Hill City to Pinedale: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

The route from Hill City, South Dakota, to Pinedale, Wyoming, covers roughly 480 miles and passes through some of the most geologically diverse terrain in the American West. One quirky fact: Hill City sits at 4,980 feet above sea level, while Pinedale is higher at 7,175 feet, meaning you'll climb more than 2,000 feet overall.

The drive typically takes 7–8 hours without extended stops, but the journey is littered with natural wonders and cultural landmarks. Is it worth driving Hill City to Pinedale? Absolutely, if you enjoy wide-open spaces, national parks, and scenic byways. This guide will help you plan the best stops between these two towns.

The route showcases diverse landscapes: from the Black Hills' Ponderosa pine forests to the arid plains of Wyoming, and finally the rugged Wind River Range. A must-see is Devil's Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only a short detour north of the main route. The tower rises 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and holds spiritual significance for several Native American tribes.

Local commerce thrives in the towns along the way. In Buffalo, Wyoming, visit the historic Occidental Hotel, which has hosted Buffalo Bill. In Dubois, the National Museum of the American West showcases frontier life. For a genuine taste, stop at a small diner in Sundance, where the local hamburger joints serve up a classic Wyoming beef patty.

Climatic conditions: Expect wide temperature swings, from below freezing at night even in summer to over 90°F during the day. The high desert receives less than 15 inches of rain annually, but afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. The route's aesthetics shift from lush forests to wide-open plains, with the Bighorn Mountains offering a dramatic alpine pass.

The most direct path takes you west on US-16 from Hill City, then south on US-85, and finally west on I-90 before cutting south on US-14 and US-16 through the Bighorn Mountains, eventually meeting I-25 in Buffalo, Wyoming. From there, I-25 and US-20/US-26 lead to Casper and then US-287/US-20 to Pinedale. Expect a mix of interstate and two-lane highways, with the Bighorn section offering scenic but twisty roads.

Fuel and route economics: gas prices vary, but Wyoming tends to have lower fuel taxes. Plan to fill up in larger towns like Gillette or Casper, where options are plentiful. The route has no tolls, and the speed limits range from 65 to 80 mph on interstates, 55-65 on rural two-lanes. Keep an eye on weather; winter conditions can close passes.

• Best time: May to September for comfortable temperatures and no snow.
• Road quality: Generally good, but be cautious on gravel sections near Devil's Tower.
• Cell coverage: Intermittent in rural stretches; download offline maps.

Infrastructure safety is solid: most highways are well-maintained, with rumble strips on interstates and clear signage in construction zones. However, watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope, at dawn and dusk. Bring a paper map as a backup to technology.

For families, the route is kid-friendly. Devil's Tower has a visitor center with interactive exhibits and a 1.3-mile paved trail around the base. In Buffalo, the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum offers history scavenger hunts. Kids will also enjoy the Bighorn National Forest's scenic pullouts and picnic areas.

Pet-friendly: Most national monuments and parks allow pets on paved trails, but not inside buildings. Many motels in the region are pet-friendly; check ahead. Gas stations often have pet waste stations.

Hidden off-route gems: The Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis is a 20-minute detour, and the Hot Springs State Park has free public bathing. For a quiet picnic, take the unpaved road to Cook Lake near Sundance, a local favorite swimming hole.

Fatigue management: Long stretches of two-lane road can induce drowsiness. Plan stops every 1.5–2 hours. Rest areas are frequent on interstates, but rural roads may have limited facilities. Load your car with snacks and stay hydrated.

For more tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check Wayro's blog.