Cody to Gillette Road Trip: Wyoming's Wild East

This route follows US-14/US-16 east across northern Wyoming, bridging the tourist-heavy gateway to Yellowstone with the coal-rich Powder River Basin. Cody and Gillette sit roughly 220 miles apart, a drive that typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. The landscape shifts dramatically from the sagebrush steppe of the Shoshone River Valley to the rolling plains punctuated by oil pumpjacks.

One of the route's most surprising facts: The highway crosses the historic route of the Bozeman Trail, a 19th-century shortcut to the Montana goldfields that sparked conflicts with Native American tribes. Today, you'll see signs for sites like Fort Phil Kearny, a key location in Red Cloud's War.

US-14/US-16 is well-maintained two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. The speed limit is 65 mph in rural stretches, dropping to 30 through towns. Cell service is patchy east of Cody until Greybull, and again between Midwest and Gillette.

• Gas stations: Cody, Greybull, Buffalo, and Gillette. No services between Buffalo and Gillette for about 70 miles.
• Road conditions: Check WYDOT app. Winter can bring icy patches, especially near Powder River Pass (elev. 9,666 ft) on US-14, though the main route stays lower.
• Rest stops: Scenic overlook at Shell Creek near Big Horn National Forest; rest area at Buffalo visitor center.

For detailed recommendations on planning stops, see this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The drive crosses the Bighorn Basin, known for its badlands and dinosaur fossils. At Greybull, the Greybull River creates a green corridor. East of Buffalo, the terrain opens into shortgrass prairie with cattle ranches and coal mines.

• Natural attractions: Big Horn National Forest south of US-16 offers hiking and fishing. Just off US-16 west of Buffalo is the quaint town of Ten Sleep, with dramatic canyon scenery.
• UNESCO connection: While no direct sites, the route is near the recently nominated Red Desert complex, known for rock art and petroglyphs.
• Local commerce: In Buffalo, the historic Main Street has antique shops and the Occidental Hotel (1880). In Gillette, the Energy Capital of the Nation sign is a must-photo.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for livestock and wildlife (deer, antelope) especially at dawn and dusk. The route is suitable for families with children; attractions include the Greybull Museum (dinosaur exhibits) and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody (allow a full day).

• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops require pet waste cleanup. In Buffalo, the Clear Creek Trail (dog-friendly walking path) is a good break.
• Fatigue management: Schedule breaks every 2 hours. Recommended stops: Shell Falls (US-14, east of Greybull) and the Lake DeSmet Recreation Area (north of Buffalo).
• Hidden off-route: The ghost town of Healy City (US-16 near Powder River Pass) is a cool exploration with fallen cabins.