Riverton to Custer Road Trip Guide: Scenic, Safe, and Smart

The drive from Riverton, WY to Custer, SD follows U.S. Highway 26 and U.S. Highway 20, passing through the Wind River Canyon and the Bighorn Basin. This corridor was originally a segment of the Bridger Trail, a mid-19th-century wagon route.

Covering 282 miles, the journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving time, but plan for a full day to savor the attractions.

Wind River Canyon, just east of Riverton, is a cliff-lined gorge within the Wind River Indian Reservation. The canyon is 1,500 feet deep and supports bighorn sheep populations.

As you leave Wyoming, the landscape transitions to the Black Hills, a geological dome of granite and limestone that has eroded into pinnacles and canyons, setting the stage for Custer's iconic scenery.

Here's a how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stops are plentiful along I-25 and US-16, but distances between stations can be long in the sparsely populated areas. According to AAA, average gas prices in Wyoming are $3.10/gallon and in South Dakota $3.00/gallon.

• Fill your tank in Casper (major city with many stations).
• Next cluster: Gillette and Newcastle.
• Last station before Custer often in Hill City, SD.

Road conditions are generally good, with well-maintained highways. In winter, snow and ice are possible from November to March; check weather advisories.

Speed limits vary: 70 mph on interstates, 65 mph on two-lane highways, and lower in construction zones. Wildlife crossings are frequent, especially at dusk.

Rest areas along I-25 and US-16 offer picnic tables and restrooms; notable ones are near Kaycee and Wright.

Wind River Canyon (0-20 miles from Riverton) provides a dramatic start, with steep walls and the Wind River below. Further east, the Bighorn Basin features red-hued badlands and expansive ranchland.

Near Buffalo, the Clear Creek Valley offers lush greenery. The drive along I-25 is mostly flat with views of the Powder River Basin.

In South Dakota, the descent into the Black Hills reveals pines, granite spires, and the famous Needles Highway.

Local commerce thrives in small towns like Shoshoni, Thermopolis, and Newcastle. Thermopolis is home to Hot Springs State Park, offering free bathing in mineral pools.

In Buffalo, the historic Occidental Hotel serves as a museum and restaurant. Gillette is a coal-mining hub with the Eagle Butte Mine visible from the highway.

Sundance, WY, named after the Sun Dance ritual, has a small museum. In Custer, the local commerce centers on tourism, with shops selling native crafts and gear for outdoor activities.

For families, the route offers educational stops: the Wind River Canyon has pullouts for geology viewing, and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody is a short detour (but adds 2 hours).

In Newcastle, the Anna Miller Museum provides local history. For a break, the town parks in Buffalo and Gillette are well-maintained.

Pet-friendly accommodations are common; ensure pets are leashed at rest areas. Many hotels allow pets, but confirm in advance.

To manage fatigue, plan a break every two hours. Notable rest stops include the Kaycee Rest Area (milepost 217 on I-25) and the Wright Rest Area (milepost 94 on I-16).

Wildlife collisions are a risk, particularly at dawn and dusk. Use high beams when possible and slow down in animal crossing zones.

Weather changes quickly; carry water and blankets. In winter, check road conditions via Wyoming 511 and South Dakota 511.