Laramie to Dubois: Wyoming's Wild Heart Road Trip Guide

Wyoming Highway 130 connects Laramie to Dubois via the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, a route that climbs from 7,165 feet to over 10,000 feet at the Snowy Range Pass. This stretch of road was once part of the Cherokee Trail, a 19th-century wagon route used by gold seekers.

Today, it offers a cross-section of Wyoming's geology, from the Medicine Bow Mountains to the Red Desert and the Wind River Range. The drive covers roughly 320 miles and takes about 5.5 hours without stops, but plan for a full day to explore.

The Snowy Range Scenic Byway offers alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and towering peaks. Medicine Bow National Forest surrounds the byway, with trails like the Medicine Bow Peak Trail (6 miles round trip).

• Natural Landscapes: Snowy Range Pass (10,847 ft), Bridger Wilderness, Red Desert, Wind River Range
• Local Commerce: Saratoga's hot springs, Rawlins' Wyoming Frontier Prison, Dubois' National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center

In Dubois, visit the Dubois Museum and the Tie Hack Historical Memorial. Local shops sell authentic Western gear and Native American crafts. The town is a gateway to the Wind River Indian Reservation.

The route primarily uses US Highway 287 and Wyoming Highway 130, transitioning to US 287 north of Rawlins. The Snowy Range Byway (WY 130) is closed in winter, typically from November to May, so check conditions. The rest of the route is open year-round.

Fuel stops are sparse between Rawlins and Dubois (about 200 miles), so fill up at Rawlins. Saratoga has a gas station, but later towns like Muddy Gap are limited. Cash is accepted at most rural stations, but credit cards are widespread.

• Segment 1: Laramie to Saratoga (80 mi, 1.5 hr, via WY 130 or I-80)
• Segment 2: Saratoga to Rawlins (40 mi, 40 min, via WY 130)
• Segment 3: Rawlins to Dubois (200 mi, 3.5 hrs, via US 287)
• Total trip: ~320 mi, 5.5 hrs drive time

For planning stops, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Cell service is spotty west of Rawlins; download offline maps. Snowy Range Pass can be icy even in summer, and wildlife (deer, elk) is active at dawn/dusk. Carry extra water and blankets.

• Family Stops: Saratoga Hot Springs (soak for free), Rawlins' Wyoming Frontier Prison (tours available), Atlantic City ghost town
• Fatigue Management: Rest at Saratoga (mile 80), Rawlins (mile 120), Riverton (mile 250). Use pullouts for quick naps.

Pet-Friendly: Most businesses along the route allow pets in outdoor areas. The Red Desert to the south is a vast off-leash area with caution for wildlife.