Five Long-Weekend Summer Road Trips in Wyoming
It’s impossible to resist the call of the open road in Wyoming: a place known for its rugged landscapes, Wild West history and bold, independent spirit. And while the Cowboy State is ripe for adventure in every season, summer is one of the best times to explore behind the wheel—especially over a long weekend. So whether you’re planning a family road trip, solo journey or simply looking to take the scenic route, these five Wyoming road trip itineraries will help inspire your next great Western adventure this summer.
Cody to Devils Tower
Explore the plains of northeastern Wyoming—home to some of the state’s most mystical and sacred sites—on this scenic three-day drive. Total distance: 378 miles from Cody to Devils Tower.
Day 1
This long-weekend road trip through northeastern Wyoming begins in a place that embodies the spirit of the great American adventure: Cody. Named for the town’s founder and legendary showman, Colonel William F. Cody (better known as “Buffalo Bill”), Cody is perhaps best known as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone. But its proximity to the iconic national park is only part of the town’s appeal.
Ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the history of the American frontier, Cody is home to the world-class Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This Smithsonian Affiliate Institution features five museums under one roof, offering a compelling glimpse into the region’s art, Native American history, natural beauty and wild gunslinger past.
After a day of Old West exploration, bed down for the night at The Irma. The namesake of Buffalo Bill’s daughter, this beautifully restored hotel dates to 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An on-site restaurant offers a menu of mouthwatering dinner options, including their famous prime rib, along with signature cocktails like the Silver Saddle Margarita. Get there by 6pm and catch the famed Cody Gunfighters, who perform nightly just out front all summer long.
Day 2
If the first day of this road trip focused on the Cowboy State’s Wild West past, the second is all about exploring its rugged landscapes and wide-open spaces. For this, head to Wyoming’s best-kept secret: Bighorn National Forest. This 1.1 million-acre forest reserve traces the spine of the Bighorn Mountains from grassy lowlands to 13,000-foot peaks—a wonderland of hiking, mountain biking, camping and beyond.
It’s worth a visit for the drive alone. Your route through the southern part of Bighorn National Forest follows Old Highway 16, otherwise known as the Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway. The road crests at the 9,666-foot Powder River Pass, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering buttes, lush valleys and an endless expanse of untamed wilderness.
A day spent exploring Wyoming’s wild side calls for accommodations to match, so pitch your tent at Leigh Creek Campground and camp out under the stars at an elevation of 5,400 feet. Or, for a rustic stay that doesn’t skimp on comfort, book a night at nearby Paintrock Ranch where you can take advantage of full kitchens, wireless internet access and in-unit washers and dryers—great for families, or when your outdoor adventures get a little dirty.
Day 3
The final day of your journey through northeastern Wyoming takes you along the 78-mile Black Hills Scenic Byway, through a mythic landscape and isolated mountain range stretching all the way to South Dakota. Native American tribes have a long history in the Black Hills. Known as Pahá Sápa by the Lakota or Mohta-vohonáaeva by the Cheyenne, the area is home to sacred sites like Devils Tower National Monument, an imposing column of igneous rock that sharply ascends more than 900 feet from the Belle Fourche River to its summit.
If you visit during the month of June, you may notice traditional Native American ceremonies being performed, or encounter prayer offerings, including colourful cloths and bundles, along the trails near the Tower. Be sure to #WYresponsibly during this sacred time by keeping a respectful distance from all ceremonies, leaving any prayer offerings untouched and unphotographed, and refraining from rock climbing throughout June.
Thermopolis to Cheyenne
Take a spin through the Cowboy State’s small-town charm on this scenic long-weekend road trip where history leads to adventure. Total distance: 314 miles from Thermopolis to Cheyenne.
Day 1
This three-day journey through central Wyoming begins in Thermopolis, home to the world's largest mineral hot spring—so of course you’ll want to pack your swimsuit. The mineralized water here flows at a therapeutic 104°F, and the State Bath House at Hot Springs State Park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing (and free) soak.
Afterward, head to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, where you can dig a little deeper into the Cowboy State’s prehistoric past. This family-friendly museum is one of the few dinosaur museums in the world to have excavation sites within driving distance. Explore awe-inspiring dinosaur displays, including a rare Archaeopteryx specimen, or channel your inner paleontologist on a real-life fossil excavation.
At the end of the day, retire to the comfort of exceptional in-park accommodations at the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel, where you can hang your hat in spacious guest rooms and relax by the fireplace or in the heated freshwater pool.
Day 2
Day two of your adventure takes you along the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway to the town of Casper. Once a central hub of frontier life in Wyoming, Casper is located at the singular intersection of the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express Trails. See this fascinating history come to life at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, where interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations offer a glimpse of everyday life in the Old West.
Hankering to stretch your legs after the long drive? Enjoy a little fresh air, sunshine and outdoor recreation at Casper Mountain, a local hotspot for summer hiking and mountain biking.
Day 3
Your Wyoming long-weekend adventure reaches its grand finale in Cheyenne, a bustling state capital that goes big on small-town charm. Here, you can embark on a Wild West-themed tour of the historic downtown aboard the Cheyenne Railway Trolley, deepen your knowledge at the Wyoming State Museum or simply enjoy a moment of peaceful serenity as you stroll through the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.
If you find yourself in Cheyenne during the month of July, be sure to check out Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration. The highly anticipated festival happens once a year, but even if you miss it, you can still immerse yourself in the stories and culture of this fascinating town at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum all year round.
Evanston to Jackson Hole
The ideal itinerary for travelers coming from the Salt Lake City area, this unforgettable family road trip takes the scenic route through the best of southwestern Wyoming. Total distance: 217 from Evanston to Jackson.
Day 1
Experience the majesty of southwestern Wyoming with this three-day adventure on the open road, starting in the charming mountain town of Evanston. A one-time railway hub on the banks of the Bear River, the town is home to the only remaining complete roundhouse on the old Union Pacific line. Today, it’s a hub of another kind: a place where outdoor adventurers flock to take advantage of world-class camping, hunting and mountain biking.
Of course, not all outdoor pursuits in Evanston are of the rugged, untamed variety. Tee off against a backdrop of breathtaking foothills at the Purple Sage Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course known for its lush, gently rolling fairways and idyllic scenery. And if you find yourself here over the Labor Day weekend, be sure to check out Evanston Cowboy Days, an annual celebration of the Western way of life that includes live music, rodeo events and plenty of grub to satisfy the cravings of your inner cowpoke.
Day 2
Day two of your Cowboy State adventure takes you along Wyoming’s newest scenic route, an 80-mile stretch of Route 89 known as the Star Valley Scenic Byway. This breathtaking two-hour journey brings you to the town of Afton, where you can snap a picture under the world’s largest elk antler arch, go fishing in Swift Creek or pitch a tent for an overnight camping adventure in Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Traveling with the family in tow? You can book a stay at historic Colter's Lodge. Built in 1928, this lodge-style hotel boasts beautifully updated rooms and suites that blend classic Western charm with contemporary amenities, including spacious suites ideal for family travel.
Day 3
Finish your epic Wyoming journey in one of the state’s most celebrated locales: Jackson Hole. Just over an hour’s drive through Bridger-Teton National Forest, this picturesque 400-square-mile valley is surrounded by the Gros Ventre and Teton mountain ranges, making the scenery nothing short of incredible. And there’s no better way to take it all in than aboard the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Affectionately dubbed “Big Red”, the gondola ascends to a height of 4,139 feet on its nine-minute journey to the summit, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Tetons, Jackson Hole Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Once you’ve made it to the top, be sure to stop in at Top of the World Waffles for a taste of their world-famous gourmet waffles.
Of course, no visit to Jackson would be complete without a stop at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. This landmark local watering hole boasts live music seven nights a week, with a stage that has played host to music legends, including Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Try signature Western-themed cocktails like the Revolver, Gold Rush or Cowgirl Cosmo and raise a glass to your unforgettable adventure.
Grand Teton National Park
Clocking in at just under fifty miles, this small-but-mighty road trip takes you on a scenic loop through the awe-inspiring beauty and captivating history of Grand Teton National Park. Total distance: 48 miles from Moose to Jackson Hole.
Day 1
Day one of your adventure is all about experiencing the unforgettable landscapes of Grand Teton. At 310,000 acres, the park is considerably smaller than Yellowstone, yet every bit as spectacular: a dizzying panorama of lush valleys, mountain meadows, alpine lakes and towering peaks.
As you journey from the small community of Moose along the park’s Outer Road, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in all the incredible scenery. Make a pit stop at Schwabacher Landing, a popular spot for wildlife watching along a small channel of the Snake River. Or pack a picnic lunch and spend an hour taking in the sweeping vistas at the Snake River Overlook. Even if it’s your first time visiting Grand Teton, the view is sure to look familiar; this is where Ansel Adams snapped his iconic shot of the Teton Range.
Less than ten minutes’ drive from the Overlook is your home base for the night: Triangle X Ranch. This family-owned establishment is the premier Wyoming dude ranch inside Grand Teton, and guests can take advantage of rustic ranch-style accommodations along with guided river trips, horseback rides and wilderness adventures.
Day 2
While Wyoming is truly unforgettable throughout all four seasons, there are some sights that can only be enjoyed during the warmer months—like a road trip along Teton Park Road. Known around these parts as the “Inner Road”, the scenic stretch of highway closes to vehicular traffic from November 1 through April 30 each year, making summer one of the only times you can experience this incredible journey.
Beginning at Triangle X Ranch, drive for about an hour along Teton Park Road and South Jenny Lake to the Jenny Lake Loop trailhead. Here, you can set out on a moderate, seven-mile hike around one of the largest bodies of water in the park, surrounded by dense alpine forests and the towering Teton Range.
When you’ve had your fill of outdoor adventure, take a load off and rest up for the night at nearby Jenny Lake Lodge. A touch of luxury amid the Wyoming wilderness, this AAA Four-Diamond resort boasts chef-crafted dining and inviting historic cabins for the perfect blend of modern comfort and Western charm.
Day 3
Connect with the Cowboy State’s one-of-a-kind culture as you journey southwest along the Inner Road on the final day of your road trip. Learn about the pioneer history that changed the West forever at Mormon Row and the T.A. Moulton Barn, located just outside of Moose. Stop in at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, where you can shop a curated selection of local goods at the park store, or wander your way through educational exhibits that explore the themes of place, people, preservation and mountaineering. And if you’re visiting in July or August, the eight-week Grand Teton Music Festival is a great way to experience culture and classical music in the Jackson Hole area.
Yellowstone National Park
Set a course for bucket list-worthy experiences and landscapes so spectacular a camera can’t do them justice on this epic road trip through iconic Yellowstone National Park. Total distance: 81 miles from Old Faithful Inn to Canyon Lodge.
Day 1
When it comes to awe-inspiring scenery, it doesn’t get much better than Yellowstone. A wonderland of sparkling pools, otherworldly rock formations and the world’s largest concentration of geysers, the park offers much to explore on a long-weekend road trip. Before you head out, be sure you’re prepared with the essentials: sunscreen, snacks, insect repellent, binoculars for wildlife-watching and a reusable water bottle to help reduce waste.
Nestled in the heart of America’s oldest national park, Old Faithful Inn is your home base for Yellowstone adventure. Built between 1903 and 1904 using locally sourced lumber, stone and materials, the storied landmark is one of the largest and most impressive log-style structures in the world, and a stunning example of classic “parkitecture”. Better still, it offers incredible views of the lodge’s namesake geyser—a must-see for any Yellowstone getaway.
Be sure to make advance reservations at the on-site Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, a grand-yet-rustic space accented by log beams and a cozy fireplace. Here, you can enjoy classic American dishes and hearty fare that provides plenty of fuel for your Yellowstone adventure.
Day 2
At a whopping two million acres in size, Yellowstone offers plenty to explore on day two of your Wyoming road trip—and you don’t have to cover a great distance to do it. As the locals around here will tell you, national parks are meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace, with bison traffic jams common and speed limits typically ranging from 25 to 30 miles per hour. Thankfully, your next stop is only a short, six-and-a-half-mile journey away.
Beginning at Old Faithful Inn, follow Route 191 to one of the park’s most recognizable sites: Grand Prismatic Spring. The largest hot spring in the country and the third-largest in the world, it’s famous for its striking rainbow coloration, and makes for an unreal photo backdrop.
From here, head north toward Route 89 to Canyon Lodge and Cabins, where you’ll find Western-style rooms and suites, along with cozy cabins—all within two miles of the majestic Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Day 3
Your summer Yellowstone road trip concludes with a day of scenic driving and non-stop outdoor adventure. Follow the Grand Loop Road southeast toward the Hayden Valley Overlook, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch along with breathtaking views of the wild landscape.
Continue along to Highway 14 and the Storm Point Trailhead. This 2.3-mile hiking loop takes you from Indian Pond to the shores of Yellowstone Lake, and is only open in the summer months. After a long day of exploration in the great outdoors, head to Grant Village Campground, where you can rest your weary bones at 7,800 feet elevation in a lodgepole pine forest—the perfect conclusion to your Yellowstone journey.
Follow the Road to Adventure in Wyoming This Summer
From the charming streets of Cheyenne to the scenic vistas of Wind River Canyon, Wyoming was made to be explored by road. So grab your favorite road trip snacks, pack your bags and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime here in the last bastion of the West.
