Sheridan to Pinedale: Epic Wyoming Road Trip Guide

The drive from Sheridan, WY to Pinedale, WY spans approximately 228 miles via US-14, US-20, US-26, and US-287 (with a final stretch on WY-28). A unique historical fact: this route roughly follows the old Bridger Trail, used by Jim Bridger in the 1840s to travel between Fort Laramie and the Wind River region. Today, it’s a paved highway offering expansive views and a sense of frontier history. Estimated driving time without stops is about 4 hours 15 minutes, but expect to add hours for exploration.

• Best stops Sheridan, WY to Pinedale, WY include Ten Sleep Canyon, the Red Desert, and the Wind River Range.
• How long to drive Sheridan, WY to Pinedale, WY? Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes non-stop.
• Is it worth driving Sheridan, WY to Pinedale, WY? Absolutely—this route showcases Wyoming’s dramatic transition from the Powder River Basin to the Rocky Mountains.
• Things to do between Sheridan, WY and Pinedale, WY range from hiking in the Bighorns to ghost town exploration.

Our approach: this guide pairs deep practical knowledge with traveler insight. For a broader strategy on discovering hidden gems, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stations are sparse between Sheridan and Pinedale, especially on WY-28. Gas up in Buffalo (just west of Sheridan), Ten Sleep, Thermopolis, Shoshoni, and Lander. On WY-28 from Lander to Pinedale (49 miles), there are no fuel stops. Plan accordingly.

• Cell service: Verizon works in towns; AT&T and T-Mobile are patchy. Download offline maps.
• Food options: Main towns have diners and cafes; bring snacks for long stretches.
• Lodging: Available in Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Thermopolis, Shoshoni, Lander, and Pinedale. Book ahead in summer.

Road conditions: US-14/16/20 are well-maintained, but WY-28 can be narrow and icy in winter. Check WYDOT for closures. Speed limits vary from 65 to 45 mph in construction zones.

From Sheridan to Pinedale, you traverse the Bighorn Basin, cross the Wind River Canyon, and skirt the Wind River Range. The landscape shifts from high plains prairies to red-rock canyons and alpine peaks.

• Ten Sleep Canyon: Lime and red cliffs popular with rock climbers. Pull off at trailheads for short hikes.
• Wind River Canyon (US-20): A narrow gorge with dramatic geology. Watch for bighorn sheep.
• Boysen State Park (near Shoshoni): Reservoir with camping, fishing, and water sports.
• Wind River Range: Visible from Lander to Pinedale. Hike at Sinks Canyon State Park (near Lander) or take a scenic drive on WY-28.

Cultural stops: Thermopolis has the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and hot springs (a UNESCO-listed 'geothermal attraction'). Lander is a hub for outdoor gear shops and art galleries. Pinedale, gateway to the Wind River Mountains, offers the Museum of the Mountain Man.

Local commerce: In Sheridan and Buffalo, browse Western art galleries. In Lander, find locally made crafts at the Lander Cooperative. Pinedale's downtown has cowboy shops and coffeehouses.

Safety: Two-lane highways with occasional passing lanes. Watch for wildlife (deer, elk, pronghorn) at dawn and dusk. WY-28 lacks guardrails in spots. In winter, carry chains.

• Rest zones: Rest areas at Buffalo, Ten Sleep, and Lander. Also, scenic turnouts in Wind River Canyon.
• Family suitability: Excellent for kids. Stop at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center (Thermopolis), Boysen State Park, and Sinks Canyon. Many state parks have playgrounds.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest areas allow pets on leash. Hotels in towns typically accept pets (check in advance). Many trails in Bighorn National Forest and Wind River Range allow dogs.

Fatigue management: Break up the drive with at least three stops. Use the Ten Sleep rest area for a nap (has picnic tables). In Lander, stretch your legs at City Park. The hidden gems strategy suggests also stopping at unmarked historical markers.

Hidden off-route spots: Just south of Ten Sleep, the Leigh Creek Recreation Area offers a quiet swimming hole. Near Shoshoni, the Wind River Canyon overlooks are photo-worthy but often missed. Just north of Pinedale, the Fremont Lake Scenic Byway (8 miles east) leads to a pristine mountain lake.