Laramie to West Yellowstone: Epic Wyoming-Montana Road Trip Guide

Driving from Laramie, WY to West Yellowstone, MT covers 386 miles along US-287 and US-20, a route that climbs from the high plains at 7,200 feet to the volcanic plateau of Yellowstone. This journey bypasses the crowds of I-80 and I-15, offering solitude and raw landscapes.

Historically, this corridor follows the old stagecoach route from Fort Laramie to the Yellowstone Basin. A unique driving quirk: you cross the Continental Divide three times—twice in Wyoming and once in Montana—without ever feeling a steep grade. The highest point is Togwotee Pass at 9,655 feet, where snow can linger into July.

For those wondering is it worth driving Laramie, WY to West Yellowstone, MT, the answer is a resounding yes—especially if you value wildlife sightings and uncrowded roads. You'll see pronghorn, moose, and bison without the traffic jams of Yellowstone's main entrances. To learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide.

Route Overview Table

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-287 is a two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. Speeds are 65 mph, reduce to 55 in construction zones. Wildlife crossings are frequent; be alert at dawn and dusk. Cell service gaps make it essential to carry a paper map.

Family and Child Suitability: This route is excellent for families if you plan frequent breaks. Older kids will enjoy the prison museum and bighorn sheep center. Pack car games for the long stretches.

• Rest Zones: Rest areas at Rawlins (MM 211), Jeffrey City (MM 120), and Dubois (MM 49). All have picnic tables and restrooms.
• Playgrounds: Washington Park in Riverton has a large playground and splash pad.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most motels along US-287 accept pets (note: some require $25 fee). The Rawlins KOA has a dog park. Pets are not allowed in Yellowstone's backcountry, but you can stop at the West Yellowstone dog kennel ($35/day). Bring a doggy seat cover and frequent water stops.

• Pet-friendly restaurants: Cowboy Café in Dubois has outdoor seating; the Boondocks in Jackson allows dogs on the deck.
• Vet clinics: Riverton Vet Clinic (307-856-2775) and West Yellowstone Animal Hospital (406-646-7141).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

To fight fatigue, take a break every 2 hours. Stop at the following key points:

1. Rawlins (1 hr): Walk the prison grounds.
2. Jeffrey City (2 hrs): Photo op at the gas station with the giant buffalo.
3. Dubois (3.5 hrs): Lunch and a walk along the Wind River.
4. Moran Junction (5 hrs): Stretch at the Teton overlook.

Caffeine sources: Laramie has Starbucks; Rawlins has a Big D's; Dubois has the Bronc's cabin. Consider a 70-minute nap at a rest area—set an alarm.

Culinary Infrastructure

• Laramie: Crowbar & Grill for burgers; The Library for coffee.
• Rawlins: Holly's Café for the lamb burger; Fiesta Brava for Mexican.
• Riverton: The Breadboard for sandwiches; Wind River Brewing Co. for pizza and craft beer.
• Dubois: Cowboy Café for chicken fried steak; The Stagecoach for huckleberry pie.
• West Yellowstone: The Buffalo Bar for elk steak; Running Bear Pancake House for breakfast.

The route traverses five distinct ecosystems: shortgrass prairie, red desert, granite peaks, lodgepole pine forest, and volcanic plateau. In Great Divide Basin (near Rawlins), you'll see sagebrush and antelope. The Wind River Range offers hanging valleys and glacial lakes.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (part of the route's endpoint) is a UNESCO site. While the drive itself doesn't pass through other UNESCO sites, you can detour to the Fossil Butte National Monument (near Kemmerer, not directly on route) or the Grand Teton National Park (adjacent).

• Wind River Canyon: Dramatic 2,000-foot-deep canyon with Precambrian rock visible. Stop at the pullout at mile marker 93.
• Boysen State Park: 19,000-acre reservoir with fishing, boating, and camping. Great for a picnic break.
• Togwotee Pass: Offers views of the Teton Range. Snowmobiling in winter; hiking in summer.

Local Commerce & Culture

Rawlins: Home to the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum. Stop for a tour of the historic prison (open 9-5). Try the Rock Springs Roll at Holly's Café.

Riverton: Gateway to the Wind River Indian Reservation. Visit the Wind River Hotel & Casino for local crafts. The Sacajawea Cemetery is nearby.

Dubois: A cowboy town with a nightly shootout reenactment at the Silver Jack saloon. The National Bighorn Sheep Center has interpretive exhibits. For a meal, the Cowboy Café serves hearty steaks.

Moran Junction: The intersection of US-26 and US-89/191. The Triangle X Ranch offers horse rides. Leek's Marina on Jackson Lake has pizza with a view.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Fossil Butte National Monument: 15 miles west of Kemmerer (US-30). See 50-million-year-old fish fossils. Entry $15.
• Brooks Lake Lodge: 13 miles north of Dubois, a historic lodge with a private lake. Stop for afternoon tea.
• Sinks Canyon State Park: Near Lander (30 miles south of Riverton). The Popo Agie River disappears into a cave and reappears a quarter mile downstream.

Estimated Drive Time: 6.5 hours without stops, but plan for 8-10 hours with photography, wildlife viewing, and meals. Best Stops Laramie, WY to West Yellowstone, MT include Rawlins, Riverton, Dubois, and Moran Junction.

Fuel Economy: Gas stations are sparse between Rawlins and Dubois (130 miles). Fill up in Laramie and again in Riverton. The last reliable gas before West Yellowstone is in Moran Junction. Expect $4.50-$5.50 per gallon in remote areas.

• Cell Service: Verizon works along US-287 most of the way; AT&T has dead zones from Rawlins to Jeffrey City. Download offline maps.
• Road Conditions: US-287 is well-maintained two-lane highway. Togwotee Pass can have ice October to May. Check WYDOT for closures.
• Coordinates: Laramie (41.3114° N, 105.5911° W); West Yellowstone (44.6622° N, 111.1041° W).

Packing Essentials

• Tire chains (October-April)
• Extra water and snacks (long stretches without services)
• Binoculars for wildlife
• Cash (some rural gas stations don't accept cards)