Jackson to Buffalo Road Trip: Wyoming's Scenic Journey

The drive from Jackson, WY to Buffalo, WY spans roughly 260 miles along US-26/287 and I-25, crossing the Continental Divide twice. This route passes through the southern tip of Yellowstone National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, offering a microcosm of Wyoming's diverse landscapes.

One striking fact: the road crosses the North Platte River several times, and a portion follows the historic Oregon Trail. Plan for about 5 hours of pure driving time, but you'll want to allocate at least two days to truly savor the highlights.

For those wondering how long to drive Jackson, WY to Buffalo, WY, the answer is 5 hours without stops. But is it worth driving Jackson, WY to Buffalo, WY? Absolutely — the journey is the destination. Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to uncover the route's secrets.

Wildlife crossings are common: deer, elk, and moose. Drive defensively at dawn and dusk. Things to do between Jackson, WY and Buffalo, WY for families include the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson (if you start there), the Children's Museum in Casper, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody (a detour).

• Pet-Friendly: Many motels in Dubois and Riverton accept pets; ensure you have water and waste bags for rest stops.
• Rest Zones: Pull-offs near the Wind River Canyon and at the Togwotee Pass Overlook. StoP every 2 hours to combat fatigue.

Hidden off-route spots: Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander (short detour) and the path of the Oregon Trail at Independence Rock. For road quality, US-26 is well-maintained but can have gravel sections near construction zones. Always carry extra water, blankets, and a full-size spare tire.

Fatigue management: Plan stops in Dubois and Casper for meals. The drive through the Wind River Basin can be monotonous — switch drivers or use podcasts. Local culture includes interactions with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes; respect tribal regulations.

The primary highways are US-26 East out of Jackson, then US-287 North through Dubois, followed by US-26/287 to Riverton. From Riverton, take US-26 East to Casper, then I-25 North to Buffalo. Gas stations are sparse between Jackson and Dubois (80 miles) and between Dubois and Riverton (75 miles). Fill up in Jackson or Dubois.

• Jackson: Several gas stations and EV chargers
• Dubois: Limited options, one gas station
• Riverton: Full services
• Casper: Abundant services
• Buffalo: Services available

Elevation ranges from 6,200 ft in Jackson to 4,600 ft in Buffalo, with Togwotee Pass at 9,658 ft. Winter driving requires chain readiness; check road conditions via WYDOT.

Road quality is generally good on US highways, but sections near Dubois and over Togwotee Pass can be narrow and winding. I-25 from Casper to Buffalo is smooth divided highway. Is it worth driving this route? For the sheer variety — from alpine forests to high desert plains — yes.

Leaving Jackson, you skirt the National Elk Refuge and then climb toward Togwotee Pass. The scenery shifts from lush fir forests to open sagebrush valleys. Best stops Jackson, WY to Buffalo, WY include the Brooks Lake Lodge area for hiking and the Wind River Canyon near Thermopolis (a slight detour).

• Dubois: A small Western town with the National Bighorn Sheep Center
• Riverton: Gateway to the Wind River Indian Reservation; visit the Wind River Heritage Center
• Thermopolis: World's largest mineral hot spring (Hot Springs State Park) — free admission

UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Yellowstone National Park (north of the route) is the closest. The route passes through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, an area of global significance. Climatically, expect warm summers (70-80°F) and harsh winters (often below 0°F). Autumn offers vibrant aspens; spring can be muddy.

Local commerce includes artisan shops in Jackson, grocery stores in Riverton, and the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo. For culinary stops, try the Cowboy Café in Dubois for homestyle cooking or the draft beer selection at the Casper Brewing Company.