Thermopolis to Buffalo: Wyoming Scenic Drive Guide

The drive from Thermopolis to Buffalo, WY, covers about 140 miles along US-20 East and I-25 North, typically taking 2 hours and 20 minutes without stops. This route traverses the Bighorn Basin and offers a glimpse into Wyoming's geological history, including the ancient sea bed that became the Bighorn Mountains.

The road gradually climbs from an elevation of 4,620 feet in Thermopolis to 4,641 feet in Buffalo, passing through ranchlands and the southern foothills of the Bighorns. Plan for a full day to explore the hot springs, dinosaur fossils, and scenic overlooks that make this drive memorable.

The route is generally safe, but wildlife like deer and antelope are common, especially at dawn and dusk. Use high beams when possible and be alert near water sources. The road has adequate shoulders and guardrails in mountainous sections, but be prepared for sharp curves.

For families, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis and the Deer Haven Ranch Petting Zoo in Worland offer interactive animal encounters. Kids will enjoy the free hot springs pool in Thermopolis and the playground at the Ten Sleep City Park. Most restaurants along the route have high chairs, and gas stations offer kid-friendly snacks.

Travelers with pets will find pet-friendly motels in Worland, Ten Sleep, and Buffalo, and many outdoor eateries allow dogs on their patios. Carry water and a bowl, as summer temperatures can exceed 90°F.

Fatigue management begins with recognizing that the drive is short, but stops are important. Plan to rest at the Wind River Canyon overlook and at the Ten Sleep rest area, which has picnic tables and shade. The stretch between Worland and Ten Sleep has no services, so use restrooms before leaving Worland.

For additional rest, the Powder River Pass vista point offers panoramic views and a safe place to stretch. The Buffalo Visitor Center provides a welcome area with maps and coffee. Driving with a partner can reduce fatigue, and staying within speed limits (65-75 mph) ensures safety.

The route passes through the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, which flows at 3.8 million gallons per day. The park offers free bathing in the State Bath House, a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A short detour to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis showcases real excavation sites and is a premier stop for paleontology enthusiasts.

Driving east, you'll cross the Wind River Canyon, a dramatic 2,000-foot-deep gorge with cliff walls revealing Precambrian granite and Paleozoic limestone. The canyon is a designated National Scenic Byway and features several pullouts for photography. Just before Ten Sleep, the Ten Sleep Canyon offers waterfall hikes and granite spires popular with climbers.

In Buffalo, the Occidental Hotel, founded in 1880, is a living museum of the Old West, having hosted Buffalo Bill and Theodore Roosevelt. The town's historic district is lined with preserved false-front buildings housing galleries and boutiques. For a taste of local culture, visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, which chronicles the area's Native American and pioneer heritage.

For hidden gems, turn onto County Road 63 south of Ten Sleep to reach the Mummy Cave archaeological site, a deep rock shelter that yielded artifacts dating back 9,000 years. Another off-route spot is the Bomber Mountain memorial, marking the site of a 1943 B-17 crash. For more tips on discovering such hidden stops, check this how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

US-20 runs through Worland, where you'll find the last major gas stations before Ten Sleep. After Ten Sleep, the highway joins I-25 north, which is a fully divided four-lane road with better visibility for wildlife. Fuel prices average $3.20 per gallon in Thermopolis and $3.45 in Buffalo, so fill up early to save.

Road conditions are generally good year-round, but winter storms can close sections of US-20 over Powder River Pass. Check WYDOT's 511 app for real-time updates. Cell service is spotty between Worland and Ten Sleep, so download offline maps.

• Gas stations: Thermopolis (multiple), Worland (multiple), Ten Sleep (one), Buffalo (multiple)
• Lodging: Hot springs resorts in Thermopolis, motels in Worland, cabins in Ten Sleep, historic hotels in Buffalo
• Food: Fast food in Worland, small diner in Ten Sleep, restaurants in Buffalo