Thermopolis to Kemmerer: Scenic Wyoming Road Trip Guide

The drive from Thermopolis to Kemmerer covers 190 miles of Wyoming's varied terrain, crossing the Wind River Canyon and the high desert of the Red Desert. This route is renowned for its geological diversity, from ancient hot springs to fossil-laden buttes.

US-20 and US-26 west from Thermopolis merge with US-287 and then follow US-189 south through the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The journey typically takes three and a half hours without stops, but plan for a full day to appreciate the sights.

Just west of Thermopolis, the Wind River Canyon slices through the Owl Creek Mountains, offering dramatic views of Precambrian granite and ancient sedimentary layers. Farther south, the Red Desert is a high-altitude cold desert with sagebrush plains and shifting sand dunes, once part of the Oregon Trail.

In Kemmerer, the Fossil Butte National Monument preserves 50-million-year-old fossilized fish and other Eocene life. The Visitor Center exhibits a 13-foot fish fossil; the park is a protected UNESCO site candidate.

Local commerce along the route is limited to small towns. Shoshoni has a few cafés and a gas station. Riverton, the largest town on the route, offers several chain restaurants and groceries. Lander has a vibrant Main Street with local coffee shops and outfitters.

Farson is famous for its mercantile and the Farson Mercantile's ice cream, a favorite stop for travelers. In Kemmerer, the historic J.C. Penney Museum honors the chain's founder, who opened his first store there.

US-20/26 from Thermopolis to Shoshoni follows the Wind River, passing through the Wind River Indian Reservation. At Riverton, the route joins US-287 and continues to Lander, where US-287 turns south. From Lander, US-287 leads to Farson, then US-191 south to Kemmerer.

Road conditions are generally good, with two-lane highways throughout. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and antelope, particularly at dawn and dusk. Cell coverage is spotty between towns, so download offline maps.

• Fuel up in Thermopolis, Riverton, Lander, Farson, and Kemmerer; distances between stations can exceed 70 miles.
• Gas prices in Farson are typically higher due to its remote location; fill up in Lander or Riverton.
• Diesel is available at most stops, but confirm at smaller stations.
• Check weather forecasts, as winter snowstorms can close passes temporarily.

Highway 191 south of Farson is straight and flat, which can lull drivers into monotony. Plan breaks every two hours. Rest areas exist at the Wind River Canyon scenic overlook (north of Shoshoni) and at the Fossil Butte National Monument Visitor Center (west of Kemmerer).

For families, the Fossil Butte National Monument offers interactive exhibits and junior ranger activities. The Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis has a free state bathhouse (indoor and outdoor pools) open daily. In Lander, the Popo Agie Falls trail is a short hike with a swimming hole (seasonal).

Pets are welcome at outdoor areas, but must be leashed in national monument and state park grounds. Many motels in Riverton, Lander, and Kemmerer are pet-friendly; call ahead to confirm.

Hidden off-route spots include the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Shell, a bit off the path, and the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary near Dubois, if you have extra time. For discovering more such gems, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.