Cody to West Wendover: Wyoming's Wild West to Nevada's Border

The drive from Cody, Wyoming to West Wendover, Nevada spans roughly 400 miles, taking about 6.5 hours of pure driving time along US-20, US-287, and I-80. This route crosses the Continental Divide twice, traverses high desert plains, skirts the Great Salt Lake, and ends at the Nevada state line where casinos and salt flats greet travelers.

One little-known fact: the town of West Wendover was established in the 1930s as a railroad stop and deliberately sits just over the Nevada border to offer gambling, avoiding Utah's strict anti-gambling laws. This odd legal loophole shapes the entire character of the destination.

The first leg from Cody to Thermopolis follows US-20 through the Shoshone National Forest and the Wind River Canyon. The canyon walls are composed of ancient granite and limestone, with the Wind River carving a deep gorge. Wildlife viewing includes bighorn sheep and bald eagles.

• Key stop: Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park – free to enter, with terraced hot pools and a bison herd.
• Detour: Drive 15 miles south on WY-120 to visit the ghost town of Kirwin, a 19th-century mining camp accessible by high-clearance vehicle.

After Thermopolis, US-20 merges with US-287 heading south toward Rawlins. This section passes through the Great Divide Basin, a high-altitude desert with sagebrush and antelope. The Basin is an endorheic region where rivers do not reach the ocean.

• Local commerce: In Rawlins, try the Carbon County Museum and pick up jerky at the Sinclair gas station.
• Hidden off-route spot: 20 miles west of Rawlins is the Red Desert, home to the Boar's Tusk volcanic plug and Adobe Town badlands.

From Rawlins, I-80 heads west across the Red Desert and into Utah. The landscape shifts to salt flats near the Great Salt Lake. Just before West Wendover, exit 4 leads to the Bonneville Salt Flats International Speedway, where land speed records are set.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: None directly on route, but Fremont Indian State Park (near Sevier, UT) is a 2-hour detour with petroglyphs.
• Fuel economics: Gas prices trend lower in Wyoming than in Utah or Nevada. Fill up in Rawlins.

This road trip is best done in one day with strategic breaks. The route is well-paved and maintained year-round, but winter storms can cause closures, especially over South Pass (elevation 7,412 ft).

• Fuel stops: Fill up in Cody (last cheap gas), Thermopolis, Rawlins, and Evanston (exit 6). West Wendover has several stations near the casinos.
• No tolls on US-20/US-287; I-80 has no tolls in Wyoming or Utah.
• Speed limits: 65 mph on US highways, 75-80 mph on I-80.

Cell service is spotty between Cody and Thermopolis (especially in the Wind River Canyon) and again between Rawlins and Evanston. Download offline maps and podcasts beforehand.

• Best time to drive: Late spring (May) through early fall (October) for clear roads and full daylight.
• Winter driving: Check WYDOT 511 for road conditions; carry chains and emergency kit.

The route is generally safe with good road quality. However, watch for wildlife (deer, antelope, cattle) at dawn and dusk. Wind gusts in the Red Desert can affect high-profile vehicles.

• Family suitability: Great for kids who enjoy wide-open spaces. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis has hands-on exhibits.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most motels in Rawlins, Evanston, and West Wendover allow pets. There are vet clinics in Thermopolis (Wind River Veterinary) and Rawlins (Rawlins Veterinary Clinic).

Fatigue management is key on long, straight stretches. Plan rest breaks at the following locations:

1. Thermopolis (2h from Cody) – hot springs or diner at the Painted Buffalo.
2. Rawlins (4h from Cody) – stretch at the Sinclair Gas Station or walk around the historic downtown.
3. Evanston (5.5h from Cody) – coffee at City Bakery or walk at Bear River State Park.

For a deeper dive into finding unique spots along the way, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Climatic conditions: Summer temps range 80-95°F; winter can drop to -20°F. Always carry water and blankets.
• Infrastructure safety: Rest areas are spaced about every 50 miles on I-80. In Wyoming, rest areas are closed in winter (November-April) – plan for truck stops.