Cody WY to Cedar City UT: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This route crosses the Continental Divide twice, linking the Bighorn Basin to the Colorado Plateau. You'll traverse three states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah) and pass within 50 miles of Dinosaur National Monument.

The drive covers approximately 700 miles and takes about 11-12 hours of pure driving time, but you'll want at least three days to absorb the scenery. Roads include US-20, US-191, I-80, US-40, US-191, and I-15.

For a digital guide to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out Wayro's blog.

Starting in Cody, the landscape quickly transforms from arid plains to the Wind River Range. Near Lander, WY, you'll see the iconic Sinks Canyon State Park, where the Popo Agie River disappears into a cave.

• Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, UT: 250,000 acres of fossil beds, petroglyphs, and dramatic canyons. Admission $25 per vehicle.
• Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area: turquoise waters amidst red rock cliffs. Scenic drive on UT-44.
• Capitol Reef National Park (detour via UT-24): Fruit orchards, slot canyons, and the Waterpocket Fold.

Local commerce in small towns like Vernal and Price centers on oil and gas. In Cedar City, the Utah Shakespeare Festival attracts 100,000 visitors annually. Don't miss the Brian Head Resort for summer hiking or winter skiing.

Fuel availability is sparse between Rock Springs, WY and Vernal, UT (about 150 miles). Fill up in Rock Springs or Green River. Utah's I-15 corridor has frequent exits with gas stations.

Tolls: none on this route. Road conditions: US-191 from Rock Springs to Vernal is a two-lane road with occasional construction. I-15 in Utah is well-maintained. Winter driving requires caution on mountain passes near Evanston and Summit County.

Speed limits: 70 mph on two-lane highways, 80 mph on interstates in Utah. Wildlife (deer, elk, pronghorn) are common at dawn/dusk.

• Family stop: Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, WY (off US-20). Interactive exhibits and dig sites.
• Fatigue management: Rest areas on I-80 near Lyman, WY, and on I-15 near Beaver, UT. Also try the little-known rest stop on US-191 south of Dutch John, UT.

Pet-friendly: Many motels in Rock Springs, Vernal, and Cedar City accept pets. Off-leash areas: Bicentennial Park in Rock Springs, and the Cottonwood Trail in Cedar City.

Hidden off-route: Jones Hole Trail in Dinosaur National Monument (4-mile round trip to Emerald Pools), and the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry near Price, UT (world's densest Jurassic fossil bed).