Sheridan to Orderville: Epic Wyoming-Utah Road Trip Guide

This route traces the historic Brigham Young Trail from Wyoming's ranchlands to Utah's red rock cathedrals. The 700-mile journey (roughly 11 hours of driving) crosses three distinct geological provinces: the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountain corridor, and the Colorado Plateau.

Expect elevation changes from Sheridan's 3,700 feet to Orderville's 5,400 feet, with passes reaching over 8,000 feet. The drive is best taken over 4–5 days to absorb the diversity.

The first 200 miles through Wyoming's ranches reveal pronghorn antelope and the lonely Medicine Bow National Forest. Near Rawlins, the Continental Divide markers appear frequently. The stretch I-80 across the Red Desert is surreal—alkali flats and sand dunes contrasting with snowy peaks.

Entering Utah, the Wasatch Range looms as you descend into Salt Lake Valley. South on US-89, the landscape shifts to pink cliffs and juniper forests, culminating in the stunning East Zion area just north of Orderville.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Zion National Park (31 miles from Orderville): The park's canyon walls and Virgin River are a short detour. Requires advance reservation for permit areas (Angels Landing).
• Dinosaur National Monument (130 miles east on US-40): Fossil quarry with over 1,500 bones embedded in rock.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Sheridan: The Mint Bar (vintage cowboy hangout) and the Ucross Foundation (artist retreat).
• Rock Springs: The Chinese Museum displays railroad history; authentic Mexican taquerias on Broadway.
• Orderville: Orderville Mercantile sells pioneer-era items; nearby Mount Carmel has a restored 19th-century Mormon fort.

For more on how to dig deeper into these local stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent on interstates; two-lane US-89 narrows and has sharp curves near Orderville. Winter driving requires chains over Wasatch Pass (I-80 near Kimball Junction). Summer monsoon season brings flash floods in southern Utah.

Fatigue management: Rest areas every 50 miles on I-80 (clean, with vending machines). Recommended breaks at Terry Bison Ranch (WY) for buffalo petting, and at the Little America truck stop for 24-hour restaurant and lounge chairs.

Family and Child Suitability

• Sheridan: The Wyoming Rodeo (summer weekends) and the Kendrick Mansion.
• Casper: The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (interactive pioneer simulations).
• Orderville: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab (4 mi away) allows children to walk rescue dogs.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Motels: Super 8 Rawlins and La Quinta Salt Lake City accept pets with $15 fee.
• National parks: Pets allowed only on paved paths; Zion's Pa'rus Trail is pet-friendly.
• Veterinarians: Companion Animal Clinic in Rawlins (emergency hours).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Gebo Limestone Mine (near Thermopolis, WY): Abandoned quarry with fossilized marine shells; requires high-clearance.
• The Swing at Willis Creek (near Cannonville, UT): A natural arch with a valley swing; 2-mile hike from the road.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

• Spring: Wildflowers in early June; roads clear by mid-May.
• Fall: Cottonwoods turning gold along the Provo River (early October).
• Best aesthetic stretch: US-89 between Mt. Carmel and Orderville—pink hogbacks appear as the sun sets.

The primary highways are I-90 East to Buffalo, then I-25 South to Casper, I-80 West to Salt Lake City, and US-89 South to Orderville. Alternative scenic routes include WY-487 through the Ferris Mountains (adds 20 minutes).

Most fuel stops are 30–50 miles apart except in remote sections between Rawlins and Rock Springs (90-mile gap). Gas prices average $3.50–$4.00 per gallon in Wyoming, dropping to $3.20 in Utah. Plan for one fuel stop per 200 miles.

Fuel and Route Economics

• Best fuel prices: Sinclair stations in Rawlins, Maverik in Salt Lake City.
• Truck stops: Sapp Brothers in Little America (I-80) offers showers and 24-hour diesel.
• EV charging: Level 2 chargers available in Sheridan, Casper, Rock Springs, and Salt Lake City; plan for 4 hours charging time.
• Route tolls: Only if using I-15 through Salt Lake City (Express Lanes); otherwise free.