Ouray, CO to Gillette, WY: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 700-mile route begins on the famed Million Dollar Highway (US 550) in Ouray, Colorado, a narrow two-lane road carved into sheer cliffs with no guardrails in places. It ends in Gillette, Wyoming, the heart of the Powder River Basin, home to the largest coal mines in the United States. The drive takes approximately 11 hours without stops, but the natural and cultural attractions demand at least three days.

The route traverses the San Juan Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the High Plains, passing through Durango, Moab, and Casper. Key highways include US 550, US 160, US 163, I-70, I-15, I-80, and I-25. For those wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-70 and I-25, but sparse in remote stretches like US 550 and US 163 between Moab and Blanding. Plan to fill up in Montrose (45 miles north of Ouray), Durango, Moab, Green River, Rock Springs, and Casper. Gas prices in Wyoming are typically lower than in Colorado's mountain towns.

• Best fuel stop: Moab has several stations along Main Street; fill up before heading north on US 191.
• Pro tip: In the high country winter months (Nov-Apr), carry chains or all-weather tires. US 550 can close suddenly.
• Rest areas: Major ones at mile 98 on I-70 near Green River, and at the I-25 rest area near Douglas, WY.

US 550 is prone to rockfalls and icy patches; drive slowly and use low gears downhill. I-70 through Utah has long stretches with no services. Plan rest breaks every 2-3 hours. The I-80 corridor in Wyoming is known for high winds and sudden snowstorms; check weather before departing from Rawlins to Laramie.

• Family stop: The Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, UT (accessible via US 40) has a working quarry with over 1,500 dinosaur bones.
• Pet-friendly: Arches National Park allows leashed pets on paved trails; many hotels in Moab are dog-friendly.
• Fatigue management: The Green River rest area (mile 98) has picnic tables and clean bathrooms; the West Laramie rest area (mile 298) has a visitor center.

For child-friendly dining, Moab has the Moab Diner with milkshakes. In Rock Springs, try the Bitter Creek Brewing for burgers (family seating). If you need a break from driving, consider a short hike at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (exit 2 on I-80).

The route passes through the San Juan National Forest, Arches National Park, and the Red Desert. In Ouray, the box canyon and hot springs are a must. The Million Dollar Highway offers panoramic views of the Uncompahgre Gorge. Between Durango and Moab, Mesa Verde National Park contains ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Natural attraction: Corona Arch near Moab, a 3-mile round trip hike on slickrock.
• Local commerce: Durango's historic downtown has art galleries and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
• Cultural stop: The Western Wyoming Community College's Natural History Museum in Rock Springs has a large fossil collection from the Green River Formation.

The Red Desert near I-80 features the Killpecker Sand Dunes, the largest active dune field in the US. In Rawlins, the Wyoming Frontier Prison offers tours. The town of Douglas hosts the Wyoming State Fair and the Jackalope Square.