Cody to Orderville: Epic Road Trip Through Utah and Wyoming

The route from Cody, Wyoming to Orderville, Utah traverses nearly 600 miles of dramatic landscapes, including parts of the Oregon Trail and the Colorado Plateau. This journey takes you from the high plains of Wyoming, through the rugged Wind River Canyon, across the Great Divide Basin, and into the red rock country of southern Utah.

One notable detail: the stretch from Cody to Dubois follows a historic Native American trail that later became part of the transcontinental railroad survey. The highway here (US-20/US-14/US-16) hugs the Shoshone River, offering views of ancient petroglyphs at Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site near Thermopolis.

Total driving time: approximately 9–10 hours, but we recommend spreading it over two days to enjoy the best stops Cody to Orderville has to offer.

This route stitches together three distinct ecoregions: the Absaroka Range, the Wyoming Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Near Cody, the Shoshone River canyon cuts through volcanic tuff, while the Wind River Canyon (between Thermopolis and Riverton) showcases 2.9-billion-year-old granite.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park is accessible via a side trip from Cody (50 miles west). While not directly on the route, it's a major draw. In Utah, the route passes near Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument (a global heritage site in spirit).
• Local commerce: Thermopolis is known as the world's largest mineral hot spring, with free public pools. Rock Springs has a historic downtown with cowboy culture. Orderville is a quiet town near Zion and Bryce Canyon, with craft shops and local honey.

To find more hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route is US-20/US-14/US-16 west from Cody to Thermopolis, then US-20/26 south to Shoshoni, US-287 to Rawlins, I-80 west to Rock Springs, and finally US-191 south to Orderville. The road quality is generally excellent, with paved, well-maintained highways throughout.

• Fuel stops: Major towns with gas stations include Cody, Thermopolis, Riverton, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Green River, and Price. In remote stretches like the Great Divide Basin, fuel stations can be sparse; fill up in Rawlins or Rock Springs before crossing into Utah.
• Toll roads: None. All routes are public highways.
• Road conditions: Check winter conditions (October–April) as mountain passes like South Pass on US-287 can be icy. Summer brings occasional thunderstorms.

For those wondering how long to drive Cody to Orderville, the answer is about 9 hours of pure driving, but plan for 2–3 days to fully experience the attractions.

Safety on this route is generally high, but long stretches without services require planning. In the Great Divide Basin (between Rawlins and Rock Springs), there are no towns for about 100 miles. Carry extra water, snacks, and a full tank.

• Family and child suitability: Kid-friendly stops include the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (with real fossils), the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper (detour), and the Frontier Prison Museum in Rawlins. Many rest areas have playgrounds.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most state parks and national forests allow leashed pets. Motels in Cody, Riverton, and Rock Springs are pet-friendly. Avoid leaving pets in hot cars in summer.
• Fatigue management: Take breaks every 2 hours. Planned rest zones: Cody (mile 0), Thermopolis (mile 120), Riverton (mile 180), Rawlins (mile 290), Rock Springs (mile 370), Green River (mile 380), Price (mile 460), and Orderville (mile 580).

For those asking if it's worth driving Cody to Orderville, the answer is a resounding yes, given the rich history and diverse scenery.