Thermopolis to Dillon: Scenic Drive Guide

The drive from Thermopolis, WY to Dillon, MT spans 301 miles via US-20 West and I-90 West, typically taking 5 hours without stops. This route crosses the Wind River Canyon, the Absaroka Range foothills, and the vast high plains of southwestern Montana, offering a surprising diversity of landscapes in a relatively short distance.

Begin in Thermopolis, home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, and finish in Dillon, a historic ranching town near the Continental Divide. Along the way, you'll pass through small communities like Worland, Greybull, and Sheridan, each with its own character. The road is well-maintained, but weather can be extreme—winter snowstorms and summer hailstorms are common, so check forecasts before departing.

Fuel is available in all major towns along the route, but distances between stations can exceed 50 miles in rural stretches. Plan to fill up in Thermopolis, Greybull, Sheridan, and finally Dillon. Gas prices in this region are typically 10-15% lower than the national average due to proximity to refineries in Wyoming.

• I-90 between Sheridan and Dillon is a four-lane divided highway; US-20 from Thermopolis to Greybull is two-lane with occasional passing lanes.
• Rest areas are sparse—the most reliable stops are at truck stops in Worland, Sheridan, and Buffalo (slight detour).
• Cell phone coverage is sporadic, especially in the Wind River Canyon and Bighorn Mountains; download offline maps before departure.
• No tolls on this route; road conditions can be checked via Wyoming DOT apps and Montana 511.
• Winter tires are essential from November to April; chains may be required in the Bighorn Mountains.

Accommodations range from budget motels in smaller towns to historic inns like the Sheridan Inn. Dining options are limited in non-tourist towns—carry snacks and water. The entire route is well-suited for car camping, with numerous dispersed camping spots on public lands, but always check for fire restrictions.

Wind River Canyon, immediately north of Thermopolis, is a geological marvel—a 2,000-foot-deep gorge with exposed rock strata dating back 2.5 billion years. The canyon is part of the Wind River Reservation; a small fee for fishing permits applies. Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis features natural mineral pools, with a free public bathhouse (for state residents only).

Further north, the Bighorn Basin offers stark badlands and fossil beds. The town of Greybull is a gateway to the Pryor Mountains, home to a wild mustang herd. Continuing west on I-90, the landscape transitions to rolling grasslands and ranchland, with the Bighorn Mountains to the east and the Pryors to the west.

Local commerce along the route is dominated by agriculture—cattle ranches, sugar beets, and hay. Small towns like Basin and Bridger (MT) host annual county fairs. In Sheridan, the King's Saddlery museum showcases Western craftsmanship. For unique souvenirs, visit the Hot Springs County Museum in Thermopolis, which houses an extensive arrowhead collection.

A notable off-route gem is the Travertine Hot Springs in Thermopolis (just south of town), where you can soak in natural pools with view of the canyon. Another is the ghost town of Kirwin, accessible via a rough road from Meeteetse, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

The most dangerous sections are the Wind River Canyon (narrow curves) and I-90 near Sheridan (deer and antelope crossings, especially at dusk). Wildlife-vehicle collisions are common, so drive defensively. Speed limits are typically 70 mph on highways, but reduce in construction zones.

For families, must-see stops include the Hot Springs State Park's dinosaur statue and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis (with real dig sites). In Sheridan, the Brinton Museum offers Native American art, and the Kendrick Mansion (in a park) is a historic site with picnic areas. The County 4-H Fair in Worland (summer) has carnival rides.

Pet-friendly facilities are limited—most motels allow pets for a fee. Rest stops often have pet areas, but never leave pets unattended in vehicles. Designated rest areas include Greybull (north of town) and the Sheridan Welcome Center, which has picnic tables and walking paths.

To manage fatigue, plan stops every 2 hours. Good rest points include Basin (gas, fast food), Buffalo (if you detour), and the small town of Otter, MT (no services). Rotating drivers is ideal. Carry extra water and blankets in case of breakdowns.

Road quality is generally good, but expect potholes after winter. Construction is common in summer; check state DOT sites for delays. In Montana, stretches of I-90 are open range, so be cautious of cattle.

Hidden gems: the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite (south of Greybull) and the Russell Art Gallery in Montana. For comprehensive trip planning, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.