Route 16: Rock Springs to Keystone Road Trip Guide

The drive from Rock Springs, WY to Keystone, SD covers 430 miles along a route that runs through three distinct geological provinces: the Wyoming Basin, the Bighorn Mountains, and the Black Hills. Named 'Route 16' after the Bighorn Scenic Byway, this trip passes near the Oregon Trail and the Bozeman Trail, where pioneers once crossed the Great Plains. Today, the highway parallels the historic routes, offering a modern lens on the American West.

One quirky but stable fact: the elevation changes dramatically from 6,200 feet in Rock Springs to over 9,000 feet at Powder River Pass, test to the region's tectonic uplift. This variation affects everything from fuel efficiency to tire pressure, so monitor both as you climb.

The route leaves Rock Springs via I-80 east to exit 58 for US-191 north, then joins US-16 at Worland. The asphalt is well-maintained, with winter weather possible from October through April; check conditions before departing. Cell service is spotty along the Bighorn segment, so download offline maps.

For fuel, plan stops in Rock Springs, Worland (80 miles), Buffalo (100 miles), and Gillette (90 miles) to avoid long gaps. Gas prices average $3.20/gal, and you'll need about 2.5 tanks for the trip.

• Budget accommodations: motels in Worland and Buffalo, from $70/night.
• Camping options: at Burnt Hollow in the Big Horn National Forest.
• Food supplies: grocery stores in major towns; local diners in small ones.

For those wondering is it worth driving Rock Springs, WY to Keystone, SD: it's a resounding yes for lovers of open highways and changing ecosystems, but it's long enough to break into two days.

Driving between Rock Springs and Keystone, pay attention to wildlife; elk and deer crossings are common near dawn and dusk. Road quality is good, but cattle guards and blow sand reduce traction in the Bighorns. Keep an emergency kit with water, blankets, and a flashlight.

For families, kids will enjoy the Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, with skeletons and interactive exhibits, just west of the route. The town also has hot springs to soak in, a welcome break.

Pet-friendly facilities include designated rest areas in Buffalo and Gillette, but no shade in summer. Always carry water and never leave pets unattended in a vehicle.

Fatigue is a real issue, so plan to stop every 2 hours. The rest area at Crazy Woman Canyon, 60 miles north of Buffalo, offers picnic tables and hiking access.

Hidden gems include the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, a short detour from Lovell, and the Pony Express Station in a park near Douglas. For a deeper dive into planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The first highlight is Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, 45 minutes south of Rock Springs, known for its red cliffs and trophy fishing. As you drive US-191, the Wind River Range appears to the south, and the arid desert gives way to sagebrush plains. In Worland, the local commerce centers around agriculture; check out the Washakie Museum for ranching history.

Entering the Bighorn National Forest, the best stops Rock Springs, WY to Keystone, SD include the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, a 300-year-old Native American stone circle, and Shell Falls at 120 feet. The road climbs scenic switchbacks, a favorite for motorcycles.

Passing into Wyoming's northeast corner, you'll cross the Powder River Basin, one of the largest coal reserves in the world. Gillette, the 'Energy Capital of the Nation,' offers tours of surface mines upon prior arrangement.

Finally, the Black Hills of South Dakota, known for granite peaks and ponderosa pines, surround you as you enter Keystone, home to Mount Rushmore.