Cody to Hanksville Road Trip Guide: Epic Utah-Wyoming Drive

The drive from Cody, Wyoming to Hanksville, Utah spans approximately 380 miles (612 kilometers) and takes about 6 hours of pure driving time without stops. This route follows US-20/US-26 south through the Wind River Canyon, then connects to I-80 west and US-191 south into the heart of Utah's red rock country. Notably, the route passes near the site of the 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty, a critical negotiation between the US government and the Shoshone and Bannock tribes.

To answer the common question, is it worth driving Cody, WY to Hanksville, UT? Absolutely, because this journey traverses three distinct geological provinces: the Absaroka Range, the Wyoming Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. The best stops on this route include natural wonders like Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Dinosaur National Monument.

Understanding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is key to an enriching trip. Check out our guide how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for tips on discovering unexpected treasures along your journey.

The route is generally safe, but remote sections have no cell service. Carry a paper map and download offline maps. Fatigue is a risk on long stretches of straight highway. Plan stops every 2 hours: recommended rest zones include the town of Shoshoni (mile 120), a gas station with clean restrooms, and the Flaming Gorge Visitor Center (mile 300) with great views and amenities.

For families, attractions include the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (world-class dinosaur museum) and the Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer (fossil fish exhibit). Children will enjoy the hot springs pools at Thermopolis and the wildlife viewing along the Green River in Flaming Gorge.

Pet-friendly framework: Most rest stops and hotels allow pets, but national parks like Dinosaur National Monument have restrictions. Always carry water and shade supplies for pets.

• Family attractions: Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Hot Springs State Park, Fossil Butte NM.
• Pet stops: Rest areas along I-80, BLM land for quick walks.
• Fatigue tips: Avoid driving between midnight and 6 AM, when wildlife is most active.

The landscapes evolve dramatically from the alpine forests and volcanic peaks near Cody to the high desert plains of the Wyoming Basin, then to the towering red cliffs and hoodoos of Utah. Notable natural attractions include the Wind River Canyon (a steep granite gorge with exposed billion-year-old rocks), Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (deep blue reservoir amid red canyon walls), and the San Rafael Swell (a massive geological dome with colorful badlands).

Local commerce reflects the region's heritage: in Thermopolis, you can visit hot springs and a small downtown with souvenir shops; in Rock Springs, the coal mining history is evident in museums and eateries; Hanksville offers basic supplies and a welcoming cafe. The area is rich in fossil sites, and the Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry is a must-see for fossil enthusiasts.

• Wind River Canyon: US-20/26 between Thermopolis and Riverton - 19-mile scenic drive.
• Flaming Gorge: off US-191 near the Utah border - spectacular overlooks and hiking.
• San Rafael Reef: off I-70 near exit 131 - dramatic rock formations.

Driving from Cody to Hanksville requires careful fuel planning, as remote stretches have limited services. Gas stations are available in Thermopolis (mile 100), Riverton (mile 145), Rock Springs (mile 240), and Green River (mile 260). After Green River, the next reliable fuel is in Hanksville (mile 380). Cash and credit cards are accepted everywhere, but carry cash for remote area stores.

Estimated total fuel cost depends on your vehicle: a typical sedan might spend $50-70, an SUV $70-100. The roads are well-maintained, but watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope at dawn and dusk.

• Primary route: US-20/US-26 south to US-287/US-287 south to I-80 west to US-191 south.
• Alternative route: US-14 west over the Bighorn Mountains (seasonal) to connect to I-90.
• Road quality: Excellent paved highways, with some two-lane sections in Wyoming.