There’s something about Wyoming that makes the call of the open road all but irresistible. With its towering peaks, craggy rocks, steaming geysers and wide-open spaces, it’s easy to understand why the Cowboy State has become such a popular road-trip destination.

Come winter, Wyoming’s face becomes ever more intriguing as her landscape transforms into a wonderland of snow-capped mountains and sparkling prairies, where glimpses of wildlife can be seen against a blanket of pristine white. Around here, we never let the chill of the season stop us from embarking on the next epic adventure. Our state is abundant in scenic byways, after all, and many of these routes are still accessible in winter. So follow your WY wanderlust and watch as it leads you to some of the most alluring, off-the-beaten-track places with this roundup of the best places to visit for a Wyoming winter road trip.
 

Wyoming Winter Road Trips Map

Tap the icons in the map below to learn more about each winter road trip destination.

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Yellowstone National Park

Bison with snow-covered hooves walk across a winter landscape in Wyoming.

Winter in Yellowstone National Park is a sight to behold. Under a blanket of pure white snow, the park transforms itself into a wonderland of tranquil forests, steaming geysers and frozen landscapes that shimmer in the pale winter light. Out here, the colder months are known as the “secret season”; with the roadways and boardwalks emptied of their summer crowds, and the thermal features at their most dramatic, you’ll feel as if you have the best of Yellowstone all to yourself.

Winter access is limited to oversnow transportation, which means you’ll need to book a snowcoach or snowmobile tour to access the park. It takes a little extra planning, but it’s well worth it to experience this one-of-a-kind style of Wyoming road trip. Once there, get out and explore the quiet, pristine landscapes for yourself on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursion. Winter is also prime wildlife-watching season, when wolves, foxes, moose, elk and bison are more easily spotted against the park’s blanket of pure white snow. Guided tours are available to help you catch a glimpse of this wild side of winter in Wyoming.

For more inspiration on winter fun in Yellowstone, check out our Yellowstone Winter Guide.
 

Where to start:

Yellowstone’s entrances close to motor vehicle traffic annually beginning November 1st. In mid-December, the park reopens to oversnow vehicles (snowcoaches and snowmobiles) operated by commercial vendors. 

For winter access to the park, the nearby towns of Cody and Jackson are ideal jumping-off points. Xanterra, Yellowstone’s concessionaire, also provides transportation, activities, lodging and dining options within the park throughout the season.

 

Where to eat:

When it comes to winter dining, there are plenty of great places to eat in Yellowstone during the colder months.

Located adjacent to Yellowstone’s most famous feature, the aptly named Old Faithful Snow Lodge offers sit-down dining service in a warm, cozy atmosphere at the Obsidian Dining Room. The Geyser Grill, on the other hand, is an ideal quick-service outlet for convenient, on-the-go meals that won’t break the bank.
Nestled in the park’s northeastern corner, the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is another great option for winter dining in Yellowstone. Cozy up in the hotel’s inviting Map Room Bar—a great place to enjoy a coffee in the morning or relax with a drink at the end of an invigorating day.

 

Where to stay:

The winter lodging options in Yellowstone National Park are as inviting as they are memorable.

For a truly immersive Yellowstone experience, book a stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge or Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Both are convenient basecamps for winter adventure, with daily guided tours and scenic views of the snowy surroundings. As a bonus, your stay at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge includes snowcoach transportation to and from the park entrances—a requirement during the winter months, when the park’s roads close to vehicle traffic.

Jackson Hole & Grand Teton National Park

 

The snow and tree-covered Teton Range behind a forest of trees at Grand Teton National Park.

A sprawling, 400-square-mile valley in northwest Wyoming, Jackson Hole is a wonderland of Wyoming-style winter adventure on the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park. And while the winter activities here may be familiar, they’re made all the more special during the colder months due to limited winter access to the park.

The snow creates a hushed environment, blanketing the landscape with an inviting sparkle. Here, you can embark on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursion from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge. Wildlife tours are also available, allowing you to glimpse Wyoming’s wildest inhabitants from the warmth of a heated vehicle.
 
When you need a dose of civilization, the nearby town of Jackson has plenty to explore. Take a stroll under the distinctive elk-antler arches of Jackson Town Square; browse an extensive collection of more than 5,000 pieces at the National Museum of Wildlife Art; or simply relax with a soothing soak at Astoria Hot Springs Park overlooking the Snake River.
For more inspiration, check out our Grand Teton Winter Guide.
 

Where to start:

When it comes to planning a winter road trip through Grand Teton National Park, the National Park Service encourages you to be prepared. This means checking on weather and highway road closures.

Winter road access within the park is limited. Starting in Jackson, make your way north via U.S. Hwy 191 about five miles, then enter the park via the Moran Entrance Station.
 

Where to eat: 

Dining in Jackson Hole is always a treat, with options ranging from classic American comfort food to chef-crafted cuisine. Local favorites include The Bistro at the Cloudveil Hotel for fine dining and Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Company for its rustic stone fireplace and stunning mountain views.
 

Where to stay:

Winter lodging within Grand Teton National Park is limited, with only one lodge open during the colder months: Triangle X Ranch. Though availability is limited, it’s well worth the effort of booking in advance to stay at the last dude ranch still operating in the National Parks system.

Nearby, the town of Jackson boasts a range of accommodations, from the rustic hospitality of Hotel Jackson to a refined retreat at Cowboy Village Resort.
 
Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins, near the town of Moose, offers a unique experience for its guests. Open in winter December through March, this family-friendly establishment offers ski and snowshoe rentals for outdoor adventure, plus access to their carefully curated wine shop, perfect for a cozy nightcap.

Saratoga & The Snowy Range Mountains

Visitors cross-country ski through the Snowy Range Mountains near Saratoga, a popular wintry road trip stop.

The area around Saratoga and the Snowy Range Mountains is a place steeped in history. People have flocked to these lands since time immemorial, drawn in by the abundant wildlife, awe-inspiring landscape and natural mineral hot springs found here. For generations, the Shoshone, Crow and Arapaho peoples hunted the resident moose, deer and elk and sought solace in the healing waters; in time, mountain men and trappers working their way West also discovered the gifts of the region.

Experience a little of this history for yourself on a classic Wyoming winter road trip to Saratoga. Here, you can take in spectacular views of the Snowy Range—or set out on a pair of snowshoes to immerse yourself in their rugged beauty. The surrounding Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is prime snowmobiling territory, with miles of groomed trails that are also ideal for a cross-country skiing excursion. 

Afterward, shake off that winter chill with a relaxing hot-spring soak in the private, teepee-covered pools of Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, or head to the Hobo Hot Springs to enjoy a free soak along the banks of the North Platte River.
 

Where to start:

Fly into the mile-high travel hub that is Denver International Airport (DEN).

Heading north into Wyoming via U.S. Highway 287, you’ll traverse west through the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest on Hwy 130 to reach Saratoga. In total, the trip is just over 200 miles, but with ample views of the Snowy Range, it’s a route that’s bound to cement itself in your memory as one of the best in Wyoming.
 

Where to eat:

Saratoga offers plenty of popular choices for dining.

Italian eatery Bella’s Bistro is a perennial favorite among visitors and locals alike. Here, Old World charm and modern sophistication come together to create a warm inviting atmosphere. (It doesn’t hurt that Bella’s is located in one of Saratoga’s most elegant historic homes.)
 
Hotel Wolf Restaurant is known in the area both for its fine food and upbeat atmosphere. The prime rib is a must, accompanied by the extensive salad bar or one of their homemade soups.
 
For classic comfort food and exceptional libations, The Malt Burger Bar is the place to dine along Saratoga’s North Platte River. Enjoy a mouthwatering menu of burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus their famous Old Fashioneds, house-made Margaritas, and over 200 whiskeys from around the world.
 

Where to stay:

To get the most out of your visit, we recommend a stay at Saratoga Hot Springs Resort. One of Wyoming’s best and most memorable places to stay, the resort is known for its spa-like ambiance, soothing mineral hot springs and luxurious surroundings. 

History buffs will appreciate the charm of Hotel Wolf, which was built in 1893 as a stage stop and now stands as a Registered National Historic Landmark. The guest rooms are quaint and filled with Victorian-style charm that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Thermopolis

A fossil displayed at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis.

Home to Hot Springs State Park and the world’s largest mineral hot spring, Thermopolis is one of the best places to visit in Wyoming for anyone looking to shake off winter’s chill. Though the park’s outdoor pool is closed during winter, the free bath house remains open seven days a week, all year round, with water maintained at a cozy 104 degrees for therapeutic soaking.

In the early 1990s, dinosaur remains were discovered at the local Warm Springs Ranch, and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center was founded soon thereafter. Open from 10 am to 5 pm during the winter season, the museum is home to more than 10,000 fossils that have been unearthed in the area, and makes an ideal destination for families.
 
Of course, the dinosaurs aren’t the only larger-than-life figures who’ve been known to roam these parts. Immerse yourself in Wyoming’s Wild West history at the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center in historic downtown Thermopolis, where you’ll be treated to tales of infamous local outlaws like the Hole-In-The-Wall gang, and even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
 

Where to start:

Start your Wyoming road trip on the Park to Park Highway, the scenic, early-1900s byway from which the Park to Park region gets its name.

Connecting Cheyenne to small towns in Wyoming’s wide-open landscape, this route will take you into Thermopolis, where you can learn about its history (both Wild West and prehistoric) and marvel at the unusual terrain that surrounds this Western town.
 

Where to eat:

The Black Bear Cafe in Thermopolis is consistently rated one of the town’s most popular eateries. Their sandwich menu alone will have you satisfied and stashing leftovers away in your cooler for the remainder of your Wyoming road trip.

Located within a converted firehouse, P6 Station brings the heat with tasty stone-fired pizza in an open, airy atmosphere. You’re sure to find something to suit every taste with their menu of specialty pies and build-your-own options, both of which can be substituted with a gluten-free crust.
 
One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company boasts an upbeat atmosphere with fun food options to round out a classic selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads. For the daring, Rocky Mountain oysters are available as a jumpstart to your meal, while specialty mac-and-cheese plates offer the ultimate comfort food on your winter road trip.
 

Where to stay:

For a comfortable stay that’s conveniently close to your next relaxing mineral soak, the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel located within Hot Springs State Park is an ideal choice. Handcrafted lodgepole pine furniture and in-suite fireplaces (available in select suites) create a homey, rustic ambiance.
 

Pinedale & The Wind River Range

Skijoring in Pinedale, a popular road trip destination in winter.

When it comes to breathtaking winter road trip scenery, Wyoming’s Hwy 191 is about as spectacular as they come. But in the colder months, it pays to plan ahead and check road conditions before you set out. Depending on the weather, this stretch of road can be treacherous and may actually require chains on your tires.

Get the timing right, though, and you’re in for a treat. From the Yellowstone area to Pinedale, Wyoming’s winter wonderland really shines. Firs are laden with snow all along the Snake River, and the winding road presents enchanting vistas at every turn. No less beautiful are the peaks of the Wind River Range, gracing your peripheral. 
 
When you finally pull into Pinedale, an authentic cowboy town nestled against the western slope of the Wind River Range, the call of the wild only grows stronger. With the Green River, New Fork Rivers and more than 1,300 surrounding alpine lakes, the town is a haven for winter adventure in the great outdoors, with plenty of trails, tours and outfitters catering to snowmobile enthusiasts, ice fishing aficionados and those who love to strap on a pair of skates.
 

Where to start:

Begin your winter Wyoming road trip along Hwy 191 South from the Yellowstone region toward Pinedale. The peaks of the Wind River Range are captivating, and the thick wilderness along the Snake River will bring to mind the cowboy lore of Wyoming.

 

Where to eat:

Pinedale offers many exciting places to eat during your winter road trip.

At the base of the Wind River Mountains, the Wind River Brewing Company invites diners to pull up a chair and enjoy a finely crafted beer along with a mouthwatering menu of classic dishes.
 
Just minutes from Main Street, the restaurant at Lakeside Lodge offers a snowy shoreside dining experience for a taste of secluded bliss.
 
Famous across the Cowboy State for their homemade pies, guests flock to the Wrangler Cafe for classic homestyle dishes like fish and chips and chicken-fried steak. (As an added bonus, this bustling spot is known to be slightly quieter in the winter months.)
 

Where to stay:

Located in downtown Pinedale at the foot of the Wind River Range, Jackalope Motor Lodge is a stunningly refurbished motel offering both traditional private accommodations and hostel-style bunk rooms, complete with premium amenities like Tuft & Needle mattresses and lightning-fast wifi.

Comfortable stays abound at the Lakeside Lodge, near the shores of Fremont Lake. Enjoy the warmth of a private cabin or reserve a room in the main lodge. The lodge also offers equipment rentals to fuel your outdoor fun.

Aimed at adventure seekers, High Country Suites are a home away from home for visitors to the area. Each room contains a fully equipped kitchen, making in-room meal preparations convenient if you prefer not to dine out during your stay.

Sheridan & Bighorn National Forest

A bighorn sheep, standing among snow and grasses, gazes at the viewer.

Located in north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are a sister range of the Rocky Mountains. The range is home to Cloud Peak and Blacktooth Mountain, both rising at over 13,000 feet in elevation. One of the best places to visit in Wyoming, its dramatic wilderness creates the ultimate playground for all manner of outdoor pursuits.

Quintessentially Wyoming, Sheridan serves as the gateway to your winter road trip adventure. Here, you can stroll historic Main Street, learn about Indigenous history at the Brinton Museum or experience Wyoming’s wildest winter event: the annual Sheridan WYO Winter Rodeo. The rodeo’s highlight is skijoring: a rider on horseback tows either a skier or snowboarder through a downtown obstacle course as onlookers cheer on the action.

Serious alpine enthusiasts won’t want to sleep on the Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, about 60 miles west of Sheridan. The area features three chairlifts connecting to 28 trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding, along with miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and fat-tire biking.
 

Where to start:

Coming up from the south, Hwy 25 provides easy access to Sheridan and the surrounding Bighorn National Forest.

Traversing US Hwy 14 from the west will leave you aghast at the spectacular views. If you are coming from the east rather than the south, take Hwy 90 to 25 and head north.
 

Where to eat:

In downtown Sheridan, Le Rêve Restaurant & Raw Bar offers a French-inspired fine-dining experience within the beautiful Historic Cady Building on East Alger Street. Chef Zoilan Ruiz’s masterful menu celebrates the season’s best, featuring top-quality local ingredients and artisanal libations.

Black Tooth Brewing’s beer might be ubiquitous throughout the Cowboy State, but the acclaimed brewery got its start right here in Sheridan. In addition to a rotating selection of beer, the taproom frequently hosts local live music and seasonal events.
 
For a glimpse of Sheridan’s Wild West past, stop in at the Mint in downtown Sheridan. When the historic bar first opened, ice was delivered in horse-drawn wagons; during Prohibition, the bar’s back room became a speakeasy. 
 
Early birds will be hankering to get a taste of the Cowboy Cafe, known for its generous portions of breakfast classics and slices of homemade pie. Lunch here is equally hearty with sandwiches and salads stacked high with fresh ingredients.
 

Where to stay:

When it comes time to choose your winter lodging here in Sheridan, why not stay at a place that’s a destination unto itself? Opened in 1893, the historic Sheridan Inn was once owned by none other than William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

Similar in name but singular in experience, the Sheridan Mill Inn once served as a working flour mill. Today, the historic motel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
 
For winter road-trip lodging with a more contemporary flair, make The Nelson Inn your home base in Sheridan. At once design-forward and ruggedly utilitarian, the inn’s stylish spaces invite guests to experience the industrial Wild West while reveling in the panoramic mountain views.

Shoshone National Forest

 

Wyoming is home to America’s first designated national forest: a vast, 2.4-million-acre wilderness known as Shoshone National Forest. A winter road trip through this picturesque landscape is the perfect opportunity to glimpse wildlife like deer and bighorn sheep, which have a reputation for blocking traffic at times.

Opportunities for winter recreation abound here in Shoshone National Forest. A thick blanket of dry, powdery snow at this time of year offers the perfect setting for a snowshoe, cross-country ski or snowmobiling adventure.

As you make your way through the forest along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, you will traverse the Wapiti Valley. The byway ends at the East Entrance to Yellowstone in Sylvan Pass. Although the East Entrance to our country’s first National Park is closed in winter, you may still snowshoe and cross-country ski in this area. And don’t forget your camera—the views are spectacular.
 

Where to start:

One of the most stunning drives in the U.S. is from Cody, Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park at the East Gate.

This iconic Wyoming winter road trip takes you along the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway, U.S. 14/16/20, which follows the North Fork of the Shoshone River.
 

Where to eat:

For dining options close to Shoshone National Forest, head to the town of Cody, about thirty minutes away.

The Proud Cut Saloon is a local favorite. Knotty pine walls and a vintage-style tin ceiling transport guests to the days of the Old West, while classic dishes like their bone-in ribeye might just leave you talking with a certain twang.
For a taste of international fusion, head to Sitti’s Table. The family-run café serves up Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes prepared using traditional French culinary techniques. An adjacent gourmet market offers a selection of specialty food items from local vendors, as well as the owners’ favorite staples from around the world.

Local ingredients, homestyle recipes and an unwavering commitment to quality take center stage at Cody Steakhouse. Try the sirloin steak crostini, bison ribeye or a plate of fall-off-the-bone ribs for a feast worthy of being called the “best in the West”.
 

Where to stay:

For an authentic Western experience, head to the place described as “just the sweetest hotel that ever was” by Buffalo Bill himself: The Irma Hotel in Cody. One of the most-photographed attractions in the city, the hotel first opened in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A vintage cherrywood backbar in the hotel’s restaurant was a gift to Colonel Cody from Queen Victoria.

Complimentary coffee and an expanded continental breakfast jumpstarts the day for guests of The Cody Hotel. A green-friendly hotel, the structure features reclaimed wood from original Yellowstone National Park buildings.
 
A Cody landmark more than a century in the making, the Chamberlin Inn will transport you to the glory days of this frontier town. Its inviting guest rooms and comfortably appointed suites have played host to a succession of notable figures, including politicians, business tycoons and even the celebrated author Ernest Hemingway. If you like, you can even stay in Hemingway’s personal suite, complete with courtyard views and a clawfoot soaking tub.

Casper & Casper Mountain

A winding winter road snakes up Casper Mountain, Wyoming.
Photo Credit: Visit Casper

In the heart of Central Wyoming, Casper boasts some of the most approachable terrain in the Cowboy State. Within the town itself, you’ll find endless activities to feed your curiosity. Casper is home to over a dozen museums ranging in subject matter from science and geology to history and fine art. 

Nearly 26 miles of groomed and lighted trails surround the Casper Mountain Trail Center, with terrain ranging from flat runs to steep inclines. Warm up or grab a bite at the lodge, then get ready to spend a day surrounded by majestic wilderness as you participate in nordic skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. Hogadon Basin Ski Area, Casper Mountain’s downhill ski and snowboarding spot, is only a few minutes from the heart of downtown.

 

Where to start:

All roads in Wyoming seem to lead to Casper.

Whether your approach is from the north via Hwy 25, from the east via Hwy 26, from the west traveling on Hwy 25, or from the south via Hwy 487 and 220, your options for a road-trip route into Casper are as varied as they are scenic.
 

Where to eat:

Casper is considered the unofficial capital of craft brewing in Wyoming. From Gruner Brothers Brewing to Wyoming Ale Works, there’s no shortage of locations for perfectly poured draught beers. For grain-to-bottle vodka, gin, rum, moonshine and whiskey, Backwards Distilling Company is the perfect place to wet your whistle.

The aroma and warmth of Firehouse Pizza’s wood-fired, 1,000-degree grill is tantalizing to the senses. Here, you can choose from Old World-style and Detroit-style pies; diners get to pick their own toppings and sauce.

In downtown Casper, C85 at the Branding Iron serves up gourmet burgers in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. The expansive burger list pairs great with a milkshake—even when it’s cold outside.

 

Where to stay:

One of the best things about a road trip to Casper is the many options for warm and comfortable winter lodging.

Embrace a tradition of Western hospitality at the Ramkota Hotel. Located right downtown, the hotel puts you minutes from popular attractions like Fort Casper, the National Historic Trails Center and Alcova Lake.
 
Conveniently situated for road warriors, the Hilton Garden Inn is just off of Interstate 25, with ample amenities that let you enjoy all the comforts of home.
And if peace and quiet is at the top of your wishlist, Grey Reef Lodging offers riverside cabins on the North Platte River. For no additional cost, guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets and starry skies on those cold, clear winter nights.

Now that you know where to go, it’s time to start planning your epic Wyoming adventure. Check out our helpful travel resources to learn more. We can’t wait to see you on the open road!