West Yellowstone to Buffalo: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Begin on the western edge of Yellowstone National Park, where boardwalks steam over the world's highest concentration of geysers. End in Buffalo, Wyoming, a cattle town on the eastern flanks of the Bighorn Mountains. This 300-mile route follows US-191 south to US-26, then US-16/I-90 into Buffalo.

The drive crosses two states, three mountain ranges, and the Continental Divide twice. Roughly 5.5 hours of pure driving—but plan for full days, because the landscape demands unscheduled stops.

Wildlife—especially elk, bison, and moose—can wander onto roads at any time, particularly at dawn and dusk. Use high beams in forested stretches when no oncoming traffic. The road quality is generally good, but watch for frost heaves in spring and loose gravel on secondary routes.

For families, plan for bathroom breaks at visitor centers in Yellowstone, Colter Bay, and Dubois. Each park has picnic areas. Pets are not allowed on trails or in boardwalks, but they can stay at pet-friendly lodges in West Yellowstone, Jackson, and Buffalo—always check specific hotels.

• Take breaks at pullouts every 1.5-2 hours to combat fatigue.
• Hidden gem: take WY-22 over Teton Pass for a switchback-filled drive with views, rather than staying on the main route.
• For scenic detour, drive to the top of Powder River Pass—you'll be above 9,600 feet with panoramic views.

Yellowstone is one of only 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the US. Just south, Grand Teton National Park, also a UNESCO site, rises abruptly from the valley floor. Both offer iconic photo stops: Old Faithful, the Tetons from Schwabacher Landing, and the Snake River overlook.

Beyond the parks, you'll pass through Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Absaroka Range, and the Wind River Indian Reservation. Each town has its own flavor: West Yellowstone sells souvenirs and fudge, Jackson is a Wyoming-chic resort, and Dubois is a tiny cowboy stop with a museum on the Wind River.

• For local crafts, visit the White Pine Galleries in Alpine, featuring regional artists.
• Stop at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson—you might see elk grazing on the hill behind it.
• Grab a bison burger at the Rustic Pine in Dubois; their huckleberry pie is known for miles.

US-191 from West Yellowstone to Jackson is a well-maintained two-lane road, with long straightaways through national forest. The gateway towns—West Yellowstone, Jackson, Dubois, and Buffalo—are spaced 50–80 miles apart, each with gas stations. However, between Dubois and Buffalo, the next fuel is 90 miles away, so top up in Dubois.

Fuel prices in gateway towns run 10–20% higher than national averages due to park proximity and remoteness. For the best value, fill in Jackson or Dubois rather than inside national parks. There are no tolls on this route.

• Check road conditions on WYDOT (Wyoming) and MDT (Montana) websites before departing; both have mobile-friendly alerts.
• Winter (Nov-Apr) can bring snow closures over Teton Pass and Powder River Pass; carry chains or plan for detours.
• Summer (Jun-Aug) sees heavy traffic in Yellowstone; expect 20-30 minute delays at entry gates.