Rock Springs to Pinedale: Scenic Drive Guide

Stretching roughly 100 miles along U.S. Route 191, the drive from Rock Springs to Pinedale cuts through southwestern Wyoming's high desert and mountain foothills. The route climbs from 6,191 feet in Rock Springs to 7,175 feet in Pinedale, crossing the Continental Divide at South Pass. This historic corridor once carried Oregon Trail emigrants, and modern travelers can still glimpse wagon ruts near Pacific Springs.

The drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes without stops, but you should budget at least half a day to absorb the landscapes. Key milestones: Rock Springs (mile 0), Farson (mile 45), and Pinedale (mile 100). Weather can change rapidly, even in summer, so pack layers and check forecasts.

U.S. Route 191 is a well-maintained two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. Fuel options are limited: Rock Springs and Farson have gas stations, but between Farson and Pinedale there are none, so fill up in Farson. As of 2024, regular gasoline in Rock Springs averages around $3.20/gallon, slightly above the national average; Farson prices tend to be similar.

The road is plowed year-round, but winter travel may require chains or 4WD. Cell coverage is spotty between Farson and Pinedale; download offline maps beforehand. The speed limit is 65 mph, but strong crosswinds can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

• Distance: 100 miles
• Drive time: 1h45min
• Minimum fuel range: 100 miles
• Road condition: good, with occasional wildlife

The highway is generally safe, but watch for deer and livestock, especially at dawn and dusk. Wildlife crossings are marked; reduce speed in these zones. The road has wide shoulders and clear signage. In winter, black ice can form on shaded curves, so drive cautiously.

For families, the Fossil Butte National Monument offers hands-on exhibits and easy trails, making it a top educational stop. The Farson Mercantile has basic restrooms and a playground area. In Pinedale, the Town Park has a fishing pond and picnic tables, perfect for a break.

Pets are welcome at most outdoor stops, but keep them leashed. The route lacks designated rest areas, but pullouts near Pacific Springs and the Continental Divide offer safe spots to stretch. For fatigue, stop in Farson – the drive from Rock Springs is the longest stretch without services.

• Recommended stop: Farson Mercantile (mile 45)
• Family attraction: Fossil Butte National Monument (detour 40 mi)
• Pet-friendly: leash required, water available at Pinedale Town Park

The route transitions from the Killpecker Sand Dunes – the largest active dune field in North America – to the sagebrush steppe of the Great Divide Basin. Near Farson, the landscape opens to the Wind River Range's jagged peaks on the horizon. This area is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, home to pronghorn, elk, and wild horses.

Farson is known for its mercantile and the iconic Farson Mercantile, a stop for locals and travelers alike. Just south of Farson, the Eden Valley offers a glimpse into Wyoming's irrigation agriculture. In Pinedale, the Museum of the Mountain Man details the fur trade era, and the town's boardwalk features sculptures celebrating its western heritage.

While not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the route is near the Fossil Butte National Monument (a unit of the National Park System) about 40 miles south of Rock Springs, known for its fossilized fish. For a taste of local culture, try the sage-grouse burger at a Pinedale diner – a regional specialty.