is a thrill for all ages.

Rest stops are well-spaced. Safe places to stretch legs include the Powder River Pass scenic overlook (with bathrooms) and the Cody Visitor Center. avoid stopping on narrow mountain shoulders.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan to stop every 2 hours. Notable rest areas: I-90 westbound near Billings (milepost 450), US-14 at Shell Canyon (milepost 37), and I-90 at Lookout Pass (Idaho/Montana border). For a longer break, overnight in Cody or Butte.

Caffeine and snacks available at Love's and Pilot truck stops. For a sit-down meal, try the Irma Hotel in Cody (historic) or the Casino Bar in Butte (one of Montana's oldest bars).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most hotels along the route accept pets, including Best Western and La Quinta in Cody and Butte. National forest trails allow leashed dogs. Yellowstone restricts pets to developed areas only; consider boarding your dog in Cody or West Yellowstone.

Veterinary clinics: Alpine Animal Hospital in Cody (307-587-5010), Butte Animal Clinic (406-494-3777).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off US-310 near Lovell, the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is an ancient Native American stone circle. Reachable via a 1.5-mile hike, it offers solitude and sweeping views.

Near Butte, the Berkeley Pit is a massive open-pit copper mine now filled with acidic water; viewing platform open daily. Or head to the ghost town of Elkhorn, a few miles north of the interstate.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Summer days average 70-85°F, but drop to 40s at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Rockies. In fall, aspens turn gold, creating photo ops along US-14. Winter brings heavy snow and occasional closures, but the scenery is starkly beautiful.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-90 but become sparse on US-14 through the Bighorn National Forest. Plan to fill up in Sheridan (many stations near I-90 exit 23) and then again in Buffalo (exit 58) before climbing into the mountains. In Cody, fuel is available right on US-14/16/20, but prices are typically 10-15 cents higher than in Sheridan.

Road quality is excellent on Interstates but varies on two-lane highways. US-14 over the Bighorns includes steep grades (up to 8%) and sharp switchbacks, especially near Shell Canyon. The pavement is generally well-maintained, but after winter storms, sections can be icy or covered with gravel. For real-time conditions, call Wyoming DOT at 511.

Avoid driving this route between November and March unless you're equipped for snow. Summer months (June–August) see heavy tourist traffic through Yellowstone, adding up to 2 hours to the drive. The best windows are late May or September, when crowds thin and temperatures are moderate.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices vary by state: Wyoming averages $3.20/gal, Montana $3.10, Idaho $3.25, and Washington $3.70 (if you detour). At an average fuel economy of 25 mpg, the total fuel cost for the 450-mile drive is approximately $58.50. Budget a bit more for the mountain climbs.

• Sheridan gas stations: Safeway, Sinclair, Exxon — typically lowest prices in region.
• Buffalo: Loves Travel Stop (exit 58) has diesel and RV lanes.
• Cody: Sinclair and Conoco on Main Street.
• Butte: Flying J (exit 127) and several others.
• Kellogg: Chevron and Shell on I-90 exit 49.