Cody Yellowstone Road Trips — The Beartooth Pass and More

There’s something special about a road trip. The open road is inviting, the possibilities are endless, and there’s so much to discover! Of course, this is especially true when you have the chance to experience “the most beautiful drive in America” – The Beartooth Highway – and other scenic byways in Cody Yellowstone.

If you’re road-tripping to Cody Yellowstone, you’re in for a real treat — there’s no wrong way to get here! You can choose from five classic driving routes, each of which is overflowing with plenty of natural beauty. Here’s a closer look at a few of our favorite scenic drives here in Cody Yellowstone.

The Beartooth Pass

Spectacular roads, roaming wildlife, and amazing views all await you on the Beartooth Pass. One of our most well-known scenic routes, the Beartooth Highway sprang to fame over a half-century ago when Charles Kuralt (from the CBS program, On the Road) lauded its beautiful (and breathtaking) twists and turns.

The adventure begins before you even reach the highway. Heading north from Cody through the rolling grasslands along Wyoming Highway 120, you’ll pass the western side of Heart Mountain, one of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. From there, turn onto the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and continue across the historic Sunlight Creek Bridge, the highest bridge in Wyoming.

Keep your eyes open for moose, waterfowl and other wildlife as the road passes a 1,200-foot gorge between the granite Beartooth Plateau and the volcanic Absaroka Mountains. When you turn onto U.S. Highway 212 — better known as the Beartooth Highway — it won’t take long to understand why Kuralt called it “the most beautiful drive in America.”

Making your way along this route in the northwestern corner of Wyoming (with a detour into southern Montana to boot), you can stop to explore historic towns that feel like something out of a history book. This 68-mile route also has a summit of 10,947 feet, making it the highest-elevation paved highway in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Suffice it to say, you’ll feel like you’re on the top of the world all the way up here. You’ll also be rewarded with incredible views of towering buttes, limestone spires, plunging canyons, and glaciers.

To complete the broader loop, continue to Red Lodge, Montana, then travel east on Montana Highway 308 through the historic coal-mining community of Bearcreek. From Belfry, follow Montana Highway 72 and Wyoming Highway 120 south along the base of the Beartooth Mountains and past the Clarks Fork Canyon before returning to Cody.

The East Yellowstone Loop

For travelers looking for the ultimate road trip, consider combining the Beartooth Pass with the East Yellowstone Loop — an unforgettable 224-mile route. The East Yellowstone Loop makes its way into Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Gate and winds its way toward the East Gate before returning to Cody.

Want to see even more of Yellowstone?  Consider driving Yellowstone’s entire Upper Loop. Don’t worry, you won’t regret the extra miles, especially since you’ll have the chance to see several landmarks along the way — including Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Geyser Basin — before heading east and connecting with the Eastern Loop.

Once you’re back on the Eastern Loop, you’ll pass Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone — so be sure to bring your camera!

Ready to tackle the Beartooth Highway as well as the East Yellowstone Loop? We recommend setting aside two full days to experience it all. Consider an overnight stay at an in-park lodge such as the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Canyon Lodge.

The Bighorn Basin Loop

The Bighorn Basin Loop is another excellent road trip adventure here in Cody Yellowstone. The loop begins with a 30 miles trek through the broken range and badlands before arriving in historic Meeteetse.

Here, you can stop for delicious sweets at the Meeteetse Chocolatier before exploring the region’s fascinating history at the Meeteetse Museums. Shortly after getting back on the road, you’ll find yourself in Thermopolis, home to mineral hot springs and the steaming terraces of Hot Springs State Park.

The town of Ten Sleep isn’t far from here. If you’re wondering about the origin of that name, it comes from the Native American method of measuring distance by the number of nights it takes to travel from one destination to another.

Heading north along Norwood Road, the route skirts the base of the Bighorns before joining Wyoming Highway 31. It then connects with U.S. Highways 16 and 20 near Manderson and continues toward Basin. On the return trip, you’ll pass through the fertile ranchlands and farmlands of the Greybull River Valley before reconnecting with Wyoming Highway 120 and heading back to Cody.

To make the most of the Bighorn Basin Loop, we recommend setting aside an entire day.

The South Fork Loop

Only have a half-day to spare for the open road? Head out on the South Fork Loop along the Shoshone River.

The drive begins on Wyoming Highway 291, a short distance west of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. From there, the road skirts Cedar Mountain and heads toward the Buffalo Bill Reservoir before following the South Fork of the Shoshone River deeper into the valley.

This scenic 84-mile route highlights some of our region’s many historic ranches — including the TE Ranch, which initially belonged to Buffalo Bill Cody. One of the most interesting landmarks along this drive is the Valley Ranch, which inspired the Dude Ranchers Association’s formation.

The first groups of guests at the Valley Ranch were almost exclusively socialites from the East. They would arrive at the ranch via the Northern Pacific Railroad and enjoy weeks of rugged outdoor adventures. Over a century later, and Cody Yellowstone is still welcoming visitors searching for adventures.

The paved road eventually dead-ends near Deer Creek Campground, so the only way forward is back — though with views this good, you probably won’t mind seeing them twice.

One more thing you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for as you make your way along the South Fork Loop — bighorn sheep! The region is home to one of the largest herds in the country.

The Bighorn Mountain Loop

Another all-day adventure, the Bighorn Mountain Loop heads northeast from Cody through the communities of Powell and Lovell.

Along the way, you can stop near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area before continuing toward Burgess Junction. From there, the route turns south along the western slope of the Bighorn Mountains, passing through open meadows where deer, elk, and other wildlife may be seen.

The broader route also provides access to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, home to free-roaming wild horses. You’ll also come upon a mysterious 74-foot stone circle along this route. What is it? No one is entirely sure, but scientists think it had religious or astronomical implications for an ancient Native American tribe.

The route eventually arrives in Greybull, a town whose name is traditionally associated with a legendary albino bison bull considered sacred by Indigenous peoples. The surrounding region is also known for fossil discoveries and its connection to Wyoming’s prehistoric past.

From Greybull, U.S. Highways 14, 16 and 20 carry you west toward Cody, offering terrific views of the jagged Absaroka Mountains ahead and Heart Mountain to the north.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cody Yellowstone Road Trips

What is the most scenic drive near Cody, Wyoming?

The Beartooth Highway is among the best-known scenic drives near Cody. The route climbs through high-elevation landscapes filled with alpine lakes, mountain peaks, deep canyons and expansive views. Charles Kuralt famously called it “the most beautiful drive in America.”

How long does it take to drive the Beartooth Highway from Cody?

Drive time depends on your route, road conditions and the number of stops you make. A complete Beartooth Loop from Cody is best treated as a full-day trip so you have time for overlooks, wildlife watching, short walks and stops in nearby communities.

Is the Beartooth Highway open year-round?

No. The Beartooth Highway is a seasonal, high-elevation road that typically closes during the colder months because of heavy snow. Opening and closing dates vary each year, so check official road conditions before travelling.

Can you drive from Cody to Yellowstone National Park?

Yes. Cody is located east of Yellowstone National Park and provides access to the park through the East Entrance. Travellers can also reach the Northeast Entrance by following the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Beartooth Highway when seasonal roads are open.

Can you drive the Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone in one day?

It may be possible to cover portions of both routes in one long day, but we recommend setting aside two days. This gives you more time to enjoy the scenery, visit Yellowstone landmarks and avoid rushing along mountain roads.

Which scenic drive near Cody is best for a half-day trip?

The South Fork Loop is a good half-day option. The drive follows the South Fork of the Shoshone River past historic ranches, mountain scenery and prime bighorn sheep habitat before ending near Deer Creek Campground.

Which Cody Yellowstone road trips take a full day?

The Beartooth Loop, Bighorn Basin Loop and Bighorn Mountain Loop are best planned as full-day adventures. Each covers considerable distance and includes enough scenic stops, historic communities and wildlife-viewing opportunities to fill the day.

Where should I stay while exploring Cody Yellowstone’s scenic drives?

Cody makes a convenient base for exploring the region’s scenic routes. Staying in town gives you access to a range of hotels, cabins, lodges, inns and bed-and-breakfasts while allowing you to head in a different direction each morning.

What should I bring on a scenic drive near Cody?

Bring water, snacks, sun protection, warm layers and a full tank of gas. Cell service may be limited in mountain and backcountry areas. It’s also wise to download maps in advance and check current weather, wildfire and road conditions before departure.

THE Open ROAD Awaits!

With so much to see on the byways of Cody Yellowstone, you’ll want to take the time to do your road trip right. If you ask us, the best way to experience all these routes is by setting up your own personal “base camp” and experiencing a different route every day. Cody has many lodges, cabins, hotels, inns, or Bed and Breakfasts for you to call your home away from home. And they all feature unique characteristics that make them special.

Are you ready to hit the open road and explore all that Cody Yellowstone has to offer? Start planning your road trip to Cody Yellowstone today.