Cody to Torrey: Wyoming to Utah Road Trip Guide

The drive from Cody, Wyoming to Torrey, Utah covers approximately 350 miles, mostly along US-20, US-191, and a short stint on I-15. This route follows part of the historic Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental road in the United States. The journey stretches across the Big Horn Basin, through the Wind River Canyon, and into the red rock landscapes of southern Utah.

For context, the route passes within sight of the Wind River Range, one of the most remote mountain ranges in the lower 48. Torrey itself sits at the doorstep of Capitol Reef National Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape of domes and canyons. The drive typically takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops, but multiple attractions make it worth stretching over two days.

The first major landscape is the Shoshone River Canyon west of Cody, with dramatic limestone cliffs. Then the Big Horn Basin opens into sagebrush-covered plains. The Wind River Canyon between Thermopolis and Riverton is a highlight: a narrow, steep gorge with the river roaring alongside. This canyon is also a designated bighorn sheep habitat, so watch for them on cliffs.

South of Riverton, the terrain transitions to high desert – red dirt, juniper, and distant mesas. Near Rock Springs, the white cliffs of the Rock Springs Uplift appear. As you approach Torrey, the landscape shifts to the colorful sandstone of the Colorado Plateau, signaling arrival in Capitol Reef country.

Local commerce along the route includes small-town ranching economies. In Thermopolis, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center sells fossils and local honey. In Riverton, the Wind River Hotel and Casino offers native crafts. Rock Springs has old coal mining museums. In Torrey, the main street features art galleries and Canyonlands Natural History Association bookstore.

US-20 from Cody to Thermopolis is a two-lane highway with moderate traffic. At Thermopolis, bear left onto US-20 west toward Worland, then continue south on US-20/26 to Riverton. At Riverton, take US-26 east to US-191 south toward Rock Springs. For this section, the road quality is generally good, with occasional rough patches near gas stations.

From Rock Springs, take I-15 south to exit 95 for Torrey (US-24 west). This interstate section is smooth with 75 mph speed limits. Fuel exists every 40–50 miles, but gaps appear between Riverton and Rock Springs. Fill up at Sinclair in Riverton (mile 220) or Chevron in Rock Springs. Prices average $4.00/gallon for regular.

• Fuel stops: Cody (Valero), Thermopolis (Exxon), Riverton (Sinclair), Rock Springs (Chevron), Torrey (Conoco)
• Rest areas: Wind River Canyon Scenic Pullout (mile 140), Sweetwater County Rest Area (mile 280)
• Cell coverage: Strong in towns, patchy between Riverton and Rock Springs; Verizon works best near the canyon.

The route is safe overall, but watch for wildlife near dawn and dusk: mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep in the canyon. Roads are mostly dry, but rain can make the Wind River Canyon slick. Keep headlights on in canyons. Speed limits range from 55 mph on two-lane roads to 80 mph on I-15, so adjust accordingly.

Best stops between Cody and Torrey include: Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis (free to walk the park; paid pools). The Wind River Canyon scenic turnout is perfect for photos. For families, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center has hands-on exhibits and dig sites. In Rock Springs, the Western Wyoming Community College Earth Science Museum has dinosaur fossils.

Fatigue management: Take a break at the Riverton city park (0.5 mi east of US-26) or at the Sweetwater County Rest Area near I-15 mile 40. Cafes like the Homesteader in Thermopolis (homestyle meals) or the Coffee Shop in Torrey (artisan drinks) offer rest. Plan to stop every 2 hours for 15 minutes.