Gillette to Lander: Wyoming's Highway 16 Road Trip

Gillette, Wyoming's coal capital, anchors the state's northeast corner. The direct route to Lander, 170 miles southwest, follows Interstate 90 west and US-16/US-20 west for 175 miles, typically taking just under three hours without stops.

This drive crosses the Powder River Basin and the Bighorn Basin, with the Bighorn Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. The route's geologic diversity—from rolling ranchlands to canyon-carved uplifts—makes it a study in Wyoming's ancient past.

Most of the drive is on well-maintained two-lane highways. Interstate 90 west from Gillette to Buffalo is 65 miles of four-lane road with frequent truck traffic. US-16/US-20 from Buffalo to Lander is two-lane, with passing lanes on mountain grades.

Fuel stops are concentrated in Gillette, Buffalo, and Ten Sleep. Between these towns, services are sparse—no gas stations for stretches of 40-50 miles. Plan to refuel when you top off, especially before the mountain climb.

• Gillette to Buffalo: 65 miles, 1 hour, easy on I-90.
• Buffalo to Ten Sleep: 60 miles, 1 hour, begins gradual climb.
• Ten Sleep to Lander: 50 miles, 1 hour, descends into Wind River Basin.
• Route passes through Buffalo (population ~4,500) and Ten Sleep (population ~300).
• Cell service is intermittent; download offline maps in Gillette.

Road quality is good overall, but mountain sections are winding with sharp curves. Before Powder River Pass, check weather: snow can occur any month, so carry chains. In winter, delays are common, so bring extra food and water.

For families, the route offers outdoor activities like hiking at Shell Falls, a 120-foot waterfall 20 miles east of Shell. Near Ten Sleep, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (30 miles west) is a hit with kids. Rest areas are scarce—plan picnics at Shell Falls or the Buffalo Visitor Center.

Fatigue management: The drive is short enough that a single stop at Ten Sleep is ideal. Pull-offs at scenic overlooks break the drive without adding time. For pets, many national forest trailheads allow leashed dogs. Keep them hydrated, as the high altitude demands extra water.

The Bighorn Mountains are the route's centerpiece, a laccolithic uplift formed 70 million years ago. Powder River Pass (elevation 9,666 feet) is the highest point, often snow-free by late May but frequented by elk and deer in summer.

The region around Ten Sleep is carved by canyons that have exposed ancient rock layers, a paradise for fossil hunters. The nearby Ten Sleep Creek is a blue-ribbon trout fishery.

Locally, commerce thrives on ranching and tourism. In Buffalo, the historic Ocále Stone Saloon (est. 1890) serves western cuisine. Ten Sleep's tiny Main Street has a grocery, a gas station, and a diner that serves homemade pies.

For the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, look for signs marking scenic overlooks and federal lands.