Cody to Hatch Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The route from Cody, Wyoming to Hatch, Utah is a 500-mile odyssey that crosses the Continental Divide twice, dips through the Bear River Range, and skirts the edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert. It was along this corridor that the Cherokee Trail once ran, connecting the Rockies to the Pacific. Today, US-20, US-89, and I-15 form the backbone of this journey, with a driving time of about 8.5 hours without stops—but you'll want to stretch that to at least two days to truly absorb the landscapes.

This guide breaks down every aspect of the trip, from fuel economics and child-friendly stops to hidden off-route treasures. For a deeper dive on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey begins in Cody, WY, heading west on US-20/US-16. After 52 miles, you'll reach the Wapiti Valley and the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Bypassing the park (to save time and fees), continue south on US-20 through Shoshone National Forest. At Moran Junction, turn south onto US-89/US-191, then take US-89 south through the Star Valley. In Montpelier, ID, pick up US-30 west to I-15, which leads south to Utah. At Brigham City, take UT-13 to reconnect to US-89 into Hatch.

Fuel, food, and lodging are plentiful in Cody, Jackson Hole (just off route), Afton (WY), and Montpelier (ID). The remote stretches between Cody and Jackson (about 100 miles) have fewer services—plan accordingly. Gas prices tend to be higher in tourist areas like Jackson and lower in Idaho. A typical mid-sized SUV will cost roughly $60-80 in fuel for the entire trip.

• Route: US-20/US-16 West from Cody → US-89 South at Moran → US-30 West in Montpelier → I-15 South → UT-13/US-89 to Hatch
• Major junctions: Cody (WY), Moran Junction (WY), Montpelier (ID), Brigham City (UT)
• Services interval: Highly variable; fill up when half-tank is reached
• Road quality: Good to excellent; watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk

This route showcases a telescoped version of the Western US: from the volcanic plateaus of Wyoming to the Great Basin's salt flats and the crimson cliffs of southern Utah. The section from Cody to the Yellowstone border offers views of the Absaroka Range, with peaks like 10,000-foot Trout Peak. As you climb Togwotee Pass (8,400 ft), the landscape shifts to alpine tundra, then descends into the forested Snake River Valley near Jackson.

South of Jackson, US-89 follows the Salt River through the Star Valley—a lush farming region known for its dairy farms. The local commerce here is anchored by cheese factories (try the curds) and small-town markets. In Afton, you'll find the World's Largest Elkhorn Arch (a fun photo stop). Crossing into Idaho, the route passes through Montpelier, a historic railroad town, then links to I-15. The interstate cuts through the Portneuf Valley, but soon you'll be in the Great Basin, where the land flattens into sagebrush steppe. As you approach Brigham City, the Wasatch Range rises to the east, and the terrain turns into red rock canyons south of Ogden. Finally, US-89 climbs into the Sevier Plateau, offering views of fish hatcheries and pine forests before descending into Hatch, a gateway to Bryce Canyon.

• Natural highlights: Togwotee Pass, Salt River Range, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (near Brigham City)
• Local commerce: Star Valley cheese shops, Montpelier antique stores, Brigham City's fruit stands (peaches in summer)
• Fuel stops: Jackson (WY), Afton (WY), Montpelier (ID), Tremonton (UT), Brigham City (UT)
• Lodging: Rustic cabins in Afton; chain motels in Montpelier; budget-friendly inns in Brigham City

Most of the route is two-lane highway until I-15 in Idaho. Deer, elk, and occasionally moose are common, especially in the early morning and late evening. Use high beams when no oncoming traffic exists. Winter driving (Nov-Apr) may require snow tires or chains over Togwotee Pass. Summer brings construction zones—check for delays. Cell service is spotty between Cody and Jackson, and again in the Star Valley canyons. Download offline maps before departure.

For families, the route offers several kid-friendly stops: the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson (if you detour), the World's Largest Elkhorn Arch in Afton, and the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour near Brigham City. Picnic areas abound at rest stops along US-89 in Wyoming and Idaho. For pets, most rest areas allow leashed dogs; designated off-leash parks are scarce. The route passes through no official scenic byways, but the Star Valley Scenic Backway (US-89) is a worthy alternative. Rest zones include the Shoshone National Forest picnic area (mile 15 from Cody), the Togwotee Pass scenic overlook (mile 70), and the Montpelier rest area (mile 260). To combat fatigue, take a 15-minute break every 2 hours—pull off at any wide shoulder.

• Wildlife caution: Dawn/dusk driving on US-20/89/191
• Winter prep: Check forecast for Togwotee Pass; carry blankets, water, and snacks
• Family tips: Jackson's Elk Refuge sleigh rides (winter); Bear River Refuge has a free auto tour
• Pet stops: Leashed walks allowed at Shoshone NF; avoid summer heat in the desert stretches
• Rest area locations: Cody WY (west side), Jackson WY (south end), Afton WY (north entrance), Montpelier ID (I-15 exit 9)