Jackson to Thermopolis: Wyoming's Wild Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the route from Jackson to Thermopolis traces part of the historic Oregon Trail, where pioneers forded the Wind River near present-day Riverton? This 200-mile journey on US-26 and US-20 offers a rare blend of alpine vistas, red desert badlands, and the world's largest mineral hot spring. Unlike the crowded Teton corridor, this drive is surprisingly tranquil—especially after Dubois, where traffic thins and the Wind River Range dominates the skyline.

For travelers wondering how long to drive Jackson, WY to Thermopolis, WY, the answer is about 3.5 hours without stops. But the real question is is it worth driving Jackson, WY to Thermopolis, WY? Absolutely—the journey itself is a destination. From the Teton foothills to the dinosaur fossils of Thermopolis, every mile unfolds a new chapter. For a deeper dive on finding unexpected gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Quick Route Overview

Drive safety on this route requires vigilance. Wildlife—elk, deer, and sometimes moose—are most active at dawn and dusk, especially near Bridger-Teton and Wind River Canyon. The canyon road (US-20) is narrow with rockfall hazards; slow down and watch for fallen debris. In winter, carry chains and check road conditions via WYDOT.

• Family stops: National Museum of Military Vehicles (Dubois), Riverton City Park (playground and splash pad), Hot Springs State Park pool (kid-friendly, lifeguards).
• Pet-friendly: Most National Forest areas allow dogs on leash; Hot Springs State Park only permits service animals in the bathhouse; many motels in Thermopolis accept pets.
• Fatigue management: Take a break at the Togwotee Pass scenic overlook (mile 35); stretch your legs at the Dubois Rest Area; switch drivers at Riverton (midpoint).

Hidden off-route gems include Brooks Lake (a 2-mile detour near Togwotee Pass) for kayaking and fishing; the ghost town of Lysite (abandoned mercantile, photography); and the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site (10 miles north of Thermopolis) with over 1,000 ancient rock carvings. For a quick detour, visit the Shoshoni Fossil Quarry east of town, where you can dig for 50-million-year-old fish fossils.

This road trip is almost exclusively on two-lane highways with speed limits of 65-70 mph. Cell service is spotty west of Dubois and between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Download offline maps ahead. Gas stations cluster in Jackson, Dubois, Riverton, and Shoshoni—do not skip topping off in Dubois or Riverton. The stretch from Dubois to Riverton is 75 miles with no services.

• Fuel stops: Jackson (multiple), Dubois (2 stations), Riverton (plentiful), Shoshoni (2 stations), Thermopolis (several).
• Diesel: Available in all mentioned towns.
• EV charging: Limited; Level 2 chargers in Jackson and Riverton; no DC fast chargers until Casper.
• Restrooms: National Forest rest areas near Togwotee Pass; visitor centers in Dubois and Riverton.

Road quality is generally good, but beware of frost heaves in spring and icy patches in winter, especially over Togwotee Pass (elevation 9,658 feet). In summer, construction delays are common near Dubois. Always carry a spare tire and extra water—this is remote country.

The landscapes on this route shift dramatically. Leaving Jackson, you climb through the Bridger-Teton National Forest with views of the Gros Ventre range. Togwotee Pass reveals sweeping panoramas of the Wind River Mountains, a UNESCO-recognized site for its glacier-carved peaks and sacred Indigenous history. The Wind River Indian Reservation near Riverton adds cultural depth—stop at the Riverton Museum for Shoshone and Arapaho artifacts.

• Key natural attractions: Togwotee Pass overlook, Wind River Canyon (US-20), Hell's Half Acre (near Shoshoni), Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis).
• Local commerce: Buy Native American jewelry in Riverton; try bison jerky at the Dubois Trading Post; visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis.

Thermopolis is home to Hot Springs State Park, where you can soak in the world's largest mineral hot spring for free at the state bathhouse. The park also features a bison herd and terraced travertine formations. Don't miss the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, which contains one of the largest sauropod fossil collections in the world.