Cody to Park City Road Trip: Epic WY-UT Guide

The road from Cody, Wyoming to Park City, Utah cuts through 423 miles of high plains, mountain passes, and red-rock canyons. This stretch of US-20, US-191, and I-80 crosses the Continental Divide three times and passes within sight of Fossil Butte National Monument, a Lagerstätte with 50-million-year-old fish fossils. Understanding the geography and planning your stops is key to enjoying the diverse landscapes.

Start in Cody, founded by Buffalo Bill Cody, and head west on US-14/16/20. The highway rises from 5,000 feet to over 8,000 feet at Togwotee Pass before descending into Jackson Hole. From there, US-191 snakes south through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, then joins I-80 at Evanston for the final 80-mile run into Park City. Total driving time is roughly 7–8 hours without stops, but you should budget a full day to explore.

Fuel stations become sparse west of Dubois and between Pinedale and Evanston. Fill up in Cody, Dubois, Jackson, and Evanston. Gas prices are highest in Jackson (often $0.50 more per gallon than Cody). Download offline maps, as cell service fades across the Wind River Range and in the Bridger-Teton backcountry.

• Best stops Cody, WY to Park City, UT: include Dubois (historic cowboy town), Pinedale (Museum of the Mountain Man), and Bear River State Park in Evanston.
• How long to drive Cody, WY to Park City, UT: Non-stop 7 hours, but plan 10–12 hours with scenic breaks.

Road conditions are generally good, but winter (November–April) requires snow tires or chains, especially over Togwotee Pass (8,000 ft). Summer afternoons bring brief thunderstorms. The route is well-signed; use US-20/16 from Cody to Jackson, then US-191 south to I-80. For a detour, take WY-22 over Teton Pass to pick up ID-31 and US-89 – adds 30 minutes but offers views of the Teton backside.

Read more about planning stops: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: Highways are well-maintained, but sections of US-191 south of Jackson are curvy and narrow. Watch for livestock (cattle, pronghorn) on open range near Pinedale. I-80 east of Park City has high winds; reduce speed. Keep emergency supplies: water, blankets, first aid.

• Family and Child Suitability: The route is family-friendly with many stops. The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson (20 minutes off-route) has interactive exhibits. Fossil Butte National Monument offers junior ranger programs. In Evanston, Bear River State Park has a small bison herd and a playground.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most national forest land allows leashed pets. Jackson limits dogs on sidewalks; most motels in Cody, Dubois, and Evanston accept pets ($20–50 fee). Togwotee Pass has pull-offs for dog walks. Avoid leaving pets in hot cars at viewpoints.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan stops every 2 hours. Key rest areas: Dubois (Shoshone National Forest), Pinedale (Triangle Park rest area off US-191), and a large rest area at mile 10 on I-80 west of Evanston. In Jackson, the town square has benches. Avoid drowsy driving by switching drivers or using coffee shops; recommended: Cowboy Coffee in Dubois, Jackson Hole Roasters in Jackson.

Culinary Infrastructure: Beyond major towns, options are limited. Pack snacks from Cody (Albertsons). In Dubois, the Branding Iron Café serves breakfast all day. Pinedale has the Subway on Pine Street. Evanston offers fast-food chains. Park City has over 100 restaurants. Is it worth driving Cody, WY to Park City, UT? Absolutely – the landscape diversity, wildlife, and cultural richness make it one of the West’s great road trips.

The landscape shifts from the Absaroka Mountains near Cody to the sagebrush plains of the Wind River Basin, then climbs into pine forests at Togwotee Pass. South of Jackson, US-191 follows the Hoback River through a canyon of limestone cliffs. Near Kemmerer, you enter the Bridger Basin, where the Fossil Butte National Monument preserves Eocene-era fish, insects, and plants.

• Natural Landscapes & Attractions: Togwotee Pass (panoramic views), Gros Ventre Wilderness (turnout at Gros Ventre Slide), Bridger-Teton National Forest (wildlife viewing, especially pronghorn antelope).
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While no UNESCO sites lie directly on this route, Grand Teton National Park (administered with World Heritage-listed Yellowstone) is a short detour from Jackson. Fossil Butte National Monument is a National Natural Landmark.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: From Pinedale, take US-191 north 20 miles to the Green River Lakes trailhead (drive-in access to stunning cirque). Near Daniel Junction, the Corkscrew Scenic Backway (dirt road) loops through aspen groves.

Local commerce thrives in cowboy towns like Dubois and Pinedale. In Dubois, the Silver Tip Café serves bison burgers. Pinedale has the Wind River Brewing Company for craft beer. Jackson offers upscale dining and art galleries. Evanston has a restored downtown with antique shops. Park City’s Main Street is lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants – try the purple mayonnaise at Handle.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Summer (June–August) offers warm days (70–85°F) with afternoon thundershowers. Fall (September–October) brings golden aspens. Winter (November–April) features snowpack and lower temps (0–30°F). Spring can be muddy. Best aesthetic: late September for autumn colors in the Wind Rivers.