and feel like hitting the road for a day or weekend, you’re in a great spot. With
as your home base, you’re surrounded by some of the most incredible landscapes and small towns in the West.
In this guide, we’ll look at
Each trip is outside of Fremont County, but still close enough for a day trip or an easy overnight. So gas up, pack a cooler, and let’s go.
1. Soak in Hot Springs State Park – Thermopolis (Hot Springs County)
Thermopolis is about a 55–65 mile drive from Riverton, depending on your route. It’s an easy ride north, and the payoff is huge:
Hot Springs State Park, home to some of the largest mineral hot springs in the world.
- Why go: Free soaking pools, colorful mineral terraces, and a relaxing small-town feel.
- What to do:
- Soak in the state-run bath house (sessions are free and usually around 20 minutes).
- Walk across the swinging bridge over the Bighorn River.
- Drive the park loop and look for the buffalo herd.
- Tip: Bring a towel and flip-flops. The walkways can get hot in summer.
If you’ve had a long week in Riverton, this is an easy “mini-vacation” that doesn’t take a lot of planning.
2. Explore History and Culture in Casper (Natrona County)
Head about 115 miles southeast and you’ll reach
Casper, one of Wyoming’s major cities and a great change of pace from small-town life.
- Drive time: Around 2 hours from Riverton.
- Best for: Families, history lovers, and anyone craving more dining and shopping options.
Things to do in Casper:
Personal note: If you like American history, you can easily spend a few hours at the Trails Center. It’s one of those places where you think, “I’ll just stay an hour,” and suddenly it’s mid-afternoon.
3. Buffalo Bill & Western Vibes in Cody (Park County)
Cody sits in
Park County, about 155–165 miles northwest of Riverton. Yes, it’s a longer day trip, but it’s a classic western town and a great gateway to Yellowstone.
- Drive time: About 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Why go: Old West history, museums, and a fun downtown scene.
Don’t miss in Cody:
If you head out early from Riverton, you can squeeze in the museums and a relaxed dinner before driving back, or simply stay overnight and take it slower.
4. Scenic Lakes and Trails near Pinedale (Sublette County)
To the west of Riverton is
Sublette County, home to
Pinedale and the stunning
Wind River Range (on the Sublette side). While the mountains also touch Fremont County, this trip focuses on what you can reach from the
Sublette County side.
- Drive time: About 100–115 miles; plan on around 2.5 hours.
- Best for: Hikers, anglers, and anyone who loves big mountain views.
Highlights near Pinedale:
- Fremont Lake – One of the deepest lakes in Wyoming, with clear water and mountain backdrops.
- Half Moon Lake – Great for fishing, paddling, or just enjoying a quiet shoreline.
- Trailheads leading toward the Wind River Range for day hikes.
Pack layers, even in summer. In Wyoming’s high country, it can feel like fall in the morning and July in the afternoon.
5. Rocks, Rails, and Wide-Open Skies in Rock Springs & Green River (Sweetwater County)
If you enjoy desert scenery, old rail towns, and open highway, drive south into
Sweetwater County to explore
Rock Springs and
Green River.
- Drive time: Around 160–180 miles; about 3 hours.
- Best for: Road trippers, photographers, and fans of “big sky” landscapes.
What to check out:
- Green River – Walk along the river, check out the views from Expedition Island, and imagine early explorers pushing off downstream.
- Rock Springs Historic Downtown – Learn about the area’s coal and railroad history.
- If you have extra time, explore nearby rock formations and BLM backroads (only with a reliable vehicle and full tank).
This trip feels very different from the mountain scenery near Riverton—more desert, more open space, and a whole new side of Wyoming.
6. Jackson Hole & The Tetons (Teton County)
Sometimes you just need a “wow” moment. For that, it’s hard to beat
Teton County, home to
Jackson Hole and
Grand Teton National Park.
- Drive time: About 150–170 miles; usually 3.5 to 4 hours depending on route and traffic.
- Best for: Bucket-list scenery, photography, and classic mountain views.
Things to do:
- Drive through Grand Teton National Park for that iconic skyline across Jackson Lake and the Snake River.
- Walk Jackson’s Town Square with its antler arches, shops, and restaurants.
- Look for wildlife at dawn or dusk—moose, elk, and bison are all possible.
If you’re coming from Riverton, this can be a long day trip, but many travelers turn it into a weekend. Think of it as a big reward only a few hours from home.
7. Hole-in-the-Wall Country & Casper Mountain Area (Natrona County)
While we already mentioned Casper itself,
Natrona County has more to offer just outside town, especially if you’re up for a bit of exploring.
- Drive time: 2+ hours to Casper, plus extra time to reach backroad areas.
- Why go: Western history and quiet mountain retreats.
Ideas for this trip:
- Explore the country north and west of Casper, where the famous Hole-in-the-Wall outlaw hideout region lies (roads can be rough and remote—go prepared).
- Spend time on Casper Mountain for hiking, picnic areas, and cooler summer temperatures.
This one works well if you’ve already “done” Casper and want a more off-the-beaten-path feel while still staying in Natrona County.
8. Washakie Museum & Small-Town Charm in Worland (Washakie County)
North of Riverton, past the familiar stretches of wide-open Wyoming highway, sits
Worland in
Washakie County. It’s a relaxed small town that makes for a peaceful day away.
- Drive time: Around 95–110 miles; roughly 2 hours.
- Best for: Quiet exploration, local history, and a calm pace.
What to do in Worland:
- Visit the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center to learn about dinosaurs, local Native history, and regional stories.
- Walk around town, grab a coffee, and enjoy the slower rhythm compared to busier tourist spots.
If you’re someone who loves museums that aren’t crowded and towns where folks say hello on the sidewalk, this trip is a good fit.
9. Wild West Gateway at Cody & the Eastern Yellowstone Entrance (Park County)
Yes, Cody shows up twice on this list—but for good reason. On this version of the trip, you’re not just visiting town; you’re using it as a
launch point toward Yellowstone’s East Entrance in
Park County.
- Drive time: Riverton to Cody: about 3–3.5 hours, then another roughly hour’s drive toward the park entrance.
- Best for: Scenic driving and “almost Yellowstone” views.
How to enjoy this road trip:
- Stay in or near Cody, then drive the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway west toward the East Entrance.
- Pull off at viewpoints, watch for bighorn sheep and other wildlife, and enjoy the canyon and river scenery.
- Even if you don’t enter Yellowstone itself, the approach through Park County is stunning on its own.
Think of this as a “preview” Yellowstone trip you can do from Riverton without committing to a full national park vacation.
10. Dinosaur Tracks & Hidden Corners Around Thermopolis and Beyond (Hot Springs & Washakie Counties)
For something a little different, you can loop north from Riverton through
Hot Springs County and into
Washakie County, focusing on natural history and lesser-known stops.
- Drive time: 1–2 hours one way, depending how far you roam.
- Best for: Curious travelers and families who like dinosaurs and geology.
Trip ideas:
- Start in Thermopolis (Hot Springs County) to enjoy the hot springs again or visit dinosaur-themed attractions in the area.
- Continue toward Worland (Washakie County) for museum time, then explore side roads and viewpoints along the way.
You can mix and match stops to create your own loop, giving you a full day of relaxed driving and exploring without ever straying too far from Riverton.
Tips for Road Tripping from Riverton, Wyoming
Before you chase the horizon, a few simple tips can make these
Riverton road trips smoother:
- Fuel up early: In Wyoming, gas stations can be far apart. Don’t wait for the tank to hit “E.”
- Carry water and snacks: Even in cooler weather, it’s smart to have a few bottles of water and something to eat.
- Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly, especially near mountains.
- Watch for wildlife: Deer, antelope, and even larger animals often appear near dawn and dusk.
Think of Riverton as your hub. From here, you can branch out into almost every kind of Wyoming landscape—hot springs, desert, mountains, small towns, and big sky.
Share Your Favorite Riverton Road Trips
Have you taken any of these
road trips from Riverton, Wyoming? Did we miss one of your favorite
out-of-county things to do?
- Drop a comment with your best route, hidden gems, or must-try cafes along the way.
- Share this post with friends and family who live in or near Riverton and are always saying, “There’s nothing to do.”
Sometimes, the best adventures are only a couple of hours down the road—you just have to go find them.
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