Cody to Riverton Road Trip Guide: Wind River Canyon & Beyond

The 120-mile route from Cody to Riverton via US-14A and US-20 is far from a simple transfer. One of the road's singular quirks: as you crest the Bighorn Basin, you cross the Continental Divide at an elevation where the divide is actually a basin, creating a rare triple divide where water sheds into the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. This geographic oddity makes the question of is it worth driving Cody to Riverton an emphatic yes.

The drive typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours of pure driving time, but plan for 3 to 4 hours with stops. The road winds through the Shoshone National Forest, skirts the Bighorn Basin, and dives into the spectacular Wind River Canyon. This guide tackles how long to drive Cody to Riverton and suggests the best stops Cody to Riverton.

Wind River Canyon has tight curves and no shoulder in sections; lower speed limits enforced. Safety comes first: use pullouts to let faster traffic pass. For families, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis offers indoor exhibits and a working dig site, perfect for ages 5 and up.

• Family Suitability: High; multiple natural and educational stops, easy walking paths, and picnic areas.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed on leash at Wind River Canyon overlooks, Hot Springs State Park (not in pools), and most pullouts.
• Fatigue Management: Plan rests at Meeteetse (coffee shop), Wind River Canyon scenic overlook, and Thermopolis State Park.

Hidden off-route spots include the Ghost Town of Kirwin (high-clearance vehicle needed) and the Wedding of the Waters monument in Thermopolis. The Hot Springs State Park offers free soaking at the state bath house. The cumulative experience of geology, history, and small-town charm makes this drive a must-do.

The drive traverses three distinct ecosystems: the sagebrush steppe of the Bighorn Basin, the red-rock canyon of the Wind River, and the irrigated farmlands near Riverton. The standout natural attraction is Wind River Canyon, a 2.5-mile-long gorge carved by the Wind River, with towering walls of Precambrian granite and colorful sedimentary layers.

• Natural Landscapes: Shoshone National Forest (ponderosa pine), Bighorn Basin (badlands), Wind River Canyon (geological wonder).
• UNESCO: Nearby Yellowstone National Park is a UNESCO site, accessible via a side trip from Cody.
• Local Commerce: Meeteetse has the Meeteetse Mercantile (historic general store); Thermopolis offers the Hot Springs State Park and a downtown with antique shops.

This route is served by US-14A (Alt) and US-20, with excellent pavement and moderate traffic. Gas stations are sparse between Cody and Thermopolis, so fuel up in Cody or Meeteetse. Cellular coverage is intermittent through the canyon, so download offline maps. For tips on spotting gems along the road, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Fuel stops: Cody (multiple stations), Meeteetse (limited), Thermopolis (full service), Riverton (abundant).
• Restrooms: Rest areas at Meeteetse Interpretive Center, Wind River Canyon Scenic Overlook, and Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park.
• Road quality: Smooth asphalt; watch for wildlife near dawn/dusk; no major construction expected.