
Days 1-3 — Bozeman to the Beartooth Highway
~150–250 mi across this legEase into the journey from Bozeman through charming mountain towns and over spectacular alpine passes.
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| Total Days | 15 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,713 mi |
| Start / End | Bozeman, MT to Bozeman, MT |
| States Covered | Idaho, Montana, Wyoming |
| Who It Fits | Families, wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and mountain explorers |
| Best Season | Summer to early Fall (June–September) |
Starting and ending in Bozeman makes this 15-day itinerary a logistical dream for RV travelers. Because it is a roundtrip loop, you completely avoid one-way drop fees, leaving more room in your travel funds for excursions and premium campsites. The 1,713 mi journey seamlessly connects the rugged charm of Montana, the geothermal wonders of Wyoming, and the river-carved landscapes of Idaho. Traveling by motorhome means you can wake up to alpine sunrises near Bear Tooth Pass, cook family meals after exploring Cody, and sleep under the stars just outside America's most iconic national parks—all without unpacking your suitcase.
With 1,713 mi to cover over 15 days, this trip requires a steady but manageable pace. We recommend embracing slow travel, allowing ample time for scenic detours and wildlife viewings. Here is how the regional flow of the trip breaks down:
Begin your adventure by picking up your RV in Bozeman and heading toward the charming streets of Red Lodge. This opening leg is all about elevation and awe as you prepare to cross the legendary Bear Tooth Pass. The driving is incredibly scenic, requiring careful navigation of mountain grades, so take your time and utilize pull-offs to admire the alpine splendor.
Descending into Wyoming, the pace slows down as you immerse yourself in the legacy of the Wild West in Cody. From there, you will enter the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. Expect shorter driving days here, but long hours spent outside the RV marveling at geothermal features like Old Faithful, watching for bison and wolves, and exploring the park's immense natural beauty.
Leaving the immediate Yellowstone area, the route loops westward into Idaho. This stage offers a relaxing contrast to the high-traffic national parks. Enjoy the river city delights of Idaho Falls, where you can stroll along the water, visit local museums, and enjoy a slightly faster highway pace across open valley landscapes.
The final push takes you north through Montana's big sky country toward the crown jewel of the north: Glacier National Park. The pacing here is dictated by the majestic Going-to-the-Sun Scenic Route. After exploring the glacial valleys and towering peaks, you will enjoy a straightforward, reflective drive back to your starting point in Bozeman.
This tri-state loop is packed with diverse experiences. While the specific stops will depend on your daily pace, the route offers a wealth of activities for every type of traveler:
To comfortably cover 1,713 mi and fully experience Yellowstone, Glacier, and the surrounding towns, 15 days is the ideal timeframe. This allows you to average just over 100 miles of driving per day, ensuring you have plenty of time for hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing at your campground.
Absolutely. This specific loop is considered one of the quintessential American road trips. It combines the country's first national park, historic frontier towns, and some of the most breathtaking alpine highways in the world into one cohesive journey.
This route is perfect for families looking for an educational and awe-inspiring vacation, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the freedom of RV travel. The mix of intense natural beauty and accessible town amenities makes it universally appealing.
Summer (late June through August) and early Fall (September) are the only reliable times to complete this entire loop. Crucial roads like Bear Tooth Pass and the Going-to-the-Sun Scenic Route are closed due to snow for much of the year. Always check local road conditions and seasonal closures when planning.
When budgeting for this 15-day adventure, keep a few key logistical factors in mind. First, the 1,713 mi distance means you will likely need to purchase an extended mileage package from your RV host. Be sure to review the mileage allowances during the booking process. Because this is a roundtrip starting and ending in Bozeman, you will not have to worry about one-way drop fees.
Vehicle size is another critical consideration. While large Class A motorhomes offer incredible comfort, some of the scenic roads on this route (particularly the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park) have strict length restrictions. A nimble Class B campervan or a mid-sized Class C motorhome is often the best choice for navigating mountain passes and national park campgrounds. For specific vehicle restrictions and campground reservation windows, be sure to check the planning resources on RV PLANET.
Ready to secure your vehicle for this unforgettable Wild West loop? View the full Bozeman Roundtrip itinerary and book your RV on RV PLANET today.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →
| Nearby RV rental stations | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Bozeman), Cruise America- 26-E (Bozeman), Blacksford USA - 26 E (Bozeman) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $550–$750 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $630–$1,190 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $500–$700 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of state park and private campground stays, and summer travel rates. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.

Ease into the journey from Bozeman through charming mountain towns and over spectacular alpine passes.

Immerse yourself in Wild West history and the geothermal wonders of America's first national park.

Cross into Idaho for river city delights, cascading falls, and relaxing scenic drives.

Head north to experience dramatic glacial valleys and iconic scenic routes before concluding the loop in Bozeman.
Total cost for this 15-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,713 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Bozeman → Bozeman pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Bozeman pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Nexus Triumph 29T Blacksford USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 8 | 29.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Bozeman → Bozeman route.
Picking up in Bozeman but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: