and feeling a little stir-crazy, you’re in luck. Lander sits in a sweet spot for quick road trips. In just a couple of hours (or less) you can soak in hot springs, hike in the Tetons, wander ghost towns, and even walk where dinosaurs once roamed.
This guide focuses on short
. No Fremont County spots here—these are all about exploring what’s just beyond your backyard.
Whether you’re a local or planning a Wyoming vacation base in Lander, these 10 trips will give you a reason to gas up the car and go.
1. Soak and Stroll at Hot Springs State Park – Hot Springs County
Drive time from Lander:
about 1 hour 45 minutes (to Thermopolis)
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking in a steaming pool under big Western skies, this one should be at the top of your list.
Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis is home to some of the
warmest mineral hot springs in the world. The water flows at around 135°F from the ground and is then cooled for soaking pools.
What you can do there:
- Soak in the hot springs: Choose from the free state bath house or private facilities with slides and pools.
- Walk the suspension bridge: Stroll over the Bighorn River with mist from the terraces below.
- See the bison herd: A short loop road takes you past a managed herd—great photo opportunity from your car.
- Hike the terraces: Easy trails with views of colorful mineral formations and the river.
It’s easy to make this a day trip from Lander: leave mid-morning, soak all afternoon, and head home relaxed, skin all soft from the minerals.
2. Western Culture & Nightlife in Casper – Natrona County
Drive time from Lander:
about 2 hours
When you’re in the mood for a bit more “city” without giving up that Wyoming feel, Casper hits the spot.
In
Natrona County, Casper is one of Wyoming’s main hubs. It has shopping, breweries, museums, and a riverfront that surprises a lot of first-time visitors.
Things to do in Casper:
- Visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center: Interactive exhibits about the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express trails. It’s surprisingly engaging—kids usually love it.
- Walk or bike the Platte River Trail: Easy paved path, good for stretching your legs after the drive.
- Hit a local brewery or diner: Great way to end the day if you’re craving something besides camp food.
- Check out local events: Rodeos, concerts, and festivals pop up often; it’s worth checking a local calendar before you go.
If you’ve been in small towns for a while, Casper feels like a little reset—still Wyoming, just with a few more choices.
3. Discover Dinosaurs at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center – Hot Springs County
Drive time from Lander:
about 1 hour 50 minutes (also in Thermopolis)
Yes, it’s in the same area as the hot springs, but the
Wyoming Dinosaur Center deserves its own trip, especially if you’ve got kids or you’re a rock and fossil geek at heart.
Highlights:
- Full-size dinosaur skeletons: See huge fossils up close, including sauropods and raptors.
- Hands-on exhibits: Kids can touch certain displays and learn how paleontologists work.
- Dig site tours (seasonal): You can actually walk out to active dig sites in the hills around Thermopolis.
You can easily combine this with a half-day soak at Hot Springs State Park, but there’s enough to see that it can stand alone as a day trip from Lander.
4. Big Views in a Small Town: Dubois’ Backyard via Togwotee Pass – Teton & Sublette Counties
Drive time from Lander to Togwotee Pass area:
about 2 hours 15–30 minutes
(You’ll circle around Fremont County and touch into Teton/Sublette counties through the high pass.)
If you’re craving mountain scenery but don’t want to commit to the full Jackson experience, aim for the
Togwotee Pass area, just west of Dubois.
Why make this drive?
- Jaw-dropping views of the Tetons: On a clear day, you can see the Teton Range from pullouts along the pass.
- Trailheads and short hikes: Numerous forest roads and trailheads lead into the national forest.
- Wildlife spotting: Moose, elk, and sometimes bears are common—bring binoculars and keep a safe distance.
The drive itself is the attraction here: high elevation, sweeping views, and that feeling that you’re really “out there,” even though you’re back home by dark.
5. Classic Wyoming: Day Trip to Jackson Hole – Teton County
Drive time from Lander to Jackson:
about 3 hours
(Still doable as a long day trip if you start early.)
Jackson might feel a bit more touristy than other places on this list, but there’s a reason people from all over the world come here—and it’s still an awesome weekend or long-day escape from Lander.
Things to do in Jackson and nearby:
- Stroll Jackson Town Square: Check out the famous antler arches and browse local shops and galleries.
- Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram or gondola (seasonal): Amazing views of the valley from high above.
- Float the Snake River: Choose a mellow scenic float or step it up with whitewater, depending on your comfort level.
- Drive into Grand Teton National Park: Even a few hours in the park gives you postcard views, easy lakeside walks, and lots of photo stops.
Yes, it’s a bit of a push for a day trip, but if you’re craving big mountains and a lively town scene, Jackson delivers.
6. Cody & the Buffalo Bill Center of the West – Park County
Drive time from Lander to Cody:
about 3 hours 15–30 minutes
(A longer day trip or an easy overnight.)
Cody, in
Park County, proudly calls itself the “
Rodeo Capital of the World.” Whether you’re into Western history, live shows, or museums, this town offers a lot in one compact place.
Don’t miss:
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West: This is actually five museums in one—Plains Indian history, firearms, Western art, and more. You can easily spend a full day here.
- Cody Nite Rodeo (summer): Nightly rodeos during peak season give you that classic Wyoming evening.
- Historic downtown: Western-style false fronts, shops, and old-timey saloons.
If you have time, a scenic drive west out of Cody toward the East Entrance of Yellowstone offers dramatic canyon views and rock formations.
7. Pinedale and the Wind River Range Gateway – Sublette County
Drive time from Lander to Pinedale:
about 2 hours
Pinedale, in
Sublette County, often flies under the radar, but it’s a gem for anyone who loves lakes and mountains. Think of it as a quieter, more laid-back cousin to Jackson.
What to do near Pinedale:
- Visit Fremont Lake: One of the deepest lakes in Wyoming, just a few miles from town. Perfect for paddling, boating, or a picnic by the shore.
- Explore the Museum of the Mountain Man: Learn about fur trappers, rendezvous culture, and early mountain explorers.
- Take a short hike: Several trailheads near Pinedale offer easy to moderate hikes with big views of the Wind River Range.
If you live in Lander, the view of the Winds from the west side feels familiar yet totally different—it’s like seeing an old friend from a new angle.
8. Flaming Gorge Country via Rock Springs & Green River – Sweetwater County
Drive time from Lander to Rock Springs:
about 2 hours 45 minutes
Drive time from Lander to Green River:
about 3 hours
Sweetwater County offers a wild, wide-open landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Base yourself in Rock Springs or Green River and then head south toward the
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (just over the state line in Utah, but accessed through Sweetwater County).
Why go:
- Flaming Gorge Reservoir views: Red cliffs, deep-blue water, and scenic overlooks that will fill your camera roll fast.
- Boating and fishing: If you have gear, this is one of Wyoming’s top spots for water activities.
- Wild horse viewing: Check out the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop near Rock Springs for a chance to see wild mustangs.
The drive south from Rock Springs quickly shifts from “typical high desert” to “wow, I had no idea this was here.”
9. Washakie Museum & Cultural Center in Worland – Washakie County
Drive time from Lander to Worland:
about 2 hours
If you like road trips with some learning built in, head to Worland in
Washakie County.
The
Washakie Museum & Cultural Center is a surprisingly rich stop for a small town. It dives into local history, paleontology, and life along the Bighorn River.
What you’ll find:
- Dinosaur and fossil exhibits: Learn about ancient life that once lived in this part of Wyoming.
- Local history displays: Ranching, Native stories, and the growth of the communities in the Bighorn Basin.
- Rotating cultural exhibits: Art, photography, and theme-based displays change throughout the year.
You can pair this with time outdoors along the Bighorn River or make it a calm, low-key rainy day adventure out of Lander.
10. Ten Sleep Canyon & Brewery Vibes – Washakie County
Drive time from Lander to Ten Sleep:
about 2 hours 15–30 minutes
Ten Sleep might be small, but it has big scenery. The drive into
Ten Sleep Canyon along U.S. Highway 16 is one of those stretches where you keep wanting to pull over “just one more time” for a picture.
Why make the trip:
- Ten Sleep Canyon: Towering limestone cliffs, winding roads, and epic rock formations. It’s a famous rock-climbing destination, but also great just to drive through.
- Hiking and picnicking: Several pullouts and trailheads offer easy access to short walks and creekside spots.
- Local brewery (check hours): A cold drink with a canyon backdrop makes a pretty perfect end to the day.
If you like mixing quiet drives, small-town charm, and mountain air, Ten Sleep is a great target for a mellow but scenic day out.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Lander
A few quick things to keep in mind for these
Lander day trips and weekend getaways:
- Check the weather: Wyoming conditions can change fast, especially on high mountain passes like Togwotee.
- Fuel up early: Distances can be long between gas stations; it’s smart to top off in Lander before you go.
- Watch for wildlife: Deer, elk, and antelope love to cross the road at dawn and dusk.
- Layer your clothing: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can get cool—especially near water or at higher elevations.
Think of Lander as your
launch pad. With a tank of gas and a day off, you can hit hot springs, museums, mountain lakes, or canyon drives without ever needing a plane ticket.
Have You Taken a Favorite Road Trip from Lander?
Now it’s your turn.
Have you:
- Soaked in Thermopolis after a long hike?
- Watched the sunset over Flaming Gorge?
- Found a hidden picnic spot near Pinedale or Ten Sleep?
Share your go-to
road trips from Lander in the comments—your story might inspire someone’s next adventure.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who love exploring Wyoming by car. A simple share can spark someone’s next weekend escape.
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