Introduction
This route from Gillette to Afton traverses 365 miles of Wyoming's most varied terrain, crossing the continental divide twice and passing through the Wind River Basin.
You'll witness the stark transition from Powder River Basin coal country to the soaring peaks of the Bighorn Mountains, then drop into the starkly beautiful Red Desert before climbing the western slope of the Wind River Range.
The drive totals about 5 hours and 35 minutes of pure driving time, but plan for at least 8 hours to savor the stops.
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gillette to Buffalo | 125 miles | 2h |
| Buffalo to Thermopolis | 100 miles | 1h40m |
| Thermopolis to Afton | 140 miles | 2h30m |
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality
Roads are generally well-maintained, but watch for wildlife on the open plains and in mountain passes, especially at dusk.
Cell coverage is spotty west of Buffalo; download offline maps.
Check weather before crossing the Bighorns, as snow can fall any month.
Fatigue Management & Rest Zones
Plan rests every 2 hours. Key rest areas: Buffalo (mile 125), Ten Sleep (mile 180), Thermopolis (mile 225), Lander (mile 290), Rock Springs (mile 345).
The drive is long; consider splitting it with an overnight in Thermopolis or Riverton.
Family and Child Suitability
This trip is great for kids who love dinosaurs and hot springs. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis has interactive exhibits.
Hot Springs State Park has a free public pool (bathhouse fee) and a water park.
Wind River Canyon offers easy roadside geology viewing.
Pet-Friendly Framework
Most stops are pet-friendly: national forests allow leashed pets, and many motels in Buffalo, Thermopolis, and Lander accept pets with a fee.
In Hot Springs State Park, pets are not allowed in the pools but can swim in the nearby river.
Hidden Off-Route Spots
Just off US-16, the Ten Sleep Canyon offers wild rainbow trout fishing and hidden waterfalls.
Near Lander, the Louis Lake Road (dirt) leads to scenic Louis Lake in the Shoshone National Forest.
Before Farson, the Sand Draw area has fossil hunting (though a permit is needed).
For a route planning tip, learnhow to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.
Culinary Infrastructure
Local diners like the Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo serve hearty cowboy fare.
Thermopolis has classic burger joints and a brewery (One Eyed Buffalo Brewing).
Riverton offers Native American cuisine, including fry bread at local food trucks.
Farson Mercantile is famous for its enormous ice cream cones.
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
Natural Landscapes & Attractions
Start in Gillette, known for coal mining. Drive west on I-90 to Buffalo, gateway to the Bighorn Mountains. US-16 climbs over Powder River Pass (9,666 ft), offering panoramic views and alpine meadows.
Continue to Thermopolis, home to Hot Springs State Park, where you can soak in the world's largest mineral hot spring. Then follow the Wind River Canyon, a stunning granite gorge with 2.3-billion-year-old rocks.
Near Lander, detour to Sinks Canyon State Park to see the Popo Agie River vanish into a cave. Finally, US-191 south to Rock Springs, then WY-372 follows the Green River, with views of the Wind River Range to the east.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The route passes near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via an 80-mile detour from Dubois (but that's off-route).
For a closer option, the Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer is not a UNESCO site but offers internationally recognized fossils.
Local Commerce & Culture
Buffalo has a historic downtown with western shops. Thermopolis offers the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Riverton has the Wind River Indian Reservation, where you can learn about Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho culture.
Farson is famous for its ice cream stand (Farson Mercantile).
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
The main arteries are I-90 West to Buffalo, then US-16 over the Bighorn Mountains, then US-20/26 to Thermopolis, then US-26 to Riverton, then US-287 to Lander, and finally WY-28 to Farson, US-191 to Rock Springs, and WY-372 to Afton. Road quality is generally good, but expect mountain passes and occasional wildlife.
Fuel and Route Economics
Fuel prices vary; as of 2024, expect around $3.50-$4.00 per gallon. Plan fuel stops at Buffalo (mile 125), Thermopolis (mile 225), Riverton (mile 285), and Rock Springs (mile 340) to avoid shortages in remote stretches.
This route is cost-effective for its scenery; no tolls and free national forest access.
Climate and Route Aesthetics
Climate varies widely: expect 70s°F in summer in the basin, but 40s°F at high passes even in July. Winters can be brutal with closures possible.
The landscape transitions from rolling plains to alpine forests, then to badlands, and finally to high desert. This route is worth driving for its diversity.
- Best stops Gillette, WY to Afton, WY include the Bighorn National Forest, Hot Springs State Park, Wind River Canyon, and the Wind River Range.
- How long to drive Gillette, WY to Afton, WY is roughly 5.5 hours without stops.
- Is it worth driving Gillette, WY to Afton, WY? Yes, for the geological variety and hot springs.
- Things to do between Gillette, WY and Afton, WY include hiking, fossil hunting, and soaking in mineral waters.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Gillette to Afton?
The drive takes about 5 hours and 35 minutes without stops, but plan for 8 hours to enjoy the attractions.
What are the best stops between Gillette and Afton?
Top stops include Bighorn National Forest, Hot Springs State Park, Wind River Canyon, Sinks Canyon State Park, and the Wind River Range.
Is it worth driving from Gillette to Afton?
Yes, for the geological diversity, hot springs, and scenic mountain passes.
Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route?
None on the direct route, but Yellowstone National Park is a detour from Dubois.
Your voluntary support keeps the project running and fuels our future development
