Vail to Thermopolis: Epic Road Trip Guide through Colorado and Wyoming

This 540-mile route from Vail, Colorado, to Thermopolis, Wyoming, traverses the Continental Divide, the high plains of the Wyoming Basin, and the Wind River Canyon.

A little-known fact: the highway follows a segment of the Overland Trail, a 19th-century stagecoach route that carried mail and passengers before the transcontinental railroad.

The drive takes approximately 9 hours without stops, but the best stops Vail, CO to Thermopolis, WY make it a multi-day adventure.

The route showcases three distinct ecosystems: the alpine tundra of the Rockies, the sagebrush steppe of the Wyoming Basin, and the red-rock canyon of Wind River Canyon.

Near Rawlins, the Killpecker Sand Dunes (2nd largest active dune field in the US) is a surreal stop accessible via a graded gravel road; visit in spring for wild elk herds.

• Wind River Canyon (US-20): 20 miles of sheer limestone cliffs, sacred to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Pull-offs at Wedding of the Waters (where Wind River becomes Bighorn River).
• Hot Springs State Park (Thermopolis): Freeing soaking at the state bathhouse; the terraced mineral pools are a must.

Local commerce tip: In Thermopolis, the Hot Springs County Museum has a Pioneer Park with a restored 1912 Carnegie library.

The town's economy revolves around the hot springs and the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site (see hidden spots).

The primary route is I-70 W from Vail to Silverthorne, then US-40 N to Steamboat Springs, and finally US-191 N through Wyoming to US-20 and US-16 into Thermopolis.

Alternative: I-80 from Rawlins to WY-789/Bighorn Basin, adding 30 minutes but better services.

• Total estimated driving time: 8.5–9.5 hours (map distance 540 miles)
• Key junctions: I-70/US-40 (Exit 205), US-191/WY-789, US-20/WY-16
• Tolls: No tolls on this route
• Road conditions: Check COTrip.org (Colorado) and WYDOT (Wyoming) for winter closures

Fuel strategy: Fill up in Vail (premium prices), then Steamboat Springs (cheaper). In Wyoming, Rawlins and Riverton have the best rates.

Between Rawlins and Riverton (150 miles), only a few stations at Jeffrey City (limited hours). Plan accordingly.

• Average gas price (2025): $3.50/gal in CO, $3.20/gal in WY
• Total fuel cost for sedan (25 mpg): approx. $75–$85

Winter driving: I-70/US-40 over Rabbit Ears Pass (9,426 ft) can close for hours; carry chains even in May.

Summer: sudden thunderstorms on the high plains cause low visibility. The best stops Vail, CO to Thermopolis, WY for safety rest are at Steamboat Springs (Towny's Café, 24h) and Rawlins (Walmart parking lot, well-lit).

• Rest zones: every 50-60 miles, but no services between Rawlins and Riverton for 100 miles. Use WYDOT's rest areas at Battle Creek (north of Rawlins, has bathrooms).
• Family appeal: Dinosaur Museum (Thermopolis) and Steamboat's Old Town Hot Springs are easy stops for kids. Pet-friendly: many motels along US-191 accept pets (e.g., Riverton's Super 8).

Fatigue management: break every 2 hours. Safe parking at the rest area near Dubois (Jakey's Fork) offers a scenic overlook.

Culinary infrastructure: Steamboat's KFM (Korean Fried Meat) food truck, Rawlins' Pizza Hut (only chain open late). For local flavor, the Thermopolis Café serves biscuits and gravy since 1926.