Sheridan to La Grande Road Trip: Hidden Gems & Scenic Drives

This 500-mile route traverses the historic Bozeman Trail, following I-90 then US-18 and US-20 across rolling plains, the Big Horn Mountains, and into the Pacific Northwest's high desert. The drive takes roughly 7.5 to 8.5 hours without stops, but the real value lies in the side trips and small towns like Buffalo, WY and Baker City, OR.

Geologically, this path crosses the boundary between the Wyoming Craton and the accreted terranes of the Pacific Northwest. Look for the massive volcanic deposits of the Columbia River Basalt Group near La Grande. For planning insights, check our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics Gas prices vary significantly; fill up in Buffalo or Cody where prices are lower than in mountain towns. Expect around $3.50 per gallon in Wyoming, $4.00 in Oregon. The route has ample stations every 30-50 miles except between Dubois and Moran Junction (70-mile gap).

Driving Times The fastest route is I-90 to US-20, but consider US-16 through the Big Horns for scenery. Plan for 8 hours of driving plus 2-3 hours of stops. The speed limit on I-90 is 80 mph, dropping to 65 on two-lane highways.

Road Quality I-90 is well-maintained; US-20 through Wyoming is good but windy in places. Oregon's I-84 is smooth but semis frequent. Winter conditions require 4WD from October to April. Summer construction delays are common near Buffalo.

Accommodations Budget $100-150 per night in chain motels; historic hotels in Buffalo or La Grande cost $150-250. Book ahead during July-August and hunting season.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality The route is safe but watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk at dawn/dusk. Emergency services are available in towns; cell coverage is spotty between towns. Carry a spare tire and water.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones Rest areas exist on I-90 at mile markers 80 (near Buffalo) and on US-20 near Shoshoni. The best stops are in bigger towns: Cody, Dubois, and Jackson. Plan to stop every 2 hours.

Family and Child Suitability Great for families. Kids will love the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody, the hot springs in Thermopolis, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Scenic drives with wildlife spotting keep children engaged.

Pet-Friendly Framework Most chains accept pets ($20-50 fee). National forest lands require leashes. Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis has designated pet areas.

Culinary Infrastructure Diner fare dominates: try the Cowboy Cafe in Buffalo, The Proud Cut Saloon in Sheridan, and Foley's in La Grande. For healthier options, Jackson offers organic cafes.

Hidden Off-Route Spots A 10-mile detour on US-14 to Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (high elevation). Near Dubois, take the gravel road to the Union Pass Viewpoint. In Oregon, the Mount Emily Trail offers solitude.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions The route passes diverse ecosystems. Highlights include the Big Horn Mountains (Cloud Peak Wilderness), Wind River Canyon (limestone cliffs), and the Wyoming high desert. Near La Grande, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers alpine lakes and wildflowers.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites None directly on route, but Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is a 2-hour detour from Cody.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics Summers are sunny, 75-90°F, with thunderstorms. Autumn brings golden aspens; winter transforms the land into a snowscape. The Big Horns often have snow on peaks until June.

Local Commerce & Culture Stop in Buffalo for the Occidental Hotel (Wild West history), Cody for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and Thermopolis for hot springs. La Grande's downtown has craft breweries and the Eastern Oregon Museum.