Sheridan to Spokane: Epic Road Trip Guide Across Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington

Highway 14 west out of Sheridan climbs the eastern face of the Bighorn Mountains via a series of tight switchbacks known as the 'Bighorn Scenic Byway'. This road, officially designated US-14, gains over 3,000 feet in elevation within 15 miles, exposing travelers to dramatic vistas of the Powder River Basin falling away behind. The route then descends into the Bighorn Basin near Cody, crosses the Absaroka Range, and threads through the Gallatin and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests before entering Idaho and finally Washington.

The total driving distance from Sheridan, WY to Spokane, WA is approximately 680 miles (1,094 km). How long to drive Sheridan, WY to Spokane, WA? Estimated driving time is 10–11 hours without stops, but a two-day journey is recommended to experience the attractions. Is it worth driving Sheridan, WY to Spokane, WA? Absolutely—the route traverses three distinct mountain ranges, the Yellowstone Plateau, and the Columbia River Basin, offering some of the most varied scenery in the Northern Rockies.

The Bighorn Mountains present a subalpine ecosystem of spruce-fir forests and alpine meadows, home to moose and bighorn sheep. Descending into Cody, the semiarid Bighorn Basin features badlands and the Shoshone River canyon. West of Cody, the route enters the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where volcanic peaks dominate the skyline.

Yellowstone National Park is the crown jewel: geysers, hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. While the park requires an entrance fee ($35 per vehicle), it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bucket-list detour. The route then crosses the Continental Divide at Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 ft) into Idaho's Snake River Plain, an expansive agricultural region known for potatoes and grain.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (1978).
• Other notable attractions: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Lewis and Clark Caverns (MT), and the historic town of Wallace, ID.
• Local commerce: Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, or the farmers' markets in Missoula and Spokane for local produce and crafts.

Road quality on I-90 is excellent, but US-14 and US-20 feature winding mountain sections with steep grades and potential rockfalls. Winter tires are mandatory from October to April; chain laws may apply. Summer thunderstorms can cause sudden visibility drops. Wildlife (elk, deer, bear) is common at dawn and dusk; high beams and vigilant scanning reduce risk.

• Family suitability: Yellowstone is very family-friendly with easy boardwalks, but high-altitude hiking can be strenuous. Kid-friendly stops include the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (West Yellowstone) and the historic carousel in Missoula.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most national forest trails allow leashed dogs, but Yellowstone restricts pets to developed areas. Many motels along the route are pet-friendly; check in advance for fees.
• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours or 100 miles. Recommended rest zones: Lovell, WY (Bighorn Canyon overlook), West Yellowstone (on-site lodging), and Butte (Our Lady of the Rockies overlook).

For discovering unique off-route spots, how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities provides strategies for exploring like a local.

The primary route follows I-90 and I-94 after Yellowstone, but a scenic alternative uses US-20 through the centennial valley of Idaho. Fuel stations are plentiful along interstates but sparse on US-14 and US-20—plan fuel stops in Cody, West Yellowstone, Ashton (ID), and Butte. Gas prices tend to be 10-15% higher in remote tourist towns like West Yellowstone compared to Butte or Spokane.

• Sheridan to Cody: Gas available in Dayton, Ranchester, and Cody.
• Cody to West Yellowstone: Next fuel at Wapiti (limited) or Yellowstone (high prices).
• West Yellowstone to Butte: Stations in Ashton (ID), St. Anthony, and Idaho Falls.
• Butte to Spokane: Interstate corridor with regular exits.

For budget-conscious travelers, filling up in Butte or Missoula can save money before entering Washington. Estimated fuel cost for a typical SUV (20 mpg) at $3.50/gallon: about $119. Carrying an extra gallon can provide peace of mind in the high-desert stretches between Butte and Spokane.