Open Roads & Endless Adventures

Winter storms can develop quickly across Wyoming, often with little warning, especially in mountainous areas. Make sure your vehicle is in proper working order, including wiper blades, headlights, taillights and tires. If you’re visiting Wyoming or driving a rental vehicle, take the time to familiarize yourself with how to properly work the lights, hazards, wiper fluid and other parts of the vehicle.

Highway closures are common during winter storms, particularly along Interstate 80, where winter conditions often cause ground blizzards and whiteout conditions. Be prepared to adjust your itinerary and delay travel if you encounter temporary winter road closures or hazardous driving conditions.

Visitors should prepare for winter travel by keeping emergency supplies in their vehicle, such as a snow brush, ice scraper, blankets and a first aid kit. A complete winter travel checklist and driving tips are available through WYDOT.

Always check road and weather conditions before starting your trip by dialing 511 or visiting the Wyoming 511 Travel Information page. If you encounter winter weather while driving, slow down and stay alert.

Snowplows are vital to keeping Wyoming roads clear of snow and ice, but they move slowly compared to other traffic. If you are unfamiliar with winter driving, be patient and give plows plenty of room to operate. The road behind a plow is safer than unplowed sections ahead. Never pass a snowplow on the right, as it may be using a wing plow. Reduced visibility ahead may indicate a plow at work. Learn more about snowplows here.

Winter conditions in Wyoming can increase the risk of wildlife vehicle collisions, particularly for visitors who may not expect animals on roadways. Deep snow can alter daily travel patterns for deer, elk and antelope onto highways. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges travelers to remain alert, especially during morning, evening and nighttime hours.

Drivers are encouraged to:

• Be as aware as possible while driving
• Use high beams to see more of the road
• Scan across the road and rights of way frequently
• Watch for eyeshine in the headlights
• Ask passengers to help watch for wildlife

Wildlife may be attracted to roads due to salt used for deicing or during spring green-up. Do not attempt to force animals off the road with your vehicle. If a herd is present, move forward slowly and honk if needed to encourage movement. If animals do not leave the roadway, contact Wyoming Game and Fish for assistance.

Wyoming is a mountainous state, and many highways and scenic routes cross high-elevation mountain passes. Research your route ahead of time to make sure your vehicle can handle steep grades, sharp curves, and changing weather conditions. Visitors driving rental cars, RVs, or vehicles without all-wheel drive should pay close attention to elevation and road conditions.

Similarly, check whether your destination requires travel on unpaved or rough service roads, which may require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles, especially near campgrounds, trailheads, and remote attractions.

Cell service on long stretches of Wyoming’s roads can be limited or unavailable. Before beginning your road trip, download maps, navigation apps, and travel resources so you can stay on course in remote areas. Paper maps are also recommended as a backup. You can order a free Wyoming Travel Guide for ideas, maps, and planning tools to help your trip stay on track.

Wyoming’s wide-open spaces mean fuel stops can be far apart. In some areas, stretches between gas stations can exceed 50 miles. Tourists should refuel whenever possible and avoid letting fuel levels drop too low, especially when traveling at night or in winter.

Did you know that Wyoming is the windiest state in the country? Wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph are common, particularly along open highways and interstate corridors. These conditions can make driving difficult for RVs, campers, and vehicles towing trailers. Pay close attention to weather forecasts and high-wind advisories. Electronic highway signs may direct light, high-profile vehicles to exit during dangerous wind events, and failing to comply can result in fines.

Keep an eye out for wildlife during your Wyoming road trip, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. It is common for large animals such as pronghorn antelope, mule deer, elk, and moose to cross highways. Wildlife collisions can cause serious vehicle damage and injuries, so slow down in posted wildlife zones and remain alert.

For the most up-to-date Wyoming road conditions, including closures, construction, and weather-related advisories, call 1-888-996-7623 or use WYDOT travel tools. Interactive maps, a mobile app, and additional travel resources are available through the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Driving in Wyoming’s national parks often means mountain passes, narrow roads and changing weather. Many park routes include steep grades, sharp curves and limited shoulders. Before traveling, research your route and confirm your vehicle is suitable for mountain driving, especially if you are using a rental car, RV or trailer.

Some park roads, trailheads and scenic areas are accessed by unpaved or rough roads. These routes may require high clearance or four-wheel drive, particularly during spring, fall or after rain. Check conditions in advance and avoid unimproved roads if your vehicle is not equipped for them.

Cell service is limited in and around national parks. Download maps and park apps before arrival and carry paper maps as a backup. Let someone know your travel plans when entering remote areas.

Fuel and services can be limited near national parks, with few options inside park boundaries. Refuel before entering and keep your gas tank well above empty, especially for early morning or evening travel.

Wildlife frequently crosses park roads. Bison, elk, moose, deer and pronghorn are most active at dawn and dusk and may stop traffic without warning. Slow down, stay alert and never approach or attempt to move wildlife.

For current road conditions, closures and travel advisories near Wyoming’s national parks, check WYDOT travel resources or call 1-888-996-7623. Park-specific updates are available through the National Park Service.