From Buffalo to Evanston (Casper, Laramie: hotels, camping, to eat)

[MayMoveInFuture]

Hi. We will be driving from SD into Wyoming spending one night in Buffalo. Then next day we drive to Evanston to spend the night. When looking at google maps, there are a few options.
1.) I-25 S to 80 W
2.) US 26 W
3.) I25 S, the entire way

I've never been in this part of the country but do know this is big open land. Is one of these routes better than the other? By better I mean, which would have more options for stopping to take a rest and use the bathroom. Maybe gas up the Corolla? Get a cup of coffee or a quick bite? Does the route matter?

Thanks!

[GoshWyo]

Originally Posted by MayMoveInFuture

Hi. We will be driving from SD into Wyoming spending one night in Buffalo. Then next day we drive to Evanston to spend the night. When looking at google maps, there are a few options.
1.) I-25 S to 80 W
2.) US 26 W
3.) I25 S, the entire way

I've never been in this part of the country but do know this is big open land. Is one of these routes better than the other? By better I mean, which would have more options for stopping to take a rest and use the bathroom. Maybe gas up the Corolla? Get a cup of coffee or a quick bite? Does the route matter?

Thanks!

Sounds like your main objective is to get from Point A to Point B. If that’s the case, then it doesn’t matter.

[NW Crow]

Only option one is a full routing.

It you aren't stop a lot for sightseeing, stick with that.

If you do 25 to 80, gas up / eat in Casper, Laramie and then Rawlins or Rock Springs as necessary. Trying to keep a half tank at all times if what I do even if it means an extra stop or two.

If you want sightseeing, re-read your map carefully and get all the road numbers necessary and decide where you are going to spend any stop time.

[Crazy4Chickens]

Since your concern seems to be bathroom breaks and getting a bite to eat I'd go with I25 to I80. You'll pass through more major cities, and you'll have better options for food/bathroom breaks and you're on widely traveled roads. Scenery may not be the best for sight seeing, but since that isn't your focus, this route will get you to your destination the quickest.

Definitely follow what NW Crow said: Always keep 1/2 tank of gas in your vehicle at all times. This is true for ALL of Wyoming.

[MayMoveInFuture]

I'm not opposed to sight seeing but at this point, I think we are both quite tired and just wish to reach our destination. It has been a long trip. Maybe driving through will give me ideas for future trips though.
Appreciate the advice!!

[MayMoveInFuture]

Is there anything along any of those routes which have some sights we should definitely check out, since we're there?

[NW Crow]

You could stop briefly at Ayres Natural Bridge near Douglas or Glendo Reservoir. Or Vedawoo Rocks before Laramie. Or cross the Medicine Bow / Snowy range if you wanted to take the time and are not hauling. Quick peek at Flaming Gorge?

[StealthRabbit]

Am I missing something? Buffalo WY to Evanston WY?

7 min longer (6:36) much more interesting and pretty and things to see and do going cross-country.

20 >26 >28...

You will have 6-8 hrs extra daylight to stop in Thermopolis hot springs and use the water slide,. Or fishing along Shoshone Canyon. Or many other great things to do in WY small towns.
Shared route
From Buffalo to Evanston via WY-28 W.

6 hr 42 min (397*mi)
6 hr 42 min in current traffic
Avoiding tolls, Avoiding ferries


1. Head south on N Main St toward Fort St
2. Turn right onto US-16 W/Fort St
3. Turn right onto US-26 W/W 2 St/2nd St
4. Turn left onto Lyons Valley Rd
5. Turn left onto US-287 S
6. Continue straight onto WY-28 W
7. Turn right onto WY-372 W (signs for Kemmerer)
8. Turn left onto Co Rd 86
9. Turn right to stay on Co Rd 340
10. Turn left onto WY-240 S
11. Turn right onto US-30 W
12. Use the right lane to take the US-30 W/US-189 ramp to Kemmerer/Diamondville
13. Turn left onto US-189 S/US-30 ALT E
14. Turn right onto the US 189 S/I-80 W ramp to Evanston
15. Take exit 5 for WY-89 N/WY-150/Front St
16. Turn right onto WY-150 N/WY-89 N/Front St
17. Continue straight onto Front St
18. Turn right onto Bear River Dr
19. Arrive at location: Evanston
For the best route in current traffic visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Us1qtBKavDsfJjX7

Sometime on your travels when you must use I-80.... Take the Snowy Range loop through Saratoga (free hot springs) and on into Laramie. Also camping at Vedauwoo during August Meteor shower is a fine place for a great show.

Near Evanston, I like to take the short swing through ft Bridger.

Don't forget devil's tower as you cross into wy from SD.

Start early, drive late, take lots of breaks and a few naps. When possible (if booking hotels). Consider the small towns (rather than places like Buffalo). If you get in to town early (before dark is real early)... Scout out interesting side trips like Wagon. Box massacre (... "fight") site.

[MayMoveInFuture]

Wow, thanks!!!