Evanston to Kemmerer: A Practical Road Trip Guide

This route follows U.S. Highway 89 (US-89) for 74 miles, a drive that typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes without stops. The road shadows the Bear River and climbs through sagebrush plains before descending into the Fossil Basin, one of the world's richest deposits of freshwater fish fossils from the Eocene Epoch, a fact you can verify at the Fossil Butte National Monument visitor center. The drive is short, but the landscape tells a story of ancient lakes, volcanic ash, and shifting climates.

Unlike interstate travel, US-89 rewards a slower pace. The two-lane highway is well-maintained but often empty, so you can stop where curiosity leads. However, services are sparse—plan fuel and food accordingly. For a comprehensive approach to uncovering stops like these, consider reading this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Make sure your fuel tank is at least half full before leaving Evanston; the stretch between Cokeville and Kemmerer has no gas stations.

The dominant landscape is the sagebrush steppe of the Bear River Valley, with the Uinta Mountains to the south and the Wyoming Range to the north. As you approach Kemmerer, the terrain shifts to the Fossil Basin, a high-desert plateau with eroded badlands. The star attraction is Fossil Butte National Monument, which protects an ancient lake bed where countless fossilized fish, such as the Diplomystus, are preserved. A visitor center offers exhibits, and a 1.5-mile trail leads to an overlook.

For a unique experience, stop at the Fossil Butte National Monument visitor center to learn about the Eocene ecosystem. In Kemmerer, the J.C. Penney Mother Store is a small museum in the founder's original store, reflecting the town's mercantile heritage.

Local commerce is limited along the route. The town of Cokeville (population ~500) has a motel and a few businesses. Kemmerer, with a population of about 2,700, is the regional hub with grocery stores (Lowe's Market) and hardware shops. For groceries, it's better to fill up in Evanston or Kemmerer.

The climate is arid, with annual precipitation under 10 inches. Summer temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winters are cold, with highs around 20°F to 30°F.

The road is safe in normal conditions, but watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope, at dawn and dusk. Sections with sharp curves are well-marked. To manage fatigue, plan rest stops at the two rest areas: one at mile marker 12 (with picnic tables) and one at mile marker 58 (with pet-friendly areas). The drive is short enough that fatigue is rarely an issue, but taking a break at Fossil Butte is a good way to stretch.

For families, Fossil Butte National Monument offers a junior ranger program, and the visitor center has interactive exhibits that appeal to children. The park is also pet-friendly on the trail and in the picnic area, but pets must be leashed.

Hidden off-route spots: About 5 miles north of the highway at mile marker 24, a gravel road leads to the historic Geneva Mine, a former coal mine that operated until the 1980s. The site is fenced, but you can view the headframe from the road. Another detour is the Fossil Basin Winery, located off Highway 89 south of Kemmerer, which offers tastings (check hours).

If you're looking for things to do between Evanston, WY and Kemmerer, WY, the list is short but includes: Fossil Butte National Monument, the Cokeville rest area, and scenic overlooks like the one at mile marker 18. For a longer break, detour to the town of Bridger Valley, 12 miles north of the highway at the interchange with I-80, which has a few restaurants and a replica of a historic fort.

US-89 is a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 65 mph. It's generally in good condition, with occasional gravel access roads leading to ranches and trailheads. Cell reception is intermittent, especially between mile markers 15 and 30, so downloading offline maps is wise. The route is plowed in winter, but snow can accumulate quickly, so check weather forecasts.

• Fuel: Services are available in Evanston (multiple stations) and Kemmerer (Holiday and Exxon stations). The only intermediary stop is Cokeville (a small town with one gas station)
• Food: Evanston has typical fast-food chains; Kemmerer offers local diners like the Fossil Country Café. In Cokeville, a convenience store sells basic snacks
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are at rest areas near mile markers 12 and 58, and at Fossil Butte National Monument
• Roadside Assistance: Sparse; carry a spare tire and emergency kit

The driving time can extend to 1.5 hours if you stop for photos or at vista points. The maximum elevation is about 7,500 feet near the summit of Tumpa Hill, which can cause minor altitude effects for some travelers.

If you're wondering is it worth driving Evanston, WY to Kemmerer, WY, the answer is yes for those interested in paleontology and wide-open landscapes, but it's not a route with numerous highway services.