Cheyenne to Orderville: Scenic Utah Road Trip Guide

The I-80 corridor west from Cheyenne follows the route of the Transcontinental Railroad, which was completed at Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869. The drive covers approximately 700 miles and takes about 10.5 hours of pure driving, but plan for two days to fully appreciate the landscapes.

This guide covers the essential logistics, natural wonders, and practical tips for making the journey from Wyoming's high plains to Utah's canyon country. We'll focus on what matters: safe driving, memorable stops, and avoiding fatigue.

The most direct route is I-80 West to I-15 South, then UT-20/UT-89 to Orderville. As of 2024, gas prices average $3.20/gallon in Wyoming and $3.50 in Utah; the full trip will cost roughly $90 in fuel for an average sedan. Budget for additional costs if you drive a larger vehicle.

• Major highways: I-80, I-15, US-89
• Road quality: Excellent pavement on interstates; two-lane highways in Utah are well-maintained but winding.
• Tolls: None on this route.
• Rest areas: Frequent along interstates; none on US-89 between Kanab and Orderville.

Cell service is generally reliable on interstates but spotty in rural Utah; download offline maps before leaving. There are no tolls, but watch for speed limit changes in small towns.

I-80 across Wyoming is prone to high winds and sudden blizzards; check weather forecasts. In Utah, watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk at dawn and dusk. The roads are well-maintained, but long stretches have limited services.

Family-friendly stops include the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site in Laramie, the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, and the Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal (a short detour). For kids, these offer interactive exhibits.

Rest zones: The I-80 rest areas at Laramie and Rawlins are modern and safe. For fatigue management, the Wyoming Highway Patrol recommends stopping every two hours. A scenic break at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area provides a refreshing walk. For hidden gems, consider the dry falls in Goblin Valley State Park (a slight detour) or the quiet trails at Red Canyon near Bryce Canyon.

Pet-friendly: Most rest areas have pet areas. National parks require leashes, but many roadside pull-offs allow off-leash dogs if under control. Keep a gallon of water for your pet, as Utah summers are hot. For more tips on planning stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route traverses four distinct ecoregions: Wyoming's shortgrass prairie, the Colorado Plateau, the Wasatch Front, and Utah's high desert. Weather varies dramatically: Cheyenne can see snow in September, while Orderville averages 300 sunny days a year. Summer temperatures in Utah often exceed 95°F.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the route include Mesa Verde National Park (detour from Cortez, CO) and the Grand Canyon (further south). Closer to Orderville, Zion National Park is a designated UNESCO site, but visit it on a separate day to avoid detours. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, though not UNESCO, offers stunning geology.

For local commerce, stop in Helper, Utah, a historic coal town with antique shops and a mining museum. In Orderville, the Orderville Mercantile offers groceries and local crafts. Farm-to-table options exist but are limited; plan meals ahead.