Wyoming is such a beautiful state. While our high mountain prairie and grasslands are quite a sight to behold, it’s no secret that the mountains are what call to most of us. Explore three of the most scenic ranges in the state – the Tetons, the Absarokas, and the Big Horns – on this northern Wyoming road trip:

Looking for the ultimate mountain adventure trip that showcases the best of northern Wyoming? Look no further!
Google Maps
Find our Wyoming Mountain Road Trip Map here.
Your trip starts off in the incomparable Jackson Hole Valley.
Jackson, WY, USA
Flickr / Jim & Robin
The town of Jackson is in the heart of the valley, and Grand Teton National Park is several miles north of town. You'll also find Teton Village, the National Elk Refuge, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and countless shops and restaurants around. It's a hard place to leave, but your trip is just beginning!
Spend time in the Teton Range, hiking through Grand Teton National Park or stopping at the many pullouts to stare in awe at vistas that are unlike any other spot on the planet.
Flickr / Pedro Szekely
Make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. These sights are so stunning, you'll never want to leave!
If you take your time traveling through the park, you can see lots of wildlife. Moose, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and pika are plentiful in the Teton area!
Flickr / Pedro Szekely
If you're lucky, you might even be able to snap a few photographs.
It's time to head north, though, and to continue your first day of the trip by heading up to Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Flickr / Maarten Otto
While "rushing" through the park is never really recommended, you can still see plenty of geyser basins, thermal features, and unique sights as you make your way up to your second mountain range of the day.
Be sure to stop in the Canyon area! The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a remarkable, memorable natural wonder.
Flickr / Atibordee Kongprepan
There are lots of places to camp overnight in Yellowstone, but the Canyon campground is enormous and centrally located.
Yellowstone is one of the best places on the planet to watch for wildlife. You'll travel through the Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley, so look for bears, bison, elk, and if you're lucky, wolves!
Flickr / Pedro Szekely
After spending the night in Yellowstone, let's begin day two! As you make your way out of the park, congratulations, you've made it to your second mountain range! The Absarokas (pronounced ab-sor-kas, or ab-sork-kees, depending on who you ask) start to rise out of the Earth around you. Welcome to the Beartooth Highway.
Beartooth Highway, Wyoming, USA
Flickr / Tim Lumley
The Beartooth Highway is one of the most magical drives on Earth! You can take it all the way to Red Lodge, Montana, but on this trip, it's just a short stretch of winding, scenic road until you turn off to head south, down the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.

Related Stories

The Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Wyoming Like You've Never Seen It Before

The Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Wyoming Like You've Never Seen It Before

 Here's The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Wyoming's Waterfalls

Here's The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Wyoming's Waterfalls

 Embark On Wyoming's Hot Springs Road Trip For A Relaxing Adventure

Embark On Wyoming's Hot Springs Road Trip For A Relaxing Adventure
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway takes you down from the Absorkas into the Bighorn Basin, where you'll find a bunch of small towns and plenty of beautiful sights.
K. Magaraci
The highlight of this drive is the switchbacked route up to Dead Indian Pass. You'll be driving through Open Range, so watch out for cowboys and cattle as you make your way up the steep incline.
K. Magaraci
From the top, take in the view and learn about the heroic efforts of Chief Joseph, who did all he could to save his tribe from unwarranted aggression and destruction.
Wyoming 296, WY-296, Wyoming, USA
K. Magaraci
By the end of your beautiful drive, you'll make it to Cody. This charming, hokey frontier town is packed with famous restaurants, shops, and history. If you get here on time, you can watch a western shootout in front of the Irma Hotel!
Cody, WY 82414, USA
Flickr / Kent Kanouse
The Irma Hotel building dates back to 1902, and it will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. It attracts visitors from all over the world!
After you spend the night in Cody (and maybe some of the day, too), it's time to head out for your third mountain range in three days - the Big Horns!
Facebook / U.S. Forest Service - Bighorn National Forest
Bighorn National Forest stretches for over 1.1 million acres in north-central Wyoming. There are many towns in the foothills that make for great stops, depending on the route you choose to travel!
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, USA
Facebook / U.S. Forest Service - Bighorn National Forest
Stop in at a Ranger Station to find out current trail conditions, and get a recommendation for your time limit and hiking skills. The trail conditions do change throughout the season, so it's important to get up to date details from the Forest Service.
Facebook / Visit Sheridan, WY
Finally, at the end of your three-day road trip, you'll roll into Sheridan. This idyllic western town is a wonderful spot to spend a few more days, or to use as a resting spot before heading back home.
Sheridan, WY 82801, USA
Facebook / Visit Sheridan, WY
Sheridan, Wyoming is also home to some of the best eateries in the state. Chow down on scrumptious home cooked meals before making your way back home. You'll leave feeling full and happy.

 

Don’t you just love Wyoming’s mountain scenery? We can never get enough of it! What do you think of this northern Wyoming road trip? Have you been to any of these places? If you know another hidden gem we should write about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!

Looking for more fun? Check out these exciting road trips in Wyoming. From delicious foodie journeys to nature-filled outings, these itineraries are certain to spark your sense of adventure.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Road Trips In Wyoming

Elisa Regulski | April 24, 2023

What are the best scenic drives in Wyoming?

The best scenic drives in Wyoming are:

  • Beartooth Scenic Byway
  • Big Horn Scenic Byway
  • Bridger Valley Historic Byway
  • Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway
  • Centennial Scenic Byway
  • Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
  • Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway
  • Flaming Gorge - Green River Basin Scenic Byway
  • Snowy Range Scenic Byway
  • Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway

 

What are the best Wyoming road trips?

The best Wyoming road trips are:

 

What are the best natural attractions in Wyoming?

The best natural attractions in Wyoming are:

  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Bighorn Canyon
  • Devils Tower National Monument
  • Hell's Half Acre
  • Red Desert
  • Intermittent Springs
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Sinks Canyon
  • Hot Springs State Park
  • Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
  • Cloud Peak Wilderness
  • Shoshone National Forest

Related Articles