Cody to Evanston Road Trip Guide: Scenic Wyoming Drive

The drive from Cody to Evanston spans 410 miles along US-20, US-26, and I-80, crossing the Continental Divide twice and traversing three distinct geologic provinces: the Absaroka Range, the Wind River Basin, and the Wyoming Basin. This route is notorious for its sudden elevation changes — you'll climb from 5,082 feet in Cody to 7,400 feet at South Pass before descending to 6,800 feet in Evanston.

Local legend says the stretch between Shoshoni and Rawlins was once a thoroughfare for outlaws escaping the law, with the Red Desert offering natural concealment. Today, it's a corridor of stark beauty and solitude. For tips on finding the best stops that align with your interests, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel costs average $45-65 for a standard sedan, with prices highest in Cody and Evanston and cheapest in Riverton and Rawlins. Gas stations are plentiful in towns but sparse on remote stretches like between Lander and Farson (70 miles with no services).

• Major fuel stops: Cody (multiple stations), Riverton (several), Lander (2-3), Farson (single station), Rawlins (abundant), Rock Springs (abundant), Evanston (abundant).
• Restrooms: Available at all fuel stops, plus rest areas near Dubois and Wamsutter.
• Road quality: US-20/US-26 is well-maintained two-lane highway; I-80 is smooth Interstate.

The route's infrastructure is excellent for a cross-country drive, with cell coverage strongest along I-80 and in towns, but spotty between Dubois and Lander, and across the Great Divide Basin. Download offline maps before leaving Cody.

The Absaroka Range east of Cody gives way to the Wind River Canyon, a 16-mile geologic cut through ancient granite. The canyon's cliffs expose 2.9-billion-year-old rocks, among the oldest on Earth. After Lander, the landscape opens into the Great Divide Basin, an endorheic basin where water doesn't flow to any ocean.

• Notable geologic sights: Wind River Canyon (mile 42-58), Red Desert (mile 250-300), Killpecker Sand Dunes (off-route near Farson).
• Unique flora: Sagebrush steppe dominates, with stands of limber pine on ridges.
• Wildlife alerts: Pronghorn, mule deer, wild horses in the Red Desert; bighorn sheep in Wind River Canyon.

Local commerce along the route reflects Wyoming's resource economy: from Cody's tourism-focused shops to Rawlins' truck stops and Evanston's energy-industry services. Handcrafted leather goods and Navajo-style jewelry appear in trading posts near Lander and Farson. The Wind River Indian Reservation (outside Lander) offers authentic beadwork and fry bread.

I-80 between Rawlins and Evanston is known for high winds, especially in winter, with gusts exceeding 60 mph. Semitrucks are common, and passing requires extra caution. The two-lane sections east of Rawlins have no median; head-on collisions are a risk if drowsy.

• Family-friendly stops: Wind River Canyon scenic pullouts, Dubois Museum (dinosaur fossils), Lander's City Park, Rock Springs Historical Museum, Bear River State Park (near Evanston).
• Pet-friendly: Most rest areas allow dogs on leash; off-leash areas in Lander (Poppet Park) and Rock Springs (Kiwanis Park).
• Fatigue management: Plan breaks every 2 hours. Top rest zones: Wind River Canyon rest area (mile 55), South Pass rest area (mile 145), Wamsutter rest area (mile 280).

Hidden off-route spots include the abandoned town of South Pass City (turnoff at mile 140, 5 miles south), a well-preserved ghost town from the gold rush. Also, the Killpecker Sand Dunes (near Farson) offer hiking and sledding on sand, a surreal experience in Wyoming's desert.