Cody to Saratoga Road Trip Guide: WY's Scenic Gems

Did you know that the town of Cody, Wyoming was founded in 1896 by Buffalo Bill himself, and that the drive from Cody to Saratoga follows the original route of the Bozeman Trail? This 430-mile journey along US-20 and I-80 takes you through the heart of the Wyoming plains, past the southern edge of the Bighorn Basin, and into the sprawling Medicine Bow National Forest. The estimated driving time is about 6 hours and 45 minutes without stops, but the region's natural and historical attractions demand a full day or more.

The route is segmented into two main legs: the northern segment from Cody to Casper (roughly 200 miles), and the southern leg from Casper to Saratoga (approximately 230 miles). The road conditions are generally excellent, but winter weather can be treacherous from November through March. Fuel stations are spaced an average of 40-50 miles apart, so planning fill-ups is essential.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The majority of the route is paved asphalt with occasional chip-seal sections. Shoulders are narrow in many places, and wildlife (deer, pronghorn, and occasional cattle) is common at dawn and dusk. Speed limit enforcement is active, especially in Wyoming counties. Roadside assistance: call 511 for Wyoming road conditions, or 800-343-3456 for State Patrol. In winter, tire chains or all-weather tires are mandatory on US-20 between November and April.

Family and Child Suitability

This road trip is excellent for families with school-age children. Top stops include:

• Wyoming Dinosaur Center (Thermopolis) – hands-on fossil exhibits, $14 adult, $9 child.
• Fort Caspar Museum (Casper) – interactive pioneer history, free.
• Saratoga Lake Park – playground and picnic areas.

Most rest stops have clean restrooms and vending machines. Fast food options are available in Casper, Rawlins, and Saratoga.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are welcome at nearly all rest areas, but only a few indoor stops allow dogs. In Thermopolis, the Hot Springs State Park allows leashed dogs on paths (not in pools). In Casper, the Ramkota Hotel (pet fee 30 dollars) and the Best Western (pet fee 20 dollars) are recommended. Carry a collapsible bowl and extra water.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Two hidden gems: (Do not bold in final output) The Sinks Canyon State Park (off US-287 near Lander) features a river that disappears into a limestone cave. And the Shoshone River Canyon, just west of Cody, has scenic pullouts for photo ops. Neither is heavily visited.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Wyoming rest areas are spaced roughly every 80 miles along US-20. Key ones include:

• Deaver Rest Area (Mile 20) – picnic tables, no water.
• Thermopolis Rest Area (Mile 130) – vending machines, clean restrooms.
• Rawlins Rest Area (Mile 350) – 24-hour security, RV parking.

Plan to stop every two hours or 100 miles. The Wyoming DOT suggests taking 15-minute breaks even if not tired.

The route from Cody to Saratoga uses US-14A/US-31 south from Cody to Worland, then US-20 east toward Casper, and finally I-80 west to Saratoga. While not a direct interstate, the roads are well-maintained and mostly two-lane highways. Traffic is light outside of peak summer weekends. The speed limit on US-20 is 65 mph, dropping to 55 in construction zones.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices along this route are typically $0.10-$0.20 higher per gallon than the national average due to the remote nature. A typical sedan will cost around $60-$80 for the full tank if leaving Cody with a full tank and topping off in Casper. The following stations are recommended for their reliability:

• Exxon in Worland (mile 94) – open 24/7, diesel available
• Loves in Casper (mile 214) – large station with food options
• Sinclair in Rawlins (mile 350) – historic station with clean restrooms

User Experience and Accessibility

The drive is straightforward, with cell service (Verizon/AT&T) available roughly 80-90% of the route. Dead zones occur between Ten Sleep and Thermopolis. Download offline maps of the Bighorn Basin and Medicine Bow areas before departure. Roadside assistance is available through AAA, but response times can exceed 45 minutes in remote stretches.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

From Cody, the landscape quickly transforms from the arid sagebrush steppe of the Bighorn Basin to the red-rock canyons near Thermopolis. The Wind River Canyon, just south of Thermopolis, is a dramatic 15-mile gorge with cliffs rising 2,500 feet above the river. Further south, the scenery opens into the vast Wyoming plains, with distant mountains framing the horizon. Near Saratoga, the Medicine Bow National Forest offers dense pine forests and the Snowy Range Mountains.

• Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis) – free public hot pools, open 8 am to 8 pm.
• Hell's Half Acre (Mile 180) – a natural amphitheater of eroded clay formations.
• Saratoga Hot Springs – outdoor mineral pools, $10 entry.

Local Commerce & Culture

Small towns like Worland, Ten Sleep, and Rawlins have main streets with local shops and cafes. In Cody, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (admission $19) is a must-stop. In Saratoga, the downtown area has art galleries and a whimsical wooden bridge. Try local specialties like bison burgers at the Cowfish Grill in Rawlins (12 dollars) or huckleberry pie at the Ten Sleep Cafe ($6 slice). If you're unsure how to time your stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route passes near two UNESCO sites: the first is the Yellowstone National Park (accessible via a 2-hour detour west from Cody). The second is the Bighorn Medicine Wheel (located off US-14, 70 miles east of Cody), a 500-year-old Native American stone structure. Both require pre-planned side trips and add significant time.