Watford City ND to Pocatello ID: Epic Road Trip Guide

This route begins near the rugged North Dakota Badlands and ends in the high desert of southeastern Idaho, following US-85 south then I-94 west, then US-12 and I-15. The drive covers roughly 540 miles and typically takes 8-9 hours of pure driving time, excluding stops. You'll traverse the Missouri River near Williston, cross the Continental Divide at MacDonald Pass (elevation 6,326 feet) in Montana, and descend into the Snake River Plain.

For context, this route passes through parts of the ancestral lands of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, and later the Shoshone-Bannock tribes. The landscape transitions from the rugged, steep terrain of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park area to the vast, open rangeland of eastern Montana, and finally to the volcanic plains and mountain vistas of Idaho.

Driving fatigue is a real risk, so plan stops every 2-3 hours. Rest areas are well-maintained, and towns like Miles City and Dillon offer safe places to stretch. For coffee, try Big Sky Coffee in Billings or a local drive-through in Bozeman.

Family-friendly: Kids will love the Theodore Roosevelt National Park (near Watford City) for its wildlife (bison, prairie dogs), and the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman with its dinosaur exhibits. In Pocatello, the Zoo Idaho is a small but fun stop. Most attractions have playgrounds or open spaces.

Pet-friendly: Many hotels along the route accept pets (often with a fee), and rest areas have pet-walking areas. For off-leash fun, consider the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Park in Billings or a fenced dog park in Butte (Grizzly Park). Never leave pets in the car in summer; temperatures can soar.

For hidden gems, take a short detour to Pompeys Pillar National Monument (east of Billings) where William Clark carved his name in 1806. Or, near Idaho Falls, visit the Idaho Falls Greenbelt for a peaceful river walk.

The route offers a stunning variety: the colorful badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Watford City, the rolling prairies of Montana, the Yellowstone River valley, and the sagebrush steppe of Idaho. Near Butte, you'll see the Berkeley Pit, a former copper mine now an EPA Superfund site with acidic water—a unique, cautionary sight.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on the route, but nearby you'll find Yellowstone National Park (about 200 miles south of I-90 near Billings) and Glacier National Park (300+ miles north). Both are worth detours if you have time.

Local commerce: In small towns like Baker, MT, and Dubois, ID, you'll find family-run cafes and truck stops. In Butte, try a pasty (a Cornish meat pie) at a local diner. For unique souvenirs, visit the Western Heritage Center in Billings or the World Museum of Mining in Butte.

Primary highways: US-85 from Watford City to I-94 near Glendive, then I-94 west to Billings, I-90 west to Butte, then I-15 south to Pocatello. The road quality is generally excellent; Montana and Idaho maintain their interstates well, with regular rest areas every 50-70 miles. However, be aware of long stretches without services in eastern Montana—fuel up in Watford City, Glendive, or Miles City.

Current gas prices: As of mid-2025, expect around $3.80/gallon in North Dakota, $3.70 in Montana, and $3.90 in Idaho. For a typical car getting 25 mpg, you'll need about 22 gallons, costing roughly $80–$90 total. Diesel is slightly higher. Consider using apps like GasBuddy for live prices.

• Major towns with full services: Williston, ND (15 miles north), Glendive, MT, Billings, MT, Butte, MT, Idaho Falls, ID.
• No toll roads on this route.
• Mountain passes: MacDonald Pass (elev. 6,326 ft) on I-15 near Helena, and Monida Pass (elev. 6,900 ft) on the Montana-Idaho border.
• Cell coverage: Spotty on US-85, but 4G LTE along interstates.