(just south of Jackson), you’re already in a gorgeous part of the state. But what if you’ve got a free day, a full tank of gas, and the itch to explore a little farther?
This guide is all about
from South Park, avoiding Teton County itself and heading into the surrounding areas:
or relaxed overnights. Distances are approximate from South Park, but they’ll give you a good idea of drive time so you can plan your adventures.
1. Dubois, WY & Togwotee Pass – Big Views and Cowboy Vibes (Fremont County, WY)
If you love classic Western towns, point your car toward
Dubois, about 85–95 miles east of South Park depending on your route.
On the way, you’ll cross
Togwotee Pass, a high mountain pass with sweeping views of the Absaroka and Wind River Ranges. In winter, this area is snowmobile heaven. In summer and fall, it’s all about wildflowers, wildlife, and jaw-dropping overlooks.
- What to do in Dubois:
- Stroll the old-West style main street and poke into small shops and galleries.
- Check out the local history museums to learn about tie hacks, ranch life, and more.
- Grab a burger or steak at a local bar and grill after your drive.
- Why it’s worth the drive: The combination of high-mountain scenery and a quiet, real-deal Wyoming town feels a world away from the crowds near Jackson.
Road tip: Keep your camera handy on Togwotee Pass. The pullouts can be windy, but the views are hard to beat.
2. Lander, WY & Sinks Canyon – Where a River Disappears (Fremont County, WY)
Looking for something a little different? Head about 160–175 miles southeast to
Lander and
Sinks Canyon State Park. It’s a longer day trip, but a very doable out-and-back if you start early.
At Sinks Canyon, the Popo Agie River does something pretty wild: it vanishes into a limestone cavern (the “Sinks”) and then reappears a short distance down the canyon at the “Rise.”
- Must-see spots:
- The Sinks: Watch the river drop underground into the rock.
- The Rise: Walk the short trail downstream to see where the water resurfaces in a deep pool full of huge trout.
- Simple hikes along the canyon and picnic areas by the river.
- Lander town time: After the canyon, head into Lander for food, local beer, and a very relaxed small-town feel.
If you’ve got kids or just enjoy quirky natural wonders, this road trip from South Park, WY is a fun story to tell later: “We watched a river disappear.”
3. Pinedale & Fremont Lake – Winds, Water, and Wide-Open Sky (Sublette County, WY)
About 80–90 miles southeast of South Park,
Pinedale makes a great low-key day trip. It’s a gateway to the
Wind River Range and home to long, narrow
Fremont Lake, one of Wyoming’s largest natural lakes.
- Things to do:
- Drive up to the Fremont Lake overlook for huge views over the water.
- Enjoy a short lakeside walk or a picnic along the shore.
- Visit the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about the fur trade era.
- Why go: If Jackson feels busy, Pinedale feels like a deep breath—wide streets, big sky, and fewer people.
Personal note: If you’ve ever wanted to sit by a lake and just listen to the wind and waves, this is one of those places where time slows down.
4. Alpine, WY & the Snake River Canyon – Water, Forest, and Small-Town Charm (Lincoln County, WY)
Head about 35–45 miles southwest and you’ll reach
Alpine, a small town where the Snake, Salt, and Greys Rivers come together and flow into the Palisades Reservoir.
The drive through the
Snake River Canyon itself is part of the fun: steep walls, river views, and plenty of chances to pull over.
- In and around Alpine:
- Walk along the water near Palisades Reservoir and enjoy the mountain backdrop.
- Look for boaters and fishermen on the rivers.
- Grab a casual meal at a local café or bar and watch the world go by.
- Why it’s a great short trip: It’s close to South Park, easy to fit into a half day, and gives you a taste of a different corner of western Wyoming.
If you’re wondering what to do near South Park, WY without spending hours in the car, this one should be high on your list.
5. Star Valley & Afton’s Intermittent Spring – A Hidden Natural Oddity (Lincoln County, WY)
Keep heading south through Star Valley and you’ll reach
Afton, about 80–90 miles from South Park. The valley itself is a patchwork of ranches, small towns, and mountain views.
The real gem here is the
Intermittent Spring, just outside Afton. It’s one of the largest springs of its kind in the world, and it actually
pulses—the flow turns on and off in a slow rhythm.
- What to expect:
- A short drive up a canyon north of town, followed by a mellow walk along a creek.
- A rocky basin where you can literally watch the spring surge and slow down.
- Peaceful forest vibes and cooler air on hot days.
- Bonus: Afton has the famous antler arch over the main street—classic road-trip photo spot.
If you like weird and wonderful natural features, this road trip from South Park, WY is a must.
6. Cody, WY & the Buffalo Bill Center – History, Culture, and a Western Night Out (Park County, WY)
Looking for a bigger town with plenty to do? Plan a full-day (or even overnight) trip to
Cody, about 210–230 miles northeast of South Park.
Cody is one of the most iconic western towns in Wyoming and a gateway community to the eastern side of Yellowstone.
- Top highlights:
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West: A huge complex of museums under one roof—art, natural history, Plains Indian culture, firearms, and Buffalo Bill’s own story.
- Walk downtown Cody for shops, restaurants, and a classic Western feel.
- In season, look for evening rodeos and live performances.
- Why go from South Park: Cody offers more of a “small city” experience without losing that Wyoming flavor. It’s perfect if you want something beyond hiking and scenery for a day.
Planning tip: Because of the distance, consider starting early or staying the night so you don’t feel rushed.
7. Thermopolis Hot Springs – Soak Your Road-Trip Muscles (Washakie & Hot Springs Counties, via Fremont County, WY)
While not in the list of focus counties itself,
Thermopolis is a very realistic and popular road trip you’ll usually reach by heading through
Fremont County, WY. It’s about 190–210 miles from South Park, depending on your route.
In
Hot Springs State Park, you’ll find mineral-rich pools where you can soak for free or for a small fee, depending on the facility you choose.
- Why it’s worth the drive:
- Relaxing soak in naturally warm water after days of hiking or skiing.
- Boardwalks that wind past colorful terraces formed by mineral deposits.
- A small bison herd within the state park that you can sometimes spot near the road.
After a soak, it’s always nice to grab a simple meal and drive back through quiet Wyoming country with your legs feeling like jelly—in the best way.
8. Driggs & Victor, ID – Chill Mountain Towns Over the Pass (Teton County, ID)
If you’re up for a scenic drive into Idaho, cross Teton Pass and drop down into
Victor and
Driggs in
Teton County, Idaho. Depending on your route, you’ll drive roughly 35–55 miles from South Park.
These towns sit on the “quiet side” of the Tetons and offer a more relaxed feel than the busier Wyoming side.
- Things to do:
- Walk around Driggs’ main street with local shops and coffee spots.
- Check out small museums or local art galleries if they’re open.
- Enjoy views of the west side of the Teton Range from farm roads outside town.
- Why cross the border: You still get those big-mountain views, but the pace is slower and the crowds are lighter.
Note: Teton Pass can be steep and snowy in winter. Always check conditions before you go.
9. Island Park, ID & Mesa Falls – Waterfalls and Wide-Open Forest (Fremont County, ID)
Looking for a classic waterfall road trip near South Park, WY? Head about 115–135 miles northwest to
Island Park and the
Mesa Falls area in
Fremont County, Idaho.
Upper Mesa Falls drops about 110 feet into a basalt canyon, and the viewpoints are close and dramatic.
- Highlights:
- Well-built boardwalks and viewing platforms near Upper Mesa Falls.
- Lower Mesa Falls viewpoints with a more distant but still powerful view.
- Forest roads and riverside pullouts in the Island Park area.
- Why it’s memorable: You feel the power of the falls in your chest, not just your eyes. It’s an easy way to add a “wow” moment to your Wyoming trip, even though it’s just over the Idaho line.
This makes a great summer or early fall day trip when the roads are clear and the forest is green.
10. Big Sky, MT & the Gallatin Canyon – A Montana Mountain Getaway (Gallatin County, MT)
For a taste of Montana mountain life, drive about 150–170 miles north to
Big Sky in
Gallatin County, Montana. The route usually takes you through Idaho and the scenic
Gallatin Canyon, where the river hugs the road and cliffs rise around you.
- What to enjoy:
- Walk around Big Sky’s resort village or town center for shops and restaurants.
- Look for trails and river access points along the Gallatin River for short walks.
- Just take in the views—this stretch of highway is famous for its scenery.
- Why it’s special: You can leave South Park in Wyoming in the morning and be soaking up Montana resort-town energy by lunch. It feels like a mini-vacation inside your vacation.
Road trip idea: Combine this with a loop that touches Idaho, Montana, and back to Wyoming to check three states off in one day.
Tips for Planning Road Trips From South Park, Wyoming
To make the most of these
short road trips near South Park, WY, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Check road conditions – Passes like Togwotee and Teton can be icy or closed in winter.
- Fuel up early – Small towns can be far apart; don’t assume the next gas station is just around the corner.
- Carry the basics – Water, snacks, warm layers, and a paper map or downloaded offline maps.
- Watch for wildlife – Deer, elk, moose, and even bison can appear on or near the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Think of South Park as your home base; these neighboring counties are like the spokes of a wheel, each leading somewhere new and memorable.
What Will Your Next South Park, WY Road Trip Be?
From
hot springs and waterfalls to
quiet cowboy towns and mountain lakes, there’s no shortage of things to do near South Park, Wyoming once you look beyond the county line.
So, which of these
10 out-of-county road trips caught your eye?
- Are you more into soaking in hot springs or chasing waterfalls?
- Do you prefer laid-back towns like Pinedale and Alpine, or bigger stops like Cody and Big Sky?
I’d love to hear about your plans and experiences.
Drop a comment with:
- Your favorite road trip from South Park, WY (or Jackson area) so far.
- Any hidden gems you’ve found in Fremont, Lincoln, Sublette, Park, Teton (ID), Fremont (ID), or Gallatin Counties.
And if you know someone planning a Wyoming vacation,
share this post with them so they can discover these easy side trips too. The more we swap stories and tips, the better every road trip gets.
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