Price to Spearfish: Best Stops, Drive Time & Worth It?

The drive from Price, Utah to Spearfish, South Dakota spans 560 miles, crossing the Colorado Plateau and the High Plains. This route closely follows the old Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the U.S., which was established in 1913.

You'll traverse six distinct geological zones, from the Book Cliffs near Price to the Black Hills' granite peaks. The journey offers a stark contrast: red rock canyons give way to rolling prairie, then forested mountains.

Most drivers complete it in about 8.5 hours without stops, but the real value lies in the detours. Here's how to make the drive worth it.

The route passes near two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Dinosaur National Monument (Utah/Colorado) and Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, a 2-hour detour from I-80). Neither is directly on-path, but both are accessible with a short drive.

Between Price and Green River, stop at the Book Cliffs Overlook for panoramic views of the 2,000-foot sandstone escarpment. Near Rock Springs, the Killpecker Sand Dunes offer the largest active dune field in North America, where you can see wild horses.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Superior and Wamsutter, where you'll find rustic diners serving classic American fare.

I-80 in Wyoming is notorious for high winds—gusts can exceed 60 mph, especially between Rawlins and Laramie. Keep both hands on the wheel and be alert for crosswinds.

For families, the best stop is at the Terry Bison Ranch near Cheyenne, where you can feed bison and take a train ride. For pets, there are rest areas with designated pet-walking areas every 50 miles along I-80.

To combat fatigue, take a break every 2 hours. The Fort Steele Rest Area near Sinclair, WY has a historical exhibit and picnic tables, ideal for a settled stretch.

The route follows I-70 east from Price to Green River, then US-191 north to I-80, and finally I-90 east through Wyoming and South Dakota. Road quality is excellent, with entire stretches of I-80 and I-90 maintained to interstate standards.

Fuel costs are reasonable: gas prices average $3.50/gal in Utah and $3.20 in Wyoming (2024). You'll need one tank for the leg from Price to Rock Springs (220 miles), and another from Rock Springs to Spearfish (345 miles).

• Best fuel stop: Rock Springs, WY has the cheapest gas along the route.
• Worth it? The direct drive is long, but the scenic detours make it worthwhile.
• Plan for: Limited services between Evanston and Rawlins—carry snacks and water.