Sheridan to Livingston: A Scenic Drive Through Montana

The drive from Sheridan, WY to Livingston, MT covers 280 miles along I-90 and US-89, taking roughly 4.5 hours without stops. This route follows the historic Bozeman Trail, a key migration route for settlers and gold seekers in the 1860s.

As you cross the Wyoming-Montana border, the landscape shifts from rolling prairies to the dramatic peaks of the Absaroka and Gallatin ranges. Hidden gems include the ghost town of Kirwin, WY, and the natural hot springs near Chico, MT.

I-90 is smooth and wide, but US-89 between Gardiner and Livingston is twisty. Watch for wildlife: elk, bison, and pronghorn are common. Winter requires snow tires and emergency kits.

• Road quality: Good, except for gravel sections on US-16 west of Ten Sleep
• Accident-prone: Sharp curves near Devil's Slide, WY
• Emergency services: Wyoming Highway Patrol, emergency phones at rest areas

Family-friendly stops include the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and the Yellowstone River tubing in Gardiner. For pets, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness has hiking trails where dogs are allowed on leash.

• Wellness: Rest areas near Buffalo (mile 299) and Greybull (mile 45)
• Recommendation: Stop in Cody for a break at the Irma Hotel garden

Interstate 90 is the main artery from Sheridan to Buffalo, then US-16/US-20 west to Greybull and Cody. From Cody, US-89 and US-191 merge north to Livingston. The road is well-maintained, but winter conditions can be treacherous.

• Fuel stops: Sheridan (WY), Buffalo (WY), Greybull (WY), Cody (WY), and Gardiner (MT)
• Tolls: None
• Recommended fuel stations: Shell in Greybull, Exxon in Cody

For a unique stop, visit the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide. The route climbs from 3,700 ft in Sheridan to 6,000 ft near the Wyoming-Montana line, affecting fuel economy.

• Gas prices: Typically higher in Montana due to taxes
• Electric vehicle charging: Limited; Level 2 chargers in Cody and Gardiner

The Bighorn Mountains near Buffalo offer a detour to Cloud Peak Wilderness. Further west, the badlands of the Bighorn Basin give way to the Shoshone River Canyon near Cody. This stretch is a paradise for photographers.

• Best viewpoint: Bald Ridge Overlook on US-16
• Notable local commerce: Buffalo's lumberjack sculptures, Cody's cowboy bars

Near Greybull, the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site features ancient petroglyphs. In Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must. For hidden gems, the guide to finding stops recommends the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Shell.

• Cultural tip: Wyoming's 'Cowboy Joe' culture in Buffalo
• Local cuisine: Bison burgers in Cody, huckleberry pie in West Yellowstone