Riverton to Pinedale: A Complete Road Trip Guide

The drive from Riverton to Pinedale follows US-26 and US-191 for about 100 miles, traversing the Wind River Basin before climbing into the foothills of the Wind River Range. This is a land shaped by ancient glaciers and persistent winds, where the highway cuts through sagebrush flats and rocky outcrops that tell a story of millennia.

The route passes near the Wind River Indian Reservation, a reminder of the area's deep Native American heritage, and offers sweeping views of the Wind River Mountains, a subrange of the Rockies that includes Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest point at 13,804 feet.

The highway is generally safe, but watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope, particularly at dawn and dusk. In winter, black ice can form on shaded curves, so reduce speed and carry chains. The road quality is good, but be prepared for occasional rough patches and construction during summer.

For families, the highlight is likely the Boulder Lake area, where you can picnic and stretch your legs. The town of Pinedale has a playground at American Legion Park, and the nearby White Pine Ski Area offers summer activities like hiking and gondola rides.

For pet owners, there are plenty of places to walk your dog, but note that Boulder Lake State Park requires pets to be leashed. In Pinedale, you'll find a dog park behind the library.

To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 90 minutes. The best rest area is the one just west of Kinnear, which has picnic tables and a scenic overlook. Alternatively, the gas station in Boulder is a convenient place to refuel both your car and yourself.

For a deeper dive into planning stops along this route, check out this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

As you leave Riverton, the landscape quickly shifts from irrigated farmland to rolling sagebrush plains. This is the Wind River Basin, a high desert region at around 5,000 feet. The Wind River Mountains rise abruptly to the west, and you'll parallel the Wind River itself for several miles, which cuts through the basin on its way to the Missouri River system.

Near the town of Boulder, watch for the Boulder and Green River lakes, both popular for fishing and camping. The area is also home to the Boulder Rendezvous, a historic site where fur traders once gathered.

Local commerce in the small towns along the route is limited but authentic. In Kinnear, you'll find a general store and a few gas stations. In Boulder, there's a post office and a small café. For a more diverse selection, wait until Pinedale, which offers a range of dining options from classic diners to upscale steakhouses.

The Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, lies to the north of the highway. While not directly on the route, it's worth a detour to the Wind River Heritage Center in Riverton to learn about the region's Native American history.

Start in Riverton (elevation 4,961 ft) and head west on Sunset Drive, which becomes US-26. After about 15 miles, US-26 merges with US-191 in the town of Kinnear, and you'll continue southwest through the small communities of Burris and Boulder. The road is well-maintained two-lane highway, with paved shoulders and clear signage.

The drive is straightforward, but it's wise to check weather conditions before departing, especially in winter when snow and ice are common. Cell coverage is spotty in some stretches, so download offline maps or carry a paper map.

• Fuel stations are sparse; fill up in Riverton or Pinedale (both have multiple stations). The stretch between has only a few small towns, like Boulder, with limited services.
• No tolls on this route.
• Restrooms are available in Riverton, Kinnear (at the gas station), and Pinedale, but not in between, so plan accordingly.