10 Easy Road Trips from Powell, Wyoming: Iconic Things To Do Just Beyond Park County
If you’re based in
Powell, Wyoming and feel like you’ve already done everything in town, you’re in luck. Within just a few hours’ drive, you’ve got hot springs, wild canyons, famous ski towns, and some of the best mountain views in the USA.
The best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips—so you’ll be exploring beyond Park County, WY and seeing something new in every direction.
Below are 10 fun, short road trips from Powell, using only nearby counties:
- Gallatin County, MT
- Park County, MT
- Big Horn County, WY
- Fremont County, WY
- Hot Springs County, WY
- Teton County, WY
- Washakie County, WY
All drive times are approximate and start from Powell, WY.
1. Soak and Stroll in Thermopolis, WY (Hot Springs County)
Approx. drive: about 1.5–2 hours one way
County: Hot Springs County, Wyoming
Thermopolis is a classic small-town road trip from Powell, and it’s famous for one big thing:
hot mineral springs.
You can:
On a cold Wyoming day, slipping into that warm water feels like stepping into a giant outdoor bathtub. If you’ve been driving cattle or just sitting at a desk all week, your muscles will thank you.
Road trip tip: Pack flip-flops, a towel, and water shoes if you like to move around in the pools. The mineral buildup can be a bit slick.
2. Explore the Dinosaur Tracks and Rivers in Worland & Ten Sleep, WY (Washakie County)
Approx. drive: 1.5–2 hours to
Worland, another 30–40 minutes to
Ten Sleep
County: Washakie County, Wyoming
Washakie County doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it should. Start in
Worland, then wind your way toward
Ten Sleep.
Things to do:
- Visit the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center in Worland for dinosaur fossils and local history
- Drive the dramatic Ten Sleep Canyon for cliffs, switchbacks, and river views
- Pull over at safe turnouts to take photos or a short walk along the stream
The canyon feels like a hidden gem—towering rock walls and a cool mountain stream right beside the road. It’s the kind of place where you roll the windows down and just listen to the water.
Road trip tip: This area is especially pretty in late spring and early fall. In winter, check road conditions before you go.
3. Wild West History in Basin & Greybull, WY (Big Horn County)
Approx. drive: about 1–1.5 hours
County: Big Horn County, Wyoming
If you want a quick day trip with old-school Wyoming vibes, head to
Big Horn County towns like
Basin and
Greybull.
Suggested stops:
- Walk the small downtowns in Basin and Greybull for local diners and shops
- Check out nearby backroads for big-sky views and old barns
- Visit local museums or small-town attractions (hours can be seasonal, so check ahead)
This is one of those drives where the journey is the main attraction—wide open ranges, fields, and mountains in the distance. If you like photography or just driving with a coffee and a friend, this one is for you.
Road trip tip: Keep your gas tank reasonably full; services can be spread out once you leave town.
4. Big Mountain Views in Dubois, WY (Fremont County)
Approx. drive: around 3–3.5 hours
County: Fremont County, Wyoming
Dubois (locals say
“DEW-boyz”) is tucked between red rock badlands and high mountain peaks. It’s a longer day trip, but still manageable from Powell if you start early.
While you’re there:
- Stroll the wooden sidewalks downtown and check out the frontier-style shops
- Enjoy a burger or steak at a local café
- Take a scenic drive toward Togwotee Pass for sweeping mountain views
Dubois has a quiet, cowboy-town feel, but the scenery around it is huge. Red cliffs one direction, snow-topped peaks the other—it’s classic Wyoming.
Road trip tip: This makes a great weekend trip if you want to combine it with
Jackson or Teton County (see below).
5. Walk Through History in Lander, WY (Fremont County)
Approx. drive: roughly 3 hours
County: Fremont County, Wyoming
Lander gives you a nice mix of outdoor fun and culture. It’s the kind of town where you can hike in the morning and grab a craft beer at night.
Ideas for your day:
- Visit Museum of the American West and historic buildings (seasonal hours)
- Drive up into the nearby foothills for overlooks and short walks
- Wander along Main Street for coffee, ice cream, and local shops
If you’re into rock climbing or hiking, there are trailheads and cliffs all around Lander. Even if you just hang in town, the mountain backdrop is worth the trip.
Road trip tip: This can be paired with a stop in Riverton (also Fremont County) if you want a slightly bigger-town feel and more services.
6. Legendary Scenery in Jackson, WY (Teton County)
Approx. drive: about 4–5 hours (plan a full day or weekend)
County: Teton County, Wyoming
For an iconic Wyoming experience,
Jackson is hard to beat. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive from Powell, but you’ll be rewarded with truly world-class scenery.
In and around Jackson:
- Walk the Town Square with its famous antler arches
- Browse art galleries and Western shops
- Enjoy a meal with a view of the Tetons looming in the distance
If you have extra time, you can bring your bike or just drive the side roads closer to the mountains. Even a simple sunset view from a pullout will stay in your mind for a long time.
Road trip tip: Jackson gets busy in summer. Go early in the day, or plan a shoulder-season trip (late spring or fall) for fewer crowds and easier parking.
7. Grand Teton Views & Scenic Drives (Teton County)
Approx. drive: similar to Jackson, 4–5 hours to reach the main area
County: Teton County, Wyoming
Staying
outside of Park County, WY still gives you access to jaw-dropping views of the
Teton Range from Teton County.
Some classic scenic ideas (even without heavy hiking):
- Drive past open meadows and lakes with mountain reflections
- Use safe turnouts to snap photos of the rugged peaks
- Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road—especially early or late in the day
You don’t need to be a hardcore outdoors person to enjoy this. A simple drive with a thermos of coffee and a few photo stops can feel like a mini-vacation.
Road trip tip: Bring binoculars if you have them. You might spot moose, elk, or other wildlife at a distance.
8. Bozeman, MT – Mountain Town with a College Vibe (Gallatin County)
Approx. drive: about 4–4.5 hours
County: Gallatin County, Montana
If you’re craving a bit more “city” energy without going to a full-on big city,
Bozeman is a great target from Powell.
Things to do:
- Stroll downtown for shops, coffee, and local breweries
- Check out local museums (like those with dinosaur fossils and Western art)
- Drive the nearby canyons for hiking trailheads and river views
Bozeman has a younger, outdoorsy feel thanks to the university. It’s a nice change of pace if you’ve been in small towns and on ranch land all week.
Road trip tip: Plan this as a weekend trip if you can. There’s plenty to fill two days, especially if you add a scenic drive or short hike.
9. Livingston, MT – Artsy Gateway to Big Landscapes (Park County, Montana)
Approx. drive: about 4 hours
County: Park County, Montana
Livingston sits along the
Yellowstone River with mountains all around. It has a relaxed, artsy vibe that’s different from most small towns.
While you’re in Livingston:
- Walk the historic downtown with its old brick buildings
- Pop into art galleries and bookstores
- Enjoy a meal or coffee with a view of the nearby peaks
The drive itself across southern Montana is part of the fun—wide open spaces, distant mountains, and that feeling that the sky just goes on forever.
Road trip tip: Watch for strong winds in this area, especially in colder months. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape before heading out.
10. Ski, Ride, or Simply Sightsee at Big Sky, MT (Gallatin County)
Approx. drive: about 4.5–5 hours
County: Gallatin County, Montana
If you’re into skiing or snowboarding—or you just love mountain resorts—
Big Sky makes a memorable road trip from Powell.
Things you can do:
- Hit the slopes in winter (from gentle runs to challenging terrain)
- Enjoy scenic chairlift rides in summer and fall, when available
- Grab a meal in the resort village with big, alpine views
Even if you don’t ski, just being in that high-mountain setting is worth the drive. The air feels crisp, the sky seems closer, and at night the stars can be incredible.
Road trip tip: Winter driving to mountain resorts can be tricky. Check weather and road reports, carry winter gear, and don’t rush.
Planning Your Road Trips from Powell, WY
To make the most of these
short road trips from Powell, keep a simple checklist:
- Fuel: Top off your tank before you leave Powell.
- Weather: Wyoming and Montana weather changes fast—check the forecast.
- Snacks & water: Services can be far apart, so bring what you need.
- Clothing: Pack layers. It can be 80°F in town and chilly up high.
- Maps: Cell service can drop; download offline maps or carry a paper map.
Think of Powell as your home base. In just a day or a weekend, you can be soaking in hot springs, walking old Western streets, or looking up at famous peaks.
Share Your Favorite Powell Road Trips
Everyone has that one drive they can’t stop talking about. Maybe it’s a fall color run through a canyon, or a last-minute trip to soak in hot springs after a long week.
What’s yours?
- Have you tried any of these road trips from Powell, Wyoming?
- Do you have a hidden-gem stop in Gallatin, Park (MT), Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Teton, or Washakie County?
Drop your tips, stories, and questions in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their next adventure.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone planning a trip around Powell, WY. The more we share our favorite routes and stops, the easier it gets for everyone to discover new places just down the road.
Comments
Post a Comment