Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Reno to Butte

This 750-mile route from Reno, Nevada to Butte, Montana traverses the rugged Basin and Range province before climbing into the Northern Rockies. You'll follow Interstate 80 east to Elko, then US 93 north through Idaho, and finally I-15 into Montana. The drive takes about 11 hours without stops, but you should budget at least two days to appreciate the vastness.

Notably, the section from Wells, NV to Jackpot, NV along US 93 is one of the least populated stretches of highway in the continental US, with only a handful of gas stations. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities becomes essential here.

From the Great Basin sagebrush to the Snake River plain and the Beaverhead Mountains, the scenery shifts dramatically. The Humboldt River follows I-80 through Nevada, while US 93 crosses the Jarbidge Mountains and the Bruneau River canyon. In Idaho, the Snake River Plain offers lava fields and waterfalls.

• Natural Landscapes: Black Rock Desert (Nevada), Bruneau Dunes State Park (Idaho), and the Big Hole Valley (Montana).
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: Jarbidge Wilderness (Nevada), a remote alpine area; City of Rocks National Reserve (Idaho), a climber's paradise; and the ghost town of Bannack (Montana).
• Local Commerce: Basque restaurants in Elko, NV (e.g., Star Hotel); the Suds Brothers Brewery in Jackpot; and the Buffalo Jump in Great Falls, MT.

Interstate 80 east from Reno to Wells is well-maintained with frequent services. After Wells, US 93 north becomes a two-lane highway through high desert. Gas stations are sparse between Jackpot and Twin Falls, ID. Fill up in Wells or Jackpot.

• Reno to Elko: 230 miles, 3.5 hours. Services every 30-50 miles.
• Elko to Jackpot: 120 miles, 1.5 hours. Limited services after Elko.
• Jackpot to Twin Falls: 150 miles, 2.5 hours. Only one gas station in Contact, NV (closed intermittently).
• Twin Falls to Butte: 250 miles, 4 hours via I-84 and I-15. Good services in Idaho Falls and Dillon.

US 93 between Wells and Twin Falls is notorious for wildlife crossings (deer, antelope) and limited cell service. Drive with caution at dawn and dusk. The road quality is good but narrow in places.

• Family and Child Suitability: Kid-friendly stops include the Idaho Potato Museum (Blackfoot), the Museum of the Rockies (Bozeman), and the Lewis and Clark Caverns (Three Forks).
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Many hotels along I-80 and I-15 accept pets. Rest areas often have designated pet areas. Off-leash areas are rare.
• Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Nevada rest areas every 60 miles on I-80; fewer on US 93. Recommended overnight stops: Elko (NV), Twin Falls (ID), Dillon (MT).