Cody to Buffalo Wyoming Road Trip Guide

The roughly 160-mile drive from Cody to Buffalo along US-16/US-20 isn't just a connection—it's a journey through the geologic spine of Wyoming. The route crosses the Absaroka Range, skirts the southern edge of the Bighorn Basin, and culminates in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains. One specific fact: the highway passes through the Shoshone National Forest, America's first national forest, established in 1891.

Driving time is about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, but most travelers spend an entire day exploring. The question is it worth driving Cody to Buffalo? Absolutely—the scenery shifts from arid high desert to alpine forests, with the Greybull River and Shell Creek carving dramatic canyons. For tips on unearthing hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a quick reference table with key metrics.

The landscape transitions from the semi-arid Bighorn Basin to the lush Bighorn Mountains. Near Cody, you'll pass the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (worth a stop for its five museums). As you leave Cody, the terrain becomes rugged, with the South Fork of the Shoshone River carving deep canyons.

In Greybull, the Greybull Museum showcases local paleontology—the area is rich in dinosaur fossils. The Bighorn Basin is also known for its bentonite mines and oil fields. Just east of Greybull, the highway crosses the Big Horn River, a popular fishing spot for brown and rainbow trout.

Shell Canyon is the scenic highlight. Sheer limestone cliffs rise hundreds of feet, and Shell Creek tumbles over Shell Falls (a 120-foot cascade accessible via a short paved trail). This area is part of the Bighorn National Forest and is a UNESCO-listed (as part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem) area teeming with mule deer, elk, and black bears.

• Shell Falls: Must-see; $5 day-use fee.
• Medicine Wheel: Off Route 14A; gravel road, high clearance recommended.
• Ten Sleep: Small town with a historic saloon and rock climbing.

Local commerce in Buffalo centers on the historic downtown with Western wear stores, art galleries, and the Occidental Hotel (built 1880). Buffalo is also known for its annual Rodeo Days in July. For culinary stops, try the Busy Bee Cafe in Greybull (classic diner) or the Cowboy Cafe in Buffalo for bison burgers.

US-16/US-20 is generally safe, but watch for wildlife (deer, elk, pronghorn) at dawn and dusk. The Shell Canyon section has sharp curves and a 35 mph speed limit; obey signs. Winter brings snow and ice from October to April—carry chains. Summer afternoons often have thunderstorms with hail.

For families, the best stops Cody to Buffalo include the Cody Firearms Museum (kids love the interactive exhibits) and the Shell Falls Interpretive Trail (easy, 0.25-mile loop). The Bighorn National Forest offers numerous picnic areas with tables and vault toilets. A longer break can be taken at the Ten Sleep Creek picnic area (milepost 109).

Pet-friendly framework: Most National Forest lands allow leashed pets. Shell Falls is also pet-friendly on the paved trail, but dogs are not allowed on the stairs to the lower viewpoint. In Buffalo, the city park off Main Street has a dog waste station. For rest stops, use the pullouts at Granite Pass (elevation 9,003 ft) for stunning views and a break.

• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours. Use Greybull (45 min) and Shell Falls (30 min) as natural break points.
• Rest zones: Rest area at the junction of US-16 and US-20 west of Greybull (no facilities). Better: Buffalo's Airport Park with restrooms.
• Hidden off-route spots: Drive 5 miles north on County Road 47 to see the ancient petroglyphs at Legend Rock (south of Hot Springs State Park). Requires a short hike.

US-16/US-20 is a two-lane highway for most of the route, with occasional passing lanes. The road is fully paved and well-maintained, but winter conditions can be treacherous. Fuel up in Cody (plenty of stations) or Greybull (about 45 miles in). From Greybull to Buffalo, the next reliable gas is in Shell or at the Ten Sleep junction—about 70 miles apart.

Cell service is spotty west of Greybull and through the Bighorn National Forest. Download offline maps before leaving Cody. The best stops Cody to Buffalo include Shell Falls (milepost 78) and the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (via a gravel road).

• Cody to Greybull: 47 miles, 45 minutes. Flat ranchland with views of the Absarokas.
• Greybull to Shell: 22 miles, 25 minutes. Entering the Bighorn Basin rim.
• Shell to Granite Pass: 30 miles, 45 minutes. Curvy climb through Shell Canyon.
• Granite Pass to Buffalo: 63 miles, 1 hour. Descent into the Powder River Basin.