Cody to Garden City: Epic Wyoming-Utah Road Trip Guide

The drive from Cody, Wyoming to Garden City, Utah traverses 420 miles of the American West, crossing the Continental Divide via US-20 and US-89. This route includes a unique fact: the highway passes through the Bear River watershed, which drains into the Great Salt Lake via the Bear River—the longest river in North America that doesn't reach the ocean.

How long to drive Cody, WY to Garden City, UT? Expect 7-8 hours without stops, but plan for 10-12 hours to enjoy the best stops Cody, WY to Garden City, UT has to offer. Is it worth driving Cody, WY to Garden City, UT? Absolutely—the scenery shifts from high plains to alpine forests and finally to the lake-studded landscapes of Bear Lake.

For deeper discovery, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: Highlights include the Absaroka Range, the Wind River Range, and the turquoise waters of Bear Lake. Things to do between Cody, WY and Garden City, UT: hike at Teton Pass, visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society, or explore the Oregon Trail sites near Cokeville.

Local Commerce & Culture: The best stops Cody, WY to Garden City, UT include the Cody Nite Rodeo (summer evenings), the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and the Jackson Town Square. In Garden City, try Bear Lake raspberry shakes and visit the Bear Lake State Park Marina.

Culinary Infrastructure: Dining options range from cowboy steakhouses in Cody to farm-to-table in Jackson. Notable pit stops: The Rustic Inn (Cody) for buffalo burgers, Cafe Genevieve (Jackson) for Southern comfort, and La Beau's (Garden City) for seafood.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-89 through the Star Valley is well-maintained but winding. The Snake River Canyon section (near Alpine) has steep grades and blind curves. Winter tires required Nov-Apr. Construction common in summer; check WYDOT and UDOT apps.

Family and Child Suitability: Kid-friendly stops include the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram (Jackson), the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival (August), and the Utah State University Botanical Center (Kaysville, off-route but nearby).

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most lodges in Jackson and Garden City allow pets for a fee. Rest stops (e.g., Dirty Annie's, Bondurant) have designated pet areas. Always carry water for hot days.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Designated rest areas: between Cody and Powell (no services), near Moran Junction (restrooms), and at the Utah Welcome Center (just north of Garden City). Plan breaks every 2 hours.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Astoria Hot Springs (near Jackson, $20 entry), the ghost town of Giles (west of Muddy Creek), and the bear river hot springs near Dingle (Idaho, free).

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas stations are plentiful in Cody and along US-20, but become sparse between Dubois and Moran Junction (about 80 miles). Fill up in Dubois. Expect prices 10-20% higher than national average. Towing services are limited; AAA coverage recommended.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is nearby, this route stays south of the park. However, you can detour 30 minutes north to visit the park's South Entrance. Alternatively, the Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer is a notable paleontological site.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Weather shifts dramatically. Cody is semi-arid; the Teton Pass (8,431 ft) can have snow even in June. Summer highs: 80s°F (27-32°C) in valleys, 60s°F (15-20°C) at passes. Fall colors peak in late September along the Hoback River.