Cody, WY to Price, UT: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Leaving Cody, WY via US-20/US-14 at an elevation of 5,096 feet, you immediately descend through the Shoshone River canyon—a geologic cut exposing over 2,000 feet of Paleozoic strata. This exact route was once part of the Bighorn Basin's historic wagon trails, and today, the smooth asphalt winds alongside cliffs that bear fossilized coral from an ancient sea.

The drive to Price, UT covers approximately 415 miles and takes 6.5 to 7 hours of pure driving time, but plan for 8-9 hours with stops. The route transitions from Wyoming's alpine forests to Utah's high desert, crossing the Continental Divide at the scenic Togwotee Pass (elev. 9,658 ft). This is not merely a highway—it's a journey through 400 million years of Earth's history and the modern frontier. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, see our dedicated post.

Quick Facts Table

The most direct route uses US-20/US-14 south out of Cody, joining US-191 near Moran Junction. From there, US-191 takes you through Pinedale and Rock Springs, where you pick up I-80 east briefly before turning south on US-191 again, then finally US-191/US-6 leading into Price. The road is almost entirely two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes, except for the interstate segment near Rock Springs.

• Fuel Stops: Frequent small towns like Dubois, Pinedale, Rock Springs, and Green River. Distances between stations can reach 70 miles in Wyoming's high desert. Top up when below half a tank.
• Food Options: Limited to local diners and gas station sandwiches until Rock Springs (140 miles from Cody). Rock Springs offers chain restaurants and groceries.
• Restrooms: limited rest areas; plan to use gas stations or national forest facilities.
• Tolls: None. All roads are toll-free.

Cell service is patchy—Verizon and T-Mobile have coverage in towns but long dead zones in the mountains. Download offline maps and music before leaving Cody. The route passes through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, where altitude and windy roads demand cautious driving.

The first 80 miles from Cody traverse the Shoshone National Forest, with the Absaroka Range rising to the west. Stop at the Togwotee Pass Overlook for a panoramic view of the Wind River Range. Further south, the landscape opens into the arid Red Desert of Wyoming, a stark contrast of sagebrush and shifting sand dunes.

In Utah, the route enters the Book Cliffs near the town of Helper; these dramatic escarpments contain some of the world's richest dinosaur fossil beds. The Price area itself is the gateway to Nine Mile Canyon—often called the world's longest art gallery—with thousands of ancient rock art panels.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but Dinosaur National Monument (a UNESCO site within a larger biosphere) is a 90-minute detour east of Vernal.
• Local Commerce: Rock Springs has a classic Western downtown with cowboy boot shops. Price's historic Main Street features vintage storefronts and the Prehistoric Museum (open daily).
• Hidden Gems: The White Mountain Petroglyphs near Rock Springs offer easy-access ancient carvings. Flaming Gorge Dam visitor center provides free geologic exhibits.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for wildlife: deer, elk, and pronghorn are common on the Wyoming stretches, especially at dawn and dusk. In winter, Togwotee Pass may require snow tires or chains; always check weather at 511wy.org.

• Family Suitability: Stop at Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center (mile 285) for kid-friendly exhibits and a fish hatchery. The Western Wyoming Community College Museum in Rock Springs has hands-on fossil activities.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most national forest lands allow dogs on leash, but motels in Dubois and Rock Springs often have pet policies; call ahead. There are off-leash areas in Pinedale's Boulder Park.
• Fatigue Management: Plan a break every 2 hours. The Big Sandy Open Space (mile 160) has picnic tables and shade. Avoid driving after 8 PM when wildlife activity peaks.

For infrastructure safety, Wyoming highways are well-maintained with rumble strips on shoulders. Utah's US-6 from Helper to Price is a winding canyon road; use low gears for descents. Emergency services are available in Rock Springs (hospital) and Price (Castleview Hospital).