Sheridan to West Yellowstone Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

The route from Sheridan, WY to West Yellowstone, MT traverses nearly 420 miles of Wyoming and Montana's most dramatic landscapes, following I-90 West then US-191 South. This drive crosses the Continental Divide near Togwotee Pass (elevation 9,658 ft), where the Snake River watershed meets the Atlantic drainage. A lesser-known fact: the town of Sheridan began as a railroad stop in the 1880s, while West Yellowstone originated as a rail terminus for park visitors in the early 1900s. This road trip connects two iconic gateways, offering a deep dive into Rocky Mountain geography and frontier history.

For context on optimizing this journey, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The total travel time without stops is about 7 hours, but few travelers rush this route.

The drive passes through the Bighorn Basin, Absaroka Range, and Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Bighorn Basin around Greybull features badlands, while the Shoshone National Forest near Cody offers alpine vistas. Togwotee Pass provides panoramic views of the Teton Range. West Yellowstone sits at the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of geysers.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (inscribed 1978) lies at the journey's end. While not on the direct route, the park's geothermal features, such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, are accessible from West Yellowstone.

Local Commerce & Culture: Cody, WY, founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, honors its Wild West heritage through the Cody Nite Rodeo (summer evenings) and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Dubois, WY, boasts a National Bighorn Sheep Center. Jackson, WY, offers upscale galleries and stagecoach rides. West Yellowstone's shops sell park gear and local crafts.

Things to do between Sheridan, WY and West Yellowstone, MT: Visit the Sheridan Inn (built 1893), hike the Bighorn National Forest, explore the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis (detour 30 miles south of Greybull), and tour the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale (off US-191). In West Yellowstone, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a must.

The primary highway is I-90 West from Sheridan to the Cody exit (US-14/16/20), then US-14/16/20 West through Cody. After Cody, you'll take US-191 South/WY-22 over Togwotee Pass to Jackson, then US-89/191/287 to West Yellowstone. Key fueling stops include Sheridan, Buffalo, Greybull, Cody, Dubois, Moran, Jackson, and West Yellowstone. Distances between fuel stations can exceed 60 miles in remote stretches. Cell service is intermittent, especially over Togwotee Pass. Download offline maps.

Road Conditions: All highways are paved. US-191 over Togwotee Pass sees snow from October to May; closures are rare but possible. In summer, construction delays occur. Rental cars with AWD recommended if visiting in shoulder seasons.

• Best time to drive: June–September for clear roads and full services.
• Fuel economy: Average 20 mpg; budget for 1.5 tanks (approx 20 gallons total).
• Tolls: None.

Road quality is good, but wildlife crossings (elk, deer, moose, bison) are common, especially at dawn and dusk. Use high beams in unpopulated areas and reduce speed. Weather can change rapidly; carry chains from October to May. Emergency services are limited; nearest hospitals in Sheridan, Cody, and Jackson. A survival kit with water, snacks, and blankets is advisable.

Family and Child Suitability: This route is family-friendly with numerous kid-focused stops. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody has interactive exhibits. In Jackson, the National Elk Refuge offers sleigh rides (winter). West Yellowstone has the Yellowstone IMAX Theatre and ranger-led programs. Rest areas with playgrounds are sparse; plan breaks at restaurants or visitor centers.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most motels in Sheridan, Cody, Jackson, and West Yellowstone welcome pets (check fees). Leashed pets are allowed on most trails in national forests but not in Yellowstone's backcountry. The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center allows pets in outdoor areas. Water bowls and waste bags are provided at many rest stops. In summer, never leave pets in hot cars.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Stretch at the Greybull rest area (mile marker 24 on US-14), the Dubois rest area, and the Snake River Overlook near Moran. Driving beyond 4 hours without a break is unwise. Consider an overnight in Cody or Jackson to split the journey. Local truck stops offer clean facilities.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Detour 10 miles south of Greybull to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (high clearance recommended). Near Dubois, the Brooks Lake Trailhead offers solitude. South of Togwotee Pass, the Turpin Meadow Trail leads to a waterfall. For geocaching enthusiasts, the area around Pinedale has many caches. These spots provide a break from the main road.

How long to drive Sheridan, WY to West Yellowstone, MT: Direct drive is 6-7 hours, but most travelers take 2-3 days to fully experience the region. Is it worth driving Sheridan, WY to West Yellowstone, MT? Absolutely—the diverse landscapes and cultural stops make it a quintessential American road trip.