Deadwood to Dubois: An Epic Road Trip Across the American West

On this 500-mile route from Deadwood, South Dakota to Dubois, Wyoming, you'll cross the Continental Divide twice and pass through lands where mountain men once trapped beaver. The stretch of US-287 between Lander and Dubois is known as 'the loneliest highway in America'—a 70-mile segment with no services, no cell signal, and only pronghorn antelope for company. This road trip is not a leisurely coastal cruise; it's a rugged journey through high desert, sagebrush steppe, and the Wind River Range, demanding careful planning and a spirit of adventure.

Driving time on paper is about 9 hours, but plan for 10-12 with stops. The route combines interstate (I-90), state highways (SD-34, WY-450), and two-lane U.S. highways (US-85, US-16, US-287). Fuel stations are scarce—especially between Newcastle, WY and Lusk, WY, and again from Lander to Dubois. GPS apps may fail; carry paper maps. For a deeper dive on finding hidden stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Historical note: Deadwood was founded illegally on stolen Lakota land after the 1874 gold discovery, and Dubois began as a tie-hack camp supplying railroad ties. This route follows the old Cheyenne-Deadwood Trail and later the Lincoln Highway. You'll drive through the heart of the Powder River Basin, where coal trains rattle alongside the road, and then climb into the mountain town of Buffalo, WY where Butch Cassidy once sought refuge.

Fuel is the single most important logistical concern. After leaving Deadwood, the next reliable gas is in Newcastle, WY. From there, Lusk (80 miles) has stations, then Buffalo (120 miles), then Lander (170 miles), and finally Dubois (80 miles). Between Lander and Dubois there is NO fuel for 80 miles—fill up in Lander. Also, between Lusk and Buffalo, the highway passes through little towns like Lance Creek with no services; do not let tank drop below half.

• Deadwood to Newcastle: 65 miles, 1.5 hr, US-85. Last cell service before Wyoming border.
• Newcastle to Lusk: 80 miles, 1.5 hr, US-85 then WY-450. Watch for deer at dusk.
• Lusk to Buffalo: 120 miles, 2 hr, US-18 then I-25 north. Many motorists exit at I-90 west.
• Buffalo to Lander: 170 miles, 3 hr, I-90 west then US-16 over the Bighorn Mountains. Then US-20/US-26 south. Scenic but winding over Powder River Pass (9,666 ft).
• Lander to Dubois: 80 miles, 1.5 hr, US-26/US-287. Stunning Wind River views but no services until Dubois.

Road quality varies dramatically. I-90 is excellent. US-85 through Wyoming is two-lane with chip seal. US-16 over the Bighorns is well-maintained but steep with hairpin turns—check for snow as late as June. US-287 from Lander to Dubois is arrow-straight open range; beware of livestock. Cell coverage: AT&T and Verizon work in towns but are absent for large stretches. Bring offline maps or a Garmin. Emergency services are hours apart; carry a first-aid kit, extra water, blankets, and a shovel in winter.

Accommodation options exist in Newcastle, Lusk, Buffalo, Lander, and Dubois. Buffalo and Lander have the best selection. Dubois has rustic lodges and motels. Book ahead during summer and hunting season (October-November).

The natural beauty along this route is staggering. You'll pass through the Black Hills National Forest (south of Deadwood), then descend into the Great Plains near Newcastle. The Bighorn Mountains offer a dramatic alpine transition with pine forests, granite peaks, and the breathtaking Shell Falls. On the west side, the Wind River Range looms over Dubois with glaciers and the largest population of grizzly bears in the lower 48. In between, the Red Desert near Lander is a high-altitude desert of sand dunes and rock formations.

• Black Hills: Grizzly bear and bison are rare here, but watch for deer and elk. Historic sites like the town of Lead.
• Bighorn Mountains: Shell Falls (US-14) is a must-stop. Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark—a 7,000-year-old Native American site—is a 30-mile detour.
• Wind River Range: Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Continental Divide runs through the range. South Pass City State Historic Site (gold rush ghost town) is near Lander.
• Dubois area: National Bighorn Sheep Center, and the Wind River Indian Reservation borders the town.

Local commerce is small-town authentic. In Deadwood, souvenir shops and casinos line Main Street. Newcastle has a classic Western main street with a hardware store and cafe. Lusk has the Pioneer Museum and a retro diner. Buffalo has the historic Occidental Hotel (where Teddy Roosevelt stayed). Lander is a gateway for outdoor gear—buy camping supplies at Wind River Outdoor. Dubois has art galleries and the Tie Hack Memorial. Do not expect big-box stores; this is a region of mom-and-pop shops and local ranches.

One hidden gem: the town of Jeffery City, WY (between Lander and Rawlins) is a nearly abandoned mining town with an eerie vibe. Not on the direct route but accessible via 287 south. Alternatively, take a short detour to Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis (north of Lander) for free natural hot pools.

Safety on this route is a matter of preparation. The number one hazard is wildlife: mule deer, pronghorn, and occasionally moose and elk. Collisions peak at dawn and dusk. Drive with high beams on empty stretches and practice 'scanning the shoulders.' Second hazard: weather. In winter, sections of US-16 over the Bighorns close with little notice. Summer thunderstorms bring hail and sudden rain-slicked roads. Third: fatigue-induced microsleeps due to long straight highways. Take breaks every 2 hours.

• Wildlife warning: Between Lusk and Buffalo, antelope herds often cross. Between Lander and Dubois, be ready for cows on the road—no fences.
• Weather: Check weather.gov for closures. In winter, carry chains. I-90 may be okay while US-287 is drifted.
• Fatigue: Rest stops are few. Planned stops: Deadwood Rest Area (SD), Newcastle City Park, Lusk Rest Area (near museum), Buffalo's Veterans Park, Lander's City Park, and Dubois Town Park.

Family suitability: This route is fantastic for families who enjoy the outdoors—but not for small children needing constant entertainment. The 9-hour drive can be broken into segments. Kid-friendly stops include the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD (detour 90 min from Deadwood, but world's largest mammoth bone bed), the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY (detour 2 hr from Dubois), and the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois itself (great for history buffs). Also, a quick stop at the Oregon Trail Ruts near Guernsey, WY (a little south of Lusk) is free and educational.

Pet-friendly framework: Pets are allowed in most restaurants with outdoor seating, but options are limited. Chain hotels in Buffalo and Lander allow dogs (some with fee). Most state parks and national forests require leashes. Note: The Wind River Indian Reservation has pet restrictions at certain cultural sites—check ahead. Also, beware of prairie dog holes in fields if your dog runs off-leash.

Culinary infrastructure: You will not find gourmet dining, but solid regional food. In Deadwood, try Jake's for upscale steak. In Newcastle, the El Vaquero serves Mexican food. Lusk's The Pizza Place is a local hangout. Buffalo's Cowboy Cafe has chicken-fried steak. Lander has a surprising craft beer scene (Wind River Brewing) and the Middle Fork for Ecuadorian-style food. Dubois' Grizzly Bar serves excellent bison burgers. Carry snacks: between towns, the only option is gas station fare.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on the route, but the newly designated Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks are 2+ hours west of Dubois. Also, the Medicine Wheel (near Lovell, WY) is on the World Heritage Tentative List. While not UNESCO, the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is culturally significant and worth a detour.