Cody to Ely: A Wyoming-to-Nevada Road Trip Guide

This road trip connects two vastly different worlds: Cody, Wyoming's rugged cowboy culture with Ely, Nevada's mining history. The route traverses the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Great Divide Basin, and the Great Basin Desert, offering an unparalleled cross-section of the American West.

Did you know that the route crosses the historic Oregon Trail near Farson, WY, where emigrants once faced the daunting Sweetwater River crossing? Approximately 400,000 pioneers passed this way between 1840 and 1860.

For a deeper dive into planning, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Total driving distance: 600 miles (966 km). Estimated driving time: 9–11 hours without stops. The route follows US-26 east from Cody to Riverton, then US-287/US-20/US-191 south to Rock Springs, then I-80 west into Utah to exit 378 (UT-30), continuing on US-6/US-50 west to Ely.

While the full drive can be done in one day, multiple overnight stops are recommended to absorb the scenery and avoid fatigue. The route is isolated in places—fuel stations can be 100+ miles apart, especially in Nevada.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The drive begins in the Shoshone National Forest, with views of the Absaroka Range. As you head south, the landscape transitions to high desert plains of the Great Divide Basin. Near Rock Springs, you'll see the Killpecker Sand Dunes, the largest active dunes in North America. In Utah, the Wasatch Mountains rise abruptly, then the route descends into the Great Salt Lake Desert. Western Utah and Nevada feature basin-and-range topography—vast valleys separated by north-south mountain ranges.

• Wind River Canyon: Spectacular 15-mile gorge south of Thermopolis.
• Fossil Butte National Monument: Near Kemmerer, WY, with perfectly preserved fish fossils.
• Great Basin National Park: Near Ely, NV, home to ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no direct UNESCO World Heritage sites lie on the route, two nearby sites are worth detours:

• Yellowstone National Park (1.5 hours west of Cody) – a UNESCO site with geysers and wildlife.
• Monte Verde (Chile) is irrelevant; but if you take I-80, you can detour to the Golden Spike National Historical Park (not UNESCO but historically significant).

Local Commerce & Culture

Cody is steeped in Buffalo Bill history, with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Riverton is the gateway to Wind River Indian Reservation. Rock Springs has a strong immigrant history—try the local pasties (Cornish meat pies). Ely’s downtown preserves the Nevada Northern Railway Museum and historic hotels.

• Cody: Cowboy bars and western gear shops.
• Rock Springs: Basque cuisine from immigrant sheepherders.
• Ely: Mining-themed casinos and antique stores.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options are concentrated in towns. Cody has steakhouses and breweries. Rock Springs offers diners and Mexican food. Between them, there are few options—pack snacks. In Nevada, Baker has a couple of cafes; Ely has several restaurants serving American fare and Mexican food.

• In Cody: Irma Hotel (historic), Pat O'Hara Brewing.
• In Rock Springs: Bitter Creek Brewing, Shanghai Chinese Restaurant.
• In Ely: The Jailhouse Casino's steakhouse, Mario's Italian.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Overall, the route is safe but requires vigilance. US-50 in Nevada has long sections with no cell reception and minimal traffic. Always carry water, blankets, and a first-aid kit. I-80 in Wyoming can be treacherous in winter with high winds and ice patches. The two-lane highways have softer shoulders; avoid drifting off.

1. Keep headlights on at all times in rural areas.
2. Watch for livestock on open range in Wyoming.
3. Beware of truck traffic on I-80 and on US-50 (fewer but fast).

Family and Child Suitability

Children will enjoy the museum in Cody and the dinosaur exhibits at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (detour). In Ely, the Nevada Northern Railway offers steam train rides. Long stretches can bore kids—download audiobooks and travel games. The route has many scenic pullouts for breaks.

• Thermopolis: Hot springs pool and dinosaur museum.
• Rock Springs: Western Wyoming Community College's natural history museum.
• Great Basin National Park: Junior Ranger program and cave tours (reserve ahead).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most motels and some national forest land allow pets. National parks have restrictions; pets must be leashed and cannot enter buildings or trails beyond parking lots. Great Basin National Park permits dogs only on paved roads and in developed areas. Plan for pet-friendly lodging in Rock Springs and Ely.

• Carry plenty of water and a bowl; desert areas are hot and dry.
• Stop at rest areas with shade for exercise.
• Carry vaccination records for interstate travel.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detour 30 miles south of I-80 near Little America, WY, to see the Killpecker Sand Dunes and the Boar's Tusk (a volcanic remnant). Near Delta, UT (south of US-6), visit the Topaz Mountain for sunstones and geodes. Just east of Ely, stop at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, where beehive-shaped ovens were used for smelting.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan to stop every 2 hours. Key rest areas include: Buffalo Bill State Park (WY), Green River Rest Area (I-80 in WY), Salt Lake City (UT) at the Utah Welcome Center, and the Baker Rest Area (NV). Consider an overnight stop at Rock Springs or Salt Lake City to split the drive.

1. Stretch legs and hydrate at each stop.
2. Avoid driving between 2–4 PM when drowsiness peaks.
3. Use cruise control to reduce fatigue on long straightaways.

Fuel Stops and Planning

Fuel availability is the primary logistical concern. In Wyoming, reliable stations exist in Riverton, Rock Springs, and Green River. Once you enter Nevada on US-6/US-50, the next fuel is in Baker (a small town with limited hours) before Ely—a gap of about 100 miles.

• Always top off when below half a tank.
• Carry a spare fuel can if driving a high-consumption vehicle.
• Check station hours in advance—some rural stations close early.
• Credit cards widely accepted but carry cash for remote areas.

Road Quality and Conditions

Most of the route is paved and well-maintained. US-26/287 through Wyoming is two-lane highway with moderate traffic. I-80 is divided highway with numerous truck stops. US-50 in Nevada is famously known as 'The Loneliest Road'—two lanes with minimal services.

1. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk.
2. Cell service is sporadic from Rock Springs to Ely; download offline maps.
3. Winter conditions can be severe; check forecasts and carry chains.
4. Road construction delays are common in summer.

Costs and Budget

Gas costs approximately $70–$90 (regular) for the whole trip at $3.50/gal. Tolls: None. National park entry (if detouring to Grand Teton or Great Basin): $35/vehicle. Budget $40–$60 per person per day for food and lodging.