How to Drive Through Wyoming

Wyoming is home to an abundance of national parks and wildlife reserves-Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Cloud Peak National Wilderness Area, to name a few-plus numerous recreation areas. To drive through Wyoming requires escaping from the beaten path at times, especially for parks and other natural wonders. Wyoming's rare beauty is only surpassed by its surprising diversity. It's a state of many scenic changing personalities.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Plan a Drive Through Wyoming

1. Establish how much leisure time you'll have available for your drive through Wyoming. Think about the main purpose of your visit-business, pleasure or both.

2. Guesstimate trip expenditures and determine who will be sharing the trip with you through Wyoming.

3. Begin planning. Contact travel agencies, such as "AAA" or "Expedia.com." Request information and brochures, maps and guidebooks to read and take with you on your drive through Wyoming.

4. Contact airlines to book reservations if you plan to fly to Wyoming first. Note that only a few major airlines fly in and out of Wyoming. Fly into Cody, WY, the nearest airport to Yellowstone, on Frontier, Delta, United, US Airways or Continental.

5. Keep in mind that other airports are available. They are located in other Wyoming cities, such as Casper and Cheyenne.

6. Book lodging well in advance for your drive through Wyoming, especially during peak seasons. Recognize that national park lodging fills up quickly and peak times are year-round.

Driving Through Wyoming

7. Know that although major interstates crisscross Wyoming, many smaller roads lead to popular scenic destinations, and some local travelers must drive through national parks as part of their daily routine (when roads are open).

8. Note that Wyoming's major north/south through road between Montana and Colorado is the connecting Interstates 90/25 (Sheridan, WY to/from Cheyenne, WY).

9. Head east toward South Dakota by staying on Interstate 90 (from Sheridan, WY) as it veers left near Buffalo, WY.

10. Travel going east/west between Nebraska and Utah via Interstate 80. It crosses the lower southern part of Wyoming.

11. Realize that traffic can cause delays, and back ups occur often in national parks, especially during summer months and early fall. Know that sometimes traffic completely halts due to people stopping and getting out of their cars to view scenery or wildlife.

12. Know that Wyoming holds the majority of Yellowstone National Park, which is expansive, and driving through it can take a great deal of time even without traffic back ups.

13. Count on numerous exit opportunities on your drive through Wyoming for tourist activities and adventures, such as sightseeing, camping, hiking, mountain climbing and biking, as well as plenty of chances for game and fish sports.

14. Decide what activities are a priority for you and your travel mates and have an itinerary of some sort. Keep in mind the short side trips and scenic routes if you have to travel through Wyoming for business only.

15. Drive through Wyoming. Stop off at visitor and tourists centers along your drive through Wyoming and ask for special maps and information, especially since locals often provide the best travel tips.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with various travel agencies, who may offer all inclusive Wyoming travel packages/deals.
• Contact automobile clubs, like AAA, who will put together a trip itinerary along with maps and exact driving directions free for AAA members.
• Check weather reports and road conditions before and daily during a drive through Wyoming. Be mindful of the fact that weather and road conditions can change suddenly leaving no time for official warnings.
• Be prepared and carry a first-aid kit as well as a bag of appropriate supplies in your car in case of emergencies while traveling (e.g., blanket, fire starter, candles, extra water and food).
• Understand that wild animals are wild (including bison/buffalo), and getting out of your car to pet any of them, will likely result in attack and severe injury or worse.
• Realize that wild animals see pets, cats and dogs, as food; wild animals are also more likely to attack children-don't let children roam around campgrounds and picnic areas alone.

Resources

• Learn about Wyoming getaways on this website.
• Read about western travel options.
• Read a Wyoming travel guide.
• Get great travel information.
• Book your travel plans online.