Riverton to Saratoga: Wyoming's Scenic Drive Guide

Driving south from Riverton on US-287, the Wind River Indian Reservation's red desert gives way to the green, pine-clad foothills of the Ferris Mountains. At the 28-mile mark, you’ll cross the Sweetwater River just north of Jeffrey City, an unincorporated ghost town once nicknamed “Home of 2,000 Americans” during the uranium boom.

From there, the highway climbs to the Continental Divide at 7,550 feet before descending into the North Platte River Valley and the town of Muddy Gap, where US-287 meets US-287 Alternate. If you’re wondering whether the drive is worth it, rest assured—it is, especially for a 20-mile stretch that follows the North Platte River through a narrow canyon flanked by 1,000-foot granite cliffs.

The route cuts through the southern tip of the Wyoming Basin and into the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, offering a dramatic transition from arid plains to dense forest. The most scenic stretch is the 12 miles east of Saratoga, where the North Platte River forms a canyon of granite cliffs known as the “Grand Canyon of the North Platte.” A short pullout at mile 109 provides river-view photography, but do not ignore the Continental Divide overlook at mile 67—on clear days, you can see the Wind River Range to the north.

For a deeper landscape dive, stop at the Muddy Gap Interpretive Site, a small gravel area with placards about the Oregon Trail's—the road parallels the historic route for 30 miles.

Local commerce clusters in Riverton (grocery stores, coffee shops) and Saratoga (dude ranches, galleries). In between, Jeffrey City’s remains include the Splinter Cat Saloon, which operates out of a former trailer, and the Miners Delight Mercantile, a one-room general store with ice cream in summer.

The regional economy is tied to ranching and tourism, which suffuses the few businesses with a down-to-earth atmosphere; you’ll find homemade elk jerky at Muddy Gap’s convenience store and artisan horseradish at Saratoga’s farmers market.

Alongside the highway, expect to see cattle drives (especially in the fall), and at dawn, pronghorn and wild mustangs often graze near the fence lines. The Wind River Indian Reservation’s eastern boundary is just north of Muddy Gap, and you may spot roadside vendors selling handcrafted beadwork.

Winter conditions require caution: snow and ice on the Continental Divide can persist from November to May, and even in summer, sudden thunderstorms cause slippery asphalt. Bring chains if driving shoulder seasons, and note that road closures occur during severe weather, though WYDOT provides updates via highway signs.

The greatest fatigue risk is the long, straight stretch between Jeffrey City and Muddy Gap. To combat monotony, set a timer to pull over every 60 minutes or change drivers at the Continental Divide rest area, which has picnic tables and vault toilets.

For families, the drive offers child-friendly attractions: the Jeffrey City play park (a small playground), the Muddy Gap Geological Knobs where kids can climb over ancient granite outcrops, and, in Saratoga, the renowned 135°F Hobo Hot Springs soaking pool (free and open 24/7). Another local favorite is the path above the North Platte River, where youngsters can spot eagles’ nests.

If you want to catch a hidden off-route gem, take the 3-mile detour on WY-220 to the ghost town of Muddy Gap, which preserves a derelict general store and a vintage school bus rusting among the sagebrush. Alternatively, 2 miles south of Saratoga off WY-130, the abandoned Ferris Mine offers historic headframes and a haunting view of the valley.

Pet-friendly framework: all federal lands along the route allow dogs on leash, and the hiking trails near Saratoga (Saratoga Lake Trail) welcome canines. However, due to rattlesnake activity in the desert segments, keep pets on a short leash and on the path. The only pet supply stop is in Riverton, but several motels in Saratoga accept pets for a fee.

For updates on road closures and weather, call the Wyoming Road Report hotline at 511. In emergencies, dial 911; in remote areas, an inReach satellite messenger is advised.

Road quality is consistently excellent across the entire route, with freshly chip-sealed surfaces maintained by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. The broad, well-marked highway has broad shoulders and clear signage, and there are no construction delays expected through summer 2025.

• Speed limits: 70 mph on US-287; reduce to 50 mph through Jeffrey City and Muddy Gap.
• Cell service: reliable in Riverton and Saratoga, but dead zones around Jeffrey City and over the Continental Divide–carry a physical map or download offline maps.
• Lodging options: only found in Riverton and Saratoga; the drive otherwise is remote.
• Last restroom services before Saratoga are at Jeffrey City (gas station) and Muddy Gap (convenience store).

Fuel economy is a key consideration given greater distances between stations. Riverton has full-service gas stations, but the next reliable fuel is at Muddy Gap (56 miles in), and then Saratoga (55 miles further). An efficient vehicle with a 350-mile range is ideal, though a 250-mile range will still suffice if you fill up at both ends.

Regarding tolls: there are none on any part of the route. Parking in Saratoga is free at all trailheads and at the town’s main lot.

Ascent/descent logistics: the Continental Divide crossing is a gentle grade, but trailers should follow the posted 20 mph advisory for the switchbacks on the east side of the divide. For those towing, the 6 percent grade on Rat Snake Hill near mile 102 requires lower gears.