Best Wyoming Scenic Byways for an Epic Road Trip

Wyoming offers some of the most spectacular driving routes in the United States, where vast open landscapes, towering peaks, and rich wildlife converge to create unforgettable journeys. With 21 designated scenic byways and backways, travelers can navigate through rugged canyons, alpine meadows, and ancient forests, often leading to iconic destinations like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. These routes not only showcase natural beauty but also provide access to historical sites, hiking trails, and unique outdoor activities, making them ideal for road trippers seeking adventure and solitude.

Why Choose Wyoming for Your Next Road Trip

The state’s diverse terrain—from the high plains of the east to the dramatic Rocky Mountains in the west—ensures every mile reveals something new. Drivers encounter bighorn sheep grazing on cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon. Many byways are designated as National Forest Scenic Byways or All-American Roads, highlighting their exceptional quality. Summer and fall are prime seasons, with clear skies and mild temperatures, though higher elevations may see snow into late spring.

Road conditions vary: paved highways offer smooth travel, while backways demand high-clearance vehicles. Always check Wyoming Department of Transportation updates for seasonal closures, especially near passes like Granite Pass or Snowy Range. Fuel up in towns like Cody, Buffalo, or Pinedale, as services thin out in remote areas.

Northern Wyoming’s Mountain Masterpieces

Northern routes immerse you in the Bighorn Mountains and Shoshone National Forest, blending dense pine forests with open meadows and dramatic geology.

Bighorn Scenic Byway: Canyons and Peaks

Starting in Shell, this byway winds east through Bighorn National Forest, climbing over Granite Pass at 9,942 feet. Highlights include Shell Falls, a 120-foot cascade accessible via a short boardwalk trail, and sweeping views of ranchlands framed by limestone cliffs. The 67-mile drive passes overlooks perfect for photography and short hikes into wildflower-strewn valleys. Wildlife spotting is prime here, with mule deer and elk common at dawn and dusk.

Cloud Peak Skyway: Summit Thrills

From Ten Sleep to Buffalo along US-16, this 47-mile route ascends through Ten Sleep Canyon, known for its sheer red rock walls, before reaching the Bighorn Plateau. At over 9,600 feet, Powder River Pass offers vistas of Cloud Peak, Wyoming’s third-highest summit at 13,167 feet. Camp at Hunter Trailhead or hike into the Cloud Peak Wilderness for day trips amid granite spires and glacial lakes. The skyway lives up to its name with expansive blue skies and minimal traffic.

Medicine Wheel Passage: Sacred Sites and Basins

In north-central Wyoming, this byway links the Bighorn Basin to the Absaroka Mountains, featuring the ancient Medicine Wheel—a National Historic Landmark atop Medicine Mountain. This 12,000-year-old stone circle, aligned with solstices, draws cultural explorers. The route offers basin panoramas and access to Tongue River Canyon for fishing and picnicking.

Yellowstone Gateway Drives

Approaching America’s first national park from the east, these byways deliver wildlife-rich forests and geothermal previews.

Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

Just west of Cody, US 14-16-20 traces 27 miles through Shoshone National Forest to Yellowstone’s East Entrance. Named for the Wild West showman, it features the reservoir’s deep blue waters, ancient petrified forests, and spots like Dead Indian Summit for grizzly and moose sightings. Open May to October, it’s a gateway blending history with raw nature.

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

This 47-mile loop near Yellowstone’s northeast edge climbs through Absaroka canyons, honoring the Nez Perce leader’s 1877 flight. Eagle Nest overlook provides 360-degree views of volcanic plateaus, while side trails lead to Sunlight Basin’s meadows teeming with bison. Prime for fall colors and birdwatching.

Southern and Western Wonders

Southwest routes highlight desert canyons, fiery gorges, and Teton silhouettes.

Flaming Gorge-Green River Basin Scenic Byway

An All-American Road spanning 160 miles, it splits around the Green River in southwest Wyoming, showcasing red rock canyons and the reservoir’s emerald waters. Boat rentals, world-class fishing, and overlooks like Firehole Canyon Beach make it a recreation hub. High desert flora and fauna, including pronghorn, add to the allure.

Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Wyoming Highway 130, the nation’s second National Forest Scenic Byway, traverses Medicine Bow National Forest to 10,847-foot Snowy Range Pass. Glacial cirques, aspen groves, and tundra-like summits rival the Rockies. Summer wildflowers and fall gold draw hikers to Libby Creek Trail.

Centennial Scenic Byway

The 163-mile path from Pinedale to Dubois via US 191/26 crosses the Continental Divide twice, skirting Grand Teton and Yellowstone. Highlights: Wind River Range views, Togwotee Pass, and Jackson Hole’s vibrant scene. Perfect for multi-day itineraries with park detours.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Backways

For adventurers, backways offer unpaved authenticity.

• South Bighorn/Red Wall Back Country Byway: 101 miles through pioneer trails, Hole-in-the-Wall (Butch Cassidy hideout), and Hell’s Half Acre’s badlands.
• Other notables: Seminoe to Alcova for reservoirs and petroglyphs.

These require 4WD; permits may apply.

Planning Your Wyoming Road Trip

Best Itinerary Options:

Pack layers for elevation changes, bear spray for hikes, and download offline maps. Lodging ranges from ranches to campgrounds; book ahead for peak season. Fuel economy tip: Hybrids handle hills well.

Safety Essentials:

• Check weather and road status via WYDOT app.
• Carry water, snacks, and emergency kit.
• Respect wildlife; keep 100 yards from bears.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Wildflower blooms on lower byways. Summer: Full access, festivals in Cody. Fall: Golden aspens, fewer crowds. Winter: Snowmobiling on select routes.

FAQs

Are Wyoming scenic byways open year-round?

No, many high passes close November to May due to snow. Check WYDOT for updates.

What’s the best road trip for families?

Centennial Byway for park access and kid-friendly hikes.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle?

Only for backways; paved byways suit sedans.

Where to see wildlife?

Chief Joseph and Buffalo Bill for bison, moose.

How long for a full byway tour?

1-2 weeks to cover majors without rushing.