Sheridan to Afton, WY Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive Through Wyoming

The 350-mile drive from Sheridan, WY to Afton, WY along Interstate 90 and US-30/89 largely traces the original Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental road. This route passes through the heart of the Big Horn Basin and crosses the Continental Divide at 9,095 feet near Togwotee Pass, offering dramatic elevation changes. Driving time ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops, but plan for a full day to appreciate the scenery.

This guide covers key stops, road conditions, and logistics. For a deeper dive into finding unique stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route traverses diverse biomes: shortgrass prairie, red desert badlands, and alpine forest. Highlights include the Big Horn Mountains, Greybull River valley, Absaroka Range, and the Star Valley. Each region offers unique cultural touchpoints.

• Natural Landscapes & Attractions: Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area (near Lovell), Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis), Shoshone National Forest (Wapiti Valley), Grand Teton vistas from US-26/89
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone National Park (accessible via US-14 from Cody) is a World Heritage site; a short detour adds 100 miles
• Local Commerce & Culture: Sheridan's historic downtown with Western art galleries; Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West; Dubois's rustic cowboy vibe; Afton's world's largest elk antler arch

Culinary Infrastructure includes classic diners in Buffalo (The Rusty Nail), Mexican food in Greybull, upscale steakhouse in Cody (The Local), and homemade pies in Dubois (The Cowboy Cafe). Afton offers Basque-influenced fare at Grey Dog Cafe.

Safety considerations include wildlife crossings (elk, deer, moose) especially at dawn/dusk. Mountain passes have steep grades; use lower gears. Weather can change rapidly—carry chains in winter.

• Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: I-90 is good; US-26 from Dubois to Afton is winding but paved; occasional potholes east of Greybull
• Family and Child Suitability: Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis) offers free outdoor pools; Yellowstone (if detour) is kid-friendly; Cody's Rodeo (June–Aug) entertains all ages
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most state parks allow leashed pets; motels like Super 8 in Cody accept pets; national forests permit dogs on trails
• Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Rest areas at mile 20 (Sheridan westbound), mile 90 (Greybull), and near Dubois. Break every 2 hours: stretch at Hot Springs State Park or walk Cody's downtown

Hidden Off-Route Spots include the Medicine Wheel (east of Lovell, 45-min gravel road), the ghost town of Kirwin (near Meeteetse, high clearance needed), and the Lander Cutoff (historic Oregon Trail cemetery near Farson).

The route combines interstate, four-lane divided highways, and two-lane mountain roads. Cell service is sporadic west of Buffalo; download offline maps. Fuel stations are plentiful in Sheridan, Buffalo, Greybull, Cody, and Dubois, but sparse between Dubois and Afton (130 miles). Fill up in Dubois.

• Total distance: 350 miles via I-90, US-16, US-14, US-20, US-26, US-89
• Recommended fuel stops: Buffalo (mile 40), Greybull (mile 100), Cody (mile 170), Dubois (mile 235)
• Road conditions: Check WYDOT for closures, especially in winter; Togwotee Pass (US-26) can be icy October–April
• Tolls: None

Accommodation options range from motels in towns to campgrounds in national forests. Book ahead in summer.