Driving Directions to Red Lodge

GETTING TO RED LODGE IS HALF THE FUN!

No matter which season it is or which direction you’re coming from, you’re in for a beautiful drive to Red Lodge. Here are three ways to drive into this delightful town—including via the world-famous Beartooth Highway.

FROM BILLINGS

Coming from Billings or east of Billings, Montana, just about an hour drive from the north of Red Lodge lodging and activities, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of wide open spaces and mountains near and far—you’re heading to the Beartooth Range, after all! Starting from Billings, you’ll take I-90 West to Laurel where you will hop on to Highway 212 South. From there it’s almost a straight shot southwest to the charming town of Red Lodge. If you’re looking to grab a bite or stretch your legs along the way, consider stopping in Laurel or Joliet, Montana. But because it’s such a short drive—and the scenery and places to stay in Red Lodge are so breathtaking—you’ll probably want to drive straight through and get to Red Lodge as fast as you can!

FROM BOZEMAN

This drive takes a little under 2.5 hours but the memories you’ll have from the journey will last a lifetime—in fact, you might want to plan for more in order to fully enjoy this drive! You’ll start by driving East on I-90 into Livingston, Montana, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound if you’re able to make a quick stop. From there, Big Timber, Montana, awaits. Either pass right through or stop for a round of golf at Overland Golf Course—the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. Continue on I-90 until you reach exit 408 in Stillwater County. Take that over winding Yellowstone River, then State Hwy 421 to US-212 W. You’ll roll into Red Lodge in no time and your vacation has officially begun!

FROM YELLOWSTONE

Running 68 miles from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park straight into Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway is one you simply cannot miss. Named The Most Beautiful Roadway in America, Beartooth Highway has made a lasting impression on millions of visitors since its completion in 1936. Its astonishing views and ecosystem-traversing path are all but indescribable. Truly something you’ll have to see to believe!

Leaving the Northeast exit of Yellowstone National Park you’ll find yourself on the famed Beartooth Highway (US 212-E), traveling 68 miles past the Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness and over the Beartooth Plateau. When you reach an elevation of 10,970 feet, you’ll find yourself at Red Lodge, Montana. Plan for three hours on this scenic trip, so you can pull over and fully enjoy the area’s beauty. Also be sure to check that the Highway is open: Beartooth Highway is only open Memorial Day weekend through early October!

FROM CODY

Visitors traveling from Cody can also enjoy a breathtaking drive on the “all-American road,” Beartooth Highway. Travel north on WY 120 for 17 miles until you reach the junction of WY 120 and WY 296 (the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway). From there, you’ll follow WY 296 for about 50 miles to its intersection with The Beartooth Highway (US-212). Turn right towards the Beartooth Plateau and switchback into historic Red Lodge, Montana. The trip takes a little over an hour, but plan for more in order to stop and see the sights! Also, keep in mind that Beartooth Highway is only open Memorial Day weekend through early October.