Buffalo to Afton WY: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Buffalo to Afton, Wyoming, follows the old Mormon Trail and crosses the Continental Divide at 9,000 feet. This 343-mile drive takes about 5.5 hours of pure driving time, but plan a full day to absorb the scenery. The journey traces the Bighorn Mountains, the Wind River Range, and the Salt River Range, offering a cross-section of Wyoming's geologic diversity.

Start on I-25 west, merge onto I-90 west to Greybull, then follow US-16 over the Bighorns. At Worland, take US-20 and US-26 through Thermopolis and Riverton. Continue on US-189 south to US-191, then follow US-191 south through Pinedale and Big Piney to reach Afton. The landscape shifts from high desert to alpine forest to arid canyon, with a few small towns along the way.

Road quality is generally good, with paved highways and well-maintained shoulders. However, watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk at dawn/dusk. The route has limited lighting; night driving is not recommended due to livestock on roads.

For families, the route offers interactive stops: the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center near Cody (detour), the Hot Springs State Park's bathhouse, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson (further detour). The drive is child-friendly with frequent restroom breaks and fast-food options in Worland and Riverton. For pets, many hotels along the route are pet-friendly; be cautious of rattlesnakes when hiking.

Fatigue management: plan stops every 2 hours at the rest areas mentioned. Carry water and snacks; services are limited. Hidden off-route spots include the Leigh Creek Trailhead near Buffalo, and the Hoback Canyon east of Alpine wait—this is off-route? Actually, it's on US-191. A true hidden gem is the town of Fort Washakie, home to the Sacagawea Cemetery, a quiet place to stretch legs. For things to do between Buffalo, WY and Afton, WY, consider a detour to the Swinging Bridge in Ten Sleep or a dip in the hot springs in Thermopolis. The route is safe for well-prepared travelers.

Fuel stops are sparse: fill up in Buffalo, Worland, Riverton, and Kemmerer (last chance before Afton). Prices vary by $0.30–0.50 per gallon. There are no tolls. Cell service drops between Ten Sleep and Thermopolis, and again near Bondurant.

• US-16 has steep grades (6%) and switchbacks over Powder River Pass.
• US-26 through Wind River Canyon is narrow with rockfall areas.
• US-191 south of Pinedale has long straightaways with gusty winds.

Public restrooms are available at rest areas near Buffalo, Ten Sleep, and Pinedale. Road construction common in summer; check WYDOT alerts. Winter travel requires 4WD or chains, as snow is possible from October to May. For information on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, see our guide.

The Bighorn Mountains offer alpine lakes and meadows, while the Wind River Canyon exposes billion-year-old granite. The route passes near Wind River Indian Reservation; respect tribal lands. The drive is is it worth driving Buffalo, WY to Afton, WY? Absolutely, for the variety.

In Thermopolis, visit Hot Springs State Park (free) and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. At Dubois, the National Museum of the American West showcases Western art. The town of Pinedale is a gateway to the Winds; the Museum of the Mountain Man details fur trade history. Afton boasts the world's largest elk antler arch, a must-see. Local diners serve classic Western fare like buffalo burgers and huckleberry pie; try the Cowfish in Pinedale or the Afton Mercantile.

For best stops Buffalo, WY to Afton, WY, include Ten Sleep's canyon, the town of Meeteetse (with its historic saloon), and the Greybull Museum. These small stops offer a taste of rural Wyoming culture.