These 8 Scenic Country Roads In Wyoming Are Sublime

Choose almost any road to travel in Wyoming, and it will likely be a country road. These roads will take you the "scenic route" -- they may not be the fastest way from Point A to Point B, but they're absolutely worth the extra travel time. In fact, the views on these backroads are some of the most beautiful you will ever see. Take these scenic country roads in Wyoming for an unforgettable drive.

1. Beartooth Scenic Highway

Beartooth Scenic Highway is a National Scenic Byways All-American Road that is 68 miles long and snakes through southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming before heading straight into Yellowstone National Park at the Northwest Entrance. It is one of the highest elevation highways in Wyoming and is one of the most scenic drives in America.From the highway, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Beartooth Mountains, Absaroka Mountains, and high alpine plateaus. This area is full of glacial lakes, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. The highway is surrounded by the Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests and runs parallel to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Read more about this remarkable mountain drive right here.

2. Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway

The Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway runs along the northwestern part of Wyoming. The byway begins in Shoshoni at milepost 100, follows U.S. 20 N through the Wind River Canyon, the Wind River Indian Reservation, and ends just north of Thermopolis at milepost 134. When you leave Shoshoni, you will head into Boysen State Park where you will have views of the yellow and red rock of the Owl Creek Mountains and Boysen Reservoir. From there you head for Wind River Canyon where you can enjoy the dramatic rock walls and cliffs. Be sure to watch for mountain sheep hanging out along the cliffs. The drive ends at Thermopolis which is home to the world's largest mineral hot spring.

3. Snowy Range Scenic Byway

The Snowy Range Scenic Byway is known as the "Great Skyroad." It's a scenic alternative to I-80. This byway is located in the southeastern section of the state and crosses the Medicine Bow Mountain Range. It crosses the 2nd highest mountain pass in Wyoming. Part of the drive includes 29 miles of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest along Highway 130. The 1-hour drive passes by lakes, meadows, mountain streams, and granite peaks. The byway closes mid-November and reopens by Memorial Day weekend.

4. Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway

The Buffalo Bill Scenic Highway meanders through the North Fork of the Shoshone River through Wapiti Valley and finally into the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The scenic byway starts west of Cody at the border of the Shoshone National Forest. It takes about 45 minutes to drive this 27-mile stretch.

5. Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway

The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway stretches out for 163 miles between Pinedale and Dubois. The route is made up of U.S. 26/287 and U.S. 26/89/191 and passes through the badlands and ranch lands. Pictured is the Teton Range from just east of Togwotee Pass on the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway.

6. Chief Joseph Scenic Highway

The Chief Joseph Scenic Highway runs from Cody to the Beartooth Highway and the Northeast Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The route crosses the Shoshone National Forest by way of the Absaroka Mountains and into Clarks Fork Valley. This route is a 47-mile drive. Pictured is the Sunlight Bridge over Sunlight Creek, one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway.Read more about this beautiful drive right here.

7. Seminoe to Alcova Scenic Backway

The Seminoe to Alcova Scenic Backway is a 64-mile route that runs through South Central Wyoming. It leads over the Seminoe Mountains, and by the Alcova Reservoir, Pathfinder Reservoir, Fremont Canyon, Seminoe Reservoir, Pedro Mountains, and Seminoe State Park. You will encounter prairie, desert, and mountains along the way.

8. Big Spring Scenic Backway

The Big Spring Scenic Byway runs through southwestern Lincoln County from Kemmerer to Cokeville. It goes into the Tunp Mountain Range and into the Bridger National Forest. The 68-mile route takes you by emigrant trails, river valleys, mountain ranges, and forests.

What are your favorite scenic country roads in Wyoming? Let us know where you want to drive with our Nomination Form.