Richfield to Gillette: A Road Trip Guide

Beginning in Richfield, Utah, this route follows US-89 north through the Sevier Plateau, then picks up I-70 and I-15 before crossing into Wyoming on I-80 and finally US-16/14 into Gillette. The drive spans roughly 750 miles and typically takes around 12 hours of pure driving, not counting breaks.

One notable fact: near the midpoint, you'll pass through Rock Springs, Wyoming, a town that boomed during the transcontinental railroad era and now sits atop a vast trona mine, producing much of the world's natural soda ash.

The geological diversity is striking: from Utah's red rock canyons to Wyoming's high plains and the Bighorn Mountains. Near the Utah-Colorado border, you'll skirt the Uinta Mountains, home to Kings Peak, the state's highest point at 13,528 feet.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not on this route, but nearby, Dinosaur National Monument (a bit off-route) boasts a wall of dinosaur fossils, and Yellowstone's southern entrance is about 200 miles west of Cody.

Local commerce includes small-town shops in towns like Green River, Wyoming, known for its rock shops and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, a scenic detour.

Climatic conditions vary: expect hot summers (90°F+) in Utah, but cooler temps (70-80°F) in Wyoming's higher elevations. Winters can be harsh with snow and ice, especially on I-80 near Elk Mountain, dubbed the 'Treacherous 30' due to frequent closures.

For dining, you'll find classic truck stops and diners. In Richfield, try the local 'Pastry Pub' for cinnamon rolls, a regional favorite.

Fuel stops are plentiful along the interstates, but once you leave I-80 for US-16/14, stations become scarce, so plan to fill up in Buffalo or Sheridan.

• Current average gas price in Utah: ~$3.20/gallon; Wyoming: ~$3.00/gallon (as of early 2025).
• Total fuel cost for an average sedan (30 mpg) is approximately $80–$90.
• Road quality is generally excellent: I-70 and I-80 are well-maintained, and US-16/14 is freshly paved in most stretches.

Along I-80, rest areas are frequent, but west of Laramie, they are few. Take breaks in Rawlins, where the Carbon County Museum offers a step back in time.

For families, the Pelican Lake area near Vernal, Utah, has picnic spots and birdwatching. In Wyoming, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is a major draw, but it's off-route; closer to your path, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis is a good stop for kids interested in paleontology.

Pet-friendly amenities are common: most chain motels welcome pets, but check individual policies. Rest stops have designated pet areas.

To avoid fatigue, aim for a 15-minute break every two hours. Scenic overlooks, like the one at the Continental Divide near Muddy Gap, provide refreshing pauses.

Hidden off-route spots: the Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander, Wyoming, has a limestone cavern and a river that disappears into rocks, re-emerging a mile downstream.

Consider this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.