Cody to Alpine: Wyoming's Wild Beauty on US-14/16

The 128-mile drive from Cody to Alpine on US-14/16 (the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway) crosses the eastern slope of the Absaroka Range and drops into the Snake River valley. At the summit, the road reaches 7,903 feet at Sylvan Pass, a remnant of an ancient volcanic caldera. This route is the shortest link between the Bighorn Basin and Jackson Hole, yet it sees only a fraction of the traffic on US-191 through Teton National Park.

Estimated driving time without stops is 2 hours 30 minutes, but most travelers spend 4 to 6 hours exploring pullouts, trailheads, and picnic areas. The highway follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River for the first 80 miles, then climbs through lodgepole pine forests before descending into the Greys River drainage. For tips on planning your own adventure, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The Wapiti Valley is one of the most recognizable geologic corridors in the lower 48: the buff and rust-colored cliffs form the Wapiti Formation, a 50-million-year-old lake deposit. Stop at the Wapiti Overlook (milepost 13.5) for a view of the volcanic tuff formations. Farther east, Pahaska Tepee (historic hunting lodge of Buffalo Bill Cody) marks the boundary of Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance. The summit at Sylvan Pass offers a panoramic view of the Absaroka Range, and the glint of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Moose, visible from the summit on a clear day, is a local trivia point.

• Must-see: Shoshone River Canyon west of Cody; look for bald eagles along the cliffs
• Photography tip: early morning light on the Wapiti Valley walls is optimal
• Hidden gem: Flagstaff Lake (milepost 42) – a 2-mile hike to a secluded alpine lake with no crowds

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Yellowstone National Park, adjacent to the route at Pahaska Tepee, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated 1978). The East Entrance is one of the quieter gateways, with fewer than 10% of park visitors entering here. While you don't need to pay entrance for the short section of the byway that skirts the park boundary, a stop at the Pahaska Tepee visitor center provides access to exhibits on the 1988 fires and the area's geothermal history.

Culinary Infrastructure

Cody offers the most dining variety; after departure, the only lunch option is the Wapiti Way Station (café with sandwiches and hand-pies, open 7 am–5 pm) and the Pahaska Tepee Café (burgers and patty melts, 10 am–6 pm). For a finer meal, the Cody Cattle Company serves Northwest-style steak dinner with a Western show nightly. In Alpine, try the Silver Creek Grille for trout and bison burgers.

Local Commerce and Culture

This is rural Wyoming: no chain retailers beyond Cody. The Wapiti General Store sells locally made jams and honey. In Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (five museums under one roof) is a flagship cultural institution. For a taste of local life, visit the Irma Hotel's nightly gunfight reenactment (free, 6 pm in summer). Between Cody and Alpine, the only commerce is seasonal – a few ranch stands selling firewood and gravel outside of Wapiti.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse east of Cody: the only reliable fuel stops are in Wapiti (30 miles from Cody) and at Pahaska Tepee (52 miles from Cody). From Pahaska Tepee to Alpine, there are no services for 76 miles. Fill up in Cody, where gasoline tends to be 5 to 10 cents cheaper than in the mountain towns.

• Price range (regular unleaded in Cody): $3.50–$3.80/gal (as of 2025)
• Diesel available at all Cody stations; limited to Pahaska and Wapiti for premium gas
• Electric vehicle charging: no public Level 2 or DC fast chargers on the route; plan for 200+ miles range, or charge in Cody (Chevron on Yellowstone Ave has a Level 2 unit)

Road Quality and Seasonal Closures

US-14/16 is fully paved and maintained year-round, but from November through May, snow and ice are common above 6,000 feet. The road closes during severe winter storms, typically for a few hours to a day. Summer construction delays occur near the East Entrance to Yellowstone (Pahaska area) and along the Greys River bridge replacement (2025 schedule). Tire chains are required for all vehicles from November 1 to April 30; rental chains available in Cody at O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

NHTSA data for Park and Teton counties shows an above-average rate of wildlife-vehicle collisions on this corridor, especially at dawn and dusk. The road has no median divider; yellow center lines mark passing zones. Guardrails are inconsistent east of Sylvan Pass. Speed limit is 65 mph on open stretches, 55 in curves, but 90% of drivers choose 55–60 mph. In 2024, there were 8 reported deer strikes; 2 involved bison near the East Entrance.

Family and Child Suitability

The route is excellent for families who enjoy short walks and educational stops. The Pahaska Tepee visitor center has a small kids' activity corner (fossil rubbings, scavenger hunt). Best stops for kids under 12: the Wapiti Overlook (short, paved path), the Shoshone River fishing pier at milepost 20 (bring a net), and the Greys River bridge where osprey nest. No playgrounds exist on the route; pack a ball for rest stops at pullouts.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Dogs are allowed on the byway and on most Forest Service trails (on leash). The Wapiti Way Station has a shaded deck with water bowls. At Sylvan Pass, dogs can walk the boardwalk but not enter Yellowstone National Park trails (only service animals allowed in the park). Pet waste bags are not provided at pullouts; bring your own. Many motels in Cody are pet-friendly; in Alpine, the Best Western is the only chain accepting dogs (fee $25/night).

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

With long stretches of monotonous curves east of Sylvan Pass, fatigue is a real issue. Designated rest areas: Wapiti Rest Area (milepost 14, restrooms open 24 hours, no water), Pahaska Tepee parking lot, and the Greys River Pullout (milepost 91, pit toilets). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends a 15-minute break every 2 hours; plan your stops at the scenic overlooks to combine rest with sightseeing. If you feel drowsy, pull into any wide gravel shoulder – they are frequent every 5 miles.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Two miles south of the main route via Forest Road 304 (just past Pahaska) is the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness trailhead for the 4-mile (round-trip) hike to Island Lake, a turquoise gem that sees almost no visitors. Another secret: the ghost town of Crandall, accessible by county road 7QR off US-14/16, contains three wooden cabins from the 1890s mining boom. Note: these require high-clearance vehicles. For families with sedans, the best hidden spot is the North Fork Fishing Access (milepost 34) – a grassy area along the river with a picnic table and shallow pools for wading.