Jackson to Gillette Road Trip Guide

Jackson, WY sits at 6,237 feet in the Jackson Hole valley, while Gillette lies in the Powder River Basin at 4,627 feet. The 375-mile drive via US-26, US-287, and I-25 typically takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops. This route crosses the Continental Divide at Twogwotee Pass (9,658 ft) and skirts the Wind River Range.

One historical fact: this corridor partly follows the old Oregon Trail, used by pioneers in the mid-1800s. Today, it offers a mix of alpine scenery, high desert plains, and energy-industry towns.

Winter driving (Nov–Apr) requires snow tires or chains; I-25 and I-90 are plowed but mountain passes may close temporarily. Summer brings occasional thunderstorms. Always carry water, blankets, and a spare phone charger for remote stretches.

Family stops: Riverton's Wyoming Pioneer Home or Casper's Children's Play Park. Nature centers like the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois educate kids about local wildlife.

• Child suitability: rest stops with picnic areas at Teton County Rest Area (mile 165) and Douglas Rest Area (mile 320).
• Pet-friendly framework: many parks and trails allow leashed pets; official rest areas have pet-walking zones.
• Fatigue management: plan a break every 2 hours in towns like Dubois, Shoshoni, Casper, or Douglas.

Infrastructure safety: well-maintained highways; mountain roads have sharp curves and wildlife crossings (elk, deer, moose). Speed limits: 65 mph on two-lane, 75 mph on interstates.

The journey begins on US-191/89 heading north from Jackson, then east on US-26 through Grand Teton National Park (entry required) to Dubois. From Dubois, continue on US-26/US-287 to Shoshoni, then take US-26 east to Casper. At Casper, join I-25 north to I-90 west, arriving in Gillette.

• Estimated fuel consumption: ~15 gallons for a typical sedan, with regular gas around $3.50/gallon (check current prices).
• Fuel stations in Jackson, Dubois, Shoshoni, Casper, Douglas, and Gillette; sparse stretches between Dubois and Shoshoni (~85 miles).
• Restrooms and convenience stores available at towns; limited on remote sections.

The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach helps plan breaks. Road quality is generally good on interstates; two-lane highways through mountain passes require caution in winter.

Leaving Jackson, you traverse Grand Teton National Park with views of the Teton Range. The road climbs to Twogwotee Pass, offering panoramic vistas of the Wind River Range. Descending into Dubois, the landscape shifts to sagebrush steppe and red rock formations.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While none directly on the route, Grand Teton National Park is part of the Yellowstone Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) and its southern neighbor. The Oregon Trail Ruts near Guernsey (a short detour) are a National Historic Landmark.

• Best stops: Togwotee Pass overlook (milepost 0), Dubois for wild west charm, Hell's Half Acre near Shoshoni, and Casper Mountain.
• Things to do between Jackson, WY and Gillette, WY: hike at Taggart Lake, explore the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, or visit Fort Caspar Museum.