11 Most Scenic Drives in Wyoming
From soaring mountain passes to vast, open plains, Wyoming’s scenic drives offer an unparalleled journey through the heart of the American West. But you don't need a week to experience the state's grandeur. For those with a day to spare, Wyoming offers a collection of shorter, more intimate drives that capture the authentic spirit of the area. These routes, often starting and ending in alluring small towns, are a testament to the state's diverse beauty, from the robust geology of ancient canyons to the serene beauty of alpine lakes. This guide is for the traveler who wants to explore the state's breathtaking vistas, discover hidden gems, and connect with the rich history of the land in a single, memorable outing. Pack up some snacks and prepare to embark on 11 incredible day trips that promise a true taste of the Wyoming wilderness.
Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway Loop
A geological marvel that carves a path between the towns of Shoshoni and Thermopolis, the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway is a powerful display of nature's raw force. This 27-mile route travels through a narrow canyon with towering rock walls, some dating back billions of years. You'll drive alongside the rushing Wind River, which curiously changes its name to the Big Horn River at the "Wedding of the Waters" site. This is a journey through time, with layers of Precambrian rock exposed in the canyon walls, providing a tangible connection to the Earth's ancient history.
Starting in the small town of Shoshoni, a commercial hub with a history rooted in the railroad, the drive ends in Thermopolis. Along the way, you can stop at Boysen State Park, where you can take in the views of Boysen Reservoir and its dramatic canyon setting, or try your hand at fishing. The byway also travels through the Wind River Indian Reservation, where you can see the unique landscape and learn about the culture of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. The drive concludes in Thermopolis, home to Hot Springs State Park, a natural wonder where you can relax in mineral-rich hot springs.
Snowy Range Scenic Byway
This 29-mile high-altitude out-and-back route begins in the curious town of Centennial, an old mining and railroad town tucked at the base of the mountains. It quickly climbs into the heart of the majestic Snowy Range Mountains, offering a stunning alpine landscape of craggy peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests. This drive is a microcosm of Wyoming's dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery, with a series of hairpin turns and switchbacks leading you to high-elevation vistas.
Departing from Centennial, the drive's first major highlight is the Nici Self Museum, a small museum housed in the old railroad depot that provides a glimpse into the town's history. As you climb into the Medicine Bow National Forest, a must-see is Lake Marie, a stunning alpine lake named for Wyoming's first female legislator, which offers breathtaking reflective views of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect spot for a scenic hike. You can also stop at the Libby Flats Observation Point for a panoramic view of the mountain ranges before turning around and heading back to Centennial for a meal at one of its rustic restaurants.
Grand Teton Park Road and Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Located entirely within Grand Teton National Park, this iconic drive offers a condensed tour of some of the most famous vistas in the country. The drive begins in the historic Moose Junction, a small community with the park's headquarters and a visitor center. The drive travels along the base of the Teton Range, providing endless opportunities to pull over and take in the magnificent, jagged peaks. This route is a highlight for anyone seeking a classic American West experience.
From Moose Junction, you can turn onto the one-way Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, which hugs the eastern shore of Jenny Lake, offering up-close views of the water and the peaks that rise above it. Along the main Teton Park Road, a short detour will take you to the Mormon Row Historic District, where you can see the famous historic barns set against the dramatic Teton backdrop. This classic picture perfectly encapsulates the park's timeless beauty. The road ends in the northern part of the park, where you can connect with U.S. 89 to make a scenic loop back to Moose Junction.
Bighorn Scenic Byway (Shell to Granite Pass)
The Bighorn Scenic Byway is a captivating journey that starts in the tiny town of Shell and winds through the Bighorn Mountains. While the full byway is longer, this out-and-back drive from Shell to Granite Pass is a perfect day trip. The route provides a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes, from vast ranchlands to dramatic mountain peaks, all carved by ancient geological processes. The drive is a testament to the power of water and ice, with deep canyons and polished granite outcrops marking the way.
From Shell, the road immediately climbs into the Bighorn National Forest. Your first significant stop is the Shell Falls Interpretive Site, where you can witness the Shell Creek thundering over a massive granite outcropping, creating a spectacular waterfall. Further along the byway, a short hike will take you to Porcupine Falls, a lesser-known but equally beautiful cascade that plunges into a cold mountain pool. The drive continues to Granite Pass, offering expansive views before you turn back, giving you a different perspective of the canyon as you descend.
Red Gulch/Alkali National Backcountry Byway Loop
For a taste of Wyoming's arid and colorful landscape, the Red Gulch/Alkali National Backcountry Byway offers a journey into a remote and otherworldly environment. This 32-mile loop begins and ends in the small town of Shell. The byway is a fantastic place for the adventurous traveler, showcasing unique geological formations like hoodoos and vibrant red rock.
Just a short distance from Shell, the main highlight of the drive is the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite, a significant natural landmark and one of the largest dinosaur track sites in the world. Visitors can see hundreds of preserved Jurassic-era dinosaur footprints, offering a tangible link to a prehistoric past. As you continue the loop, you will pass through Hyattville, a small historic town, and can enjoy the unique topography of the Big Horn Basin, with its striking vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The loop offers a raw and authentic glimpse into Wyoming's character, far from the crowds of the national parks.
Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway
This 27-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 14/16/20 begins in the town of Cody, a vibrant hub of Western culture named after its famous founder, William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The drive follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River, winding west toward the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The byway is a showcase of wind-swept beauty, with dramatic rock formations and the stunning peaks of the Absaroka Mountains surrounding you.
A must-see landmark along the route is the Buffalo Bill Dam, an engineering feat completed in 1910 that was one of the first arch dams built in the United States. Its visitor center offers a fascinating look at its history and function. Another key stop is Pahaska Tepee, a historic lodge built by Buffalo Bill himself as a hunting retreat. It's a great spot to pause and imagine the legendary showman's life in the wilderness. The drive ends at the east gate of Yellowstone, where you can turn around for the return trip to Cody.
Battle Pass Scenic Byway
This 57-mile paved stretch of Wyoming Highway 70 provides a high-mountain journey through the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, starting from the town of Encampment. The byway takes its name from an 1841 battle between Native American tribes and reaches a stunning elevation of 9,955 feet. This is a drive that showcases the chiseled, remote beauty of Wyoming's southern mountains.
From Encampment, a town with a rich history of mining and timber, you can visit the Grand Encampment Museum, which preserves historical buildings and artifacts from the area's boom-and-bust days. As you climb the pass, you'll enter the Medicine Bow National Forest and can pull over at the Battle Townsite Overlook, which provides a historical marker about the old ghost town of Battle, once a thriving mining and logging community. The drive offers breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys before you turn back, completing your journey in the shadow of the mountains.
Flaming Gorge-Green River Basin Loop
This scenic loop takes you into Wyoming's high desert, starting and ending in the town of Green River. The drive showcases a stunning geological history, with the centerpiece being the emerald-blue waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir set against towering red rock cliffs. This 160-mile loop can be done in a full day and provides a spectacular contrast of rolling Uinta Mountains and arid desert country.
From Green River, the drive heads south, with a key stop at the Red Canyon Overlook, providing a breathtaking perspective from 1,700 feet above the reservoir. The vibrant red cliffs are a testament to the iron oxides in the rock. For a unique experience, a detour will take you to the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, a gravel road where you can witness herds of wild horses roaming free, a sight that symbolizes the untamed spirit of the West. The loop completes its circuit back to Green River, a historic town famous for its role in the John Wesley Powell expedition.
Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway (Buffalo to Ten Sleep)
A condensed version of the larger byway, this drive offers a quick but powerful immersion into the Bighorn Mountains. The out-and-back route starts in the historic town of Buffalo, where the streets still whisper tales of the Old West. From there, you'll climb to over 9,600 feet on U.S. 16, crossing the Powder River Pass and offering incredible views of Cloud Peak, the highest summit in the Bighorns.
Along the way, a stop at Meadowlark Lake, a serene alpine lake, offers a perfect spot for a picnic or a short walk to admire the wildflowers and stunning scenery. The drive also provides access to the Ten Sleep Canyon, a geological wonder where you can see millions of years of history etched into the sheer rock walls. You can drive to the town of Ten Sleep and turn around, or simply drive to a viewpoint along the byway and enjoy the panorama before heading back to Buffalo, a town known for its historic Occidental Hotel and vibrant cowboy culture.
Bridger Valley Historic Byway
The Bridger Valley Historic Byway is a short 20-mile loop that is rich in history, perfect for a short day trip. Starting and ending in the town of Lyman, this byway is a living history book, following the paths of thousands of travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The route is a testament to the state's pivotal role in westward expansion.
The main highlight of this drive is Fort Bridger State Historic Site, a meticulously restored former fur trading post and military outpost that provides a detailed look into life on the frontier. You can explore the historic buildings, see reenactments, and learn about the diverse groups of people who passed through this area. Another stop is the Fort Bridger Museum, a small but informative museum that houses artifacts and exhibits on the fort's history. The loop continues through the towns of Mountain View and Urie before returning to Lyman, a community with deep roots in agriculture and ranching.
Grand Teton East to West Parkway
A drive that connects the famous landmarks of Grand Teton, this route is a must for any visitor to the park. It begins at the Jackson Lake Dam, a commercial and engineering landmark that offers stunning views of the northern part of the Teton Range reflecting in the water. The drive follows the main park road, giving you a different perspective of the mountains and the valley below.
From the dam, a notable stop is the Oxbow Bend Turnout, a popular spot for viewing wildlife, where you can often see moose, elk, and various waterfowl. The still waters of the Snake River at this spot often provide a mirror-like reflection of Mount Moran. A short side trip from the main road is the Signal Mountain Summit Road, a narrow and winding drive that offers panoramic views of the entire Jackson Hole Valley, the Snake River, and the Teton Range from a high vantage point. The drive can be completed by following the road to Jackson and returning to the dam, creating a memorable and scenic loop.
Wyoming's scenic drives are more than just roads; they are gateways to a land of raw, untamed beauty and profound history. From the dizzying heights of the Beartooth Highway, which challenges the clouds, to the serene reflections of the Teton Range on the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, each route tells a unique story. These journeys through canyons carved by ancient rivers, overpasses where pioneers and tribes once trod, and past landscapes teeming with wildlife offer a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. Whether you seek the thrill of a high-altitude climb, the solitude of a desert vista, or a deep connection with the past, Wyoming's roads promise an unforgettable adventure that will forever capture your imagination and your heart. So, get ready to explore a state where the spirit of the West is not just a memory, it's a living, breathing reality at every turn.
