Richfield to Thermopolis: Utah's Red Rock to Wyoming's Hot Springs

This route from Richfield, Utah, to Thermopolis, Wyoming, is a 344-mile drive that traces the western edge of the Rocky Mountains through the Colorado Plateau and into the Bighorn Basin. It's a journey where the landscape shifts from red rock canyons to high desert plains, culminating in the world's largest mineral hot spring. The route crosses the Sevier River, climbs over the Wasatch Plateau, and descends into Wyoming's Wind River Canyon, a geologist's dream.

You'll be driving on US-89 north through Utah, then I-80 east briefly, and finally US-20/US-26 into Thermopolis. The total driving time is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes without stops, but the journey is worth every extra minute for the sights along the way.

Safety on this route is generally high, but be cautious of wildlife, especially deer and elk near dawn and dusk. In winter, carry chains and be prepared for snow. The road is mostly straight and well-banked, but the Wind River Canyon has winding sections with limited shoulders.

• Child-friendly: The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis has hands-on exhibits.
• Pet-friendly: Many rest stops and trailheads allow pets on leashes; the hot springs are not pet-friendly.
• Rest zones: Rest areas at Scipio, Utah, and near Shoshoni, Wyoming, offer picnic tables and restrooms.
• Hidden gems: Take a detour to Hot Springs State Park (in Thermopolis) for free public hot pools (the world's largest mineral hot spring).

For fatigue management, plan to stop every 2 hours. Try the route planner at Wayro to discover more stops: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The first leg through Utah's San Rafael Swell offers stunning red rock formations and the unique geologic feature of the San Rafael Reef. As you cross into Wyoming, the landscape opens into wide-open sagebrush plains, with the Wind River Mountains rising to the west. The Wind River Canyon, between Shoshoni and Thermopolis, is a stunning gorge carved by the Wind River, with volcanic and metamorphic rocks visible.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the route include Yellowstone National Park, about a two-hour drive from Thermopolis, and the newly designated (2019) “Hopewell Culture National Historical Park” in Ohio—wait, that's not on the route. Actually, no UNESCO sites are directly on the route, but the fossil sites of the Bighorn Basin (like the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis) are of global significance.

Culinary stops include local diners like the Maverik in Salina, the Cowfish in Provo, and the Thermopolis Bakery. Local commerce is dominated by small-town shops, especially in Riverton and Thermopolis, which have a rich ranching heritage.

The most efficient routing is to take US-89 north from Richfield to Spanish Fork, then I-15 north to I-80 east through Wyoming, then US-20/US-26 to Thermopolis. Alternatively, a more direct route is US-89 all the way through Utah and Wyoming, but it adds time. The route is well-paved and maintained year-round, but winter driving can be challenging.

• Fuel stops are available in Richfield, Salina, Spanish Fork, Provo, Evanston, Kemmerer, Riverton, and Shoshoni.
• Diesel and regular gas are widely available; fill up in Richfield or Spanish Fork before the long stretch.
• Food and lodging are ample in larger towns like Provo, Rock Springs, and Riverton.
• No tolls on this route.

For real-time road conditions, check the Utah and Wyoming DOT websites. The drive is 5-6 hours including stops, so plan for a full day.