10 Easy Road Trips from Afton, Wyoming: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Lincoln County
If you’re staying in Afton, Wyoming and you’ve already walked under the famous elk antler arch, you might be wondering, “Okay, what’s next? Where else can we drive for a day of fun?”
The good news: Afton sits in a sweet spot for road trips. Within just a couple of hours, you can be in Idaho, Utah, or other parts of Wyoming, surrounded by mountains, lakes, hot springs, and wide-open views.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Afton, focusing on nearby counties:
- Bonneville County, Idaho
- Caribou County, Idaho
- Rich County, Utah
- Sublette County, Wyoming
- Sweetwater County, Wyoming
- Teton County, Wyoming
- Uinta County, Wyoming
Each idea is designed as a simple, relaxed trip you can do in a day (or stretch into a weekend) from Afton.
1. Soak in Heise Hot Springs & Adventure Park (Bonneville County, ID)
About an hour and 45 minutes northwest of Afton,
Heise Hot Springs near Ririe in Bonneville County is a classic family road-trip stop.
You’ll find:
- Natural hot springs pools – Great after a long drive or a day of hiking.
- Swimming pool with a slide – Fun for kids and the young at heart.
- Golf and zipline (seasonal) – If you like a little thrill with your relaxation.
The drive from Afton takes you past rolling hills and farmland, and if you time it near sunset, the sky can light up in shades of orange and pink. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time just sitting in warm water and watching steam rise into the cool mountain air.
Road trip tip: Bring flip-flops, extra towels, and plenty of water. Hot springs can sneak up on you and leave you more tired than you expect.
2. Walk Along the Snake River in Idaho Falls (Bonneville County, ID)
Continue deeper into Bonneville County and head for
Idaho Falls, about 2 to 2.5 hours from Afton, depending on your route.
Right in town you can:
- Stroll the Idaho Falls Greenbelt along the Snake River.
- Snap photos of the waterfall and the LDS temple reflected in the river.
- Grab lunch at a local diner or coffee shop.
The Greenbelt loop is easy and flat. It’s perfect if you’ve been sitting in the car and just want to stretch your legs. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love watching ducks and geese along the water.
Why this makes a great road trip from Afton: It gives you a mix of city convenience and riverside nature, without a huge driving commitment.
3. Soda Springs Geyser & Historic Downtown (Caribou County, ID)
Head west from Afton into Caribou County, Idaho, and you’ll reach
Soda Springs in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
The town is known for its:
- Man‑made geyser – It erupts on a schedule (usually every hour), shooting mineral-rich water into the air.
- Museum and historic sites – Learn about Oregon Trail history and the area’s natural springs.
- Carbonated springs – Yes, you can taste naturally fizzy water (always check local signs first).
Watching the geyser erupt is surprisingly fun. It’s a little bit like waiting for Old Faithful, but on a smaller, more personal scale.
Road trip tip: Pack a simple picnic and enjoy it in one of the small parks around town while you wait for the next geyser eruption.
4. Bear Lake: “The Caribbean of the Rockies” (Rich County, UT)
If you’re craving blue water and beach time, point your car south to
Bear Lake in Rich County, Utah. From Afton, you’re looking at about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive, depending on your exact route and stops.
What makes Bear Lake special?
- Turquoise-blue water – The color is almost unreal on a sunny day.
- Sandy beaches – Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles.
- Water activities – Rent jet skis, paddleboards, or a small boat.
- Famous raspberry shakes – You’ll see stands and little shops all around the lake.
On a warm summer day, it feels more like a beach vacation than a mountain getaway. If you’re visiting from another part of the USA, you’ll probably be surprised to find water this blue in the middle of the Rockies.
Personal note: The first time I drove to Bear Lake, the road curved around a hill and suddenly the water appeared, bright and glowing. I actually pulled over just to take it in for a few minutes.
5. Scenic Pinedale & Fremont Lake (Sublette County, WY)
Drive about 2 to 2.5 hours northeast from Afton and you can be in
Pinedale, the gateway to the Wind River Mountains in Sublette County.
Here’s what to do:
- Walk through downtown Pinedale and visit local shops.
- Drive up to Fremont Lake for a quiet picnic with mountain views.
- Stop by the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about fur-trade history (check seasonal hours).
Fremont Lake is long, deep, and ringed by forested hills. On calm days, the water turns into a mirror that reflects the sky and mountains.
Road trip tip: Even in summer, weather can change fast in the high country. Toss a light jacket in the car, just in case.
6. Wild West Vibes in Rock Springs (Sweetwater County, WY)
Looking for a change of scenery and some small-city energy? Aim for
Rock Springs in Sweetwater County, about 3 to 3.5 hours southeast of Afton.
There you can:
- Explore the historic downtown area.
- Visit local museums that share stories of mining and railroad history.
- Take a short side drive out into the high desert for wide-open views and big skies.
Rock Springs has a tough, working-town feel with a strong connection to the coal and railroad boom. It’s a nice contrast to the forested valleys around Afton.
Why go? If you love American history, especially the “how did people live out here?” kind of history, Rock Springs gives you a raw, real look at life in the West.
7. Jackson Hole & Teton Pass Scenic Drive (Teton County, WY)
No list of road trips from Afton would be complete without mentioning
Jackson Hole
Wander around Town Square with its famous elk antler arches.
Check out art galleries, western wear shops, and local cafes.
Drive up Teton Pass (if conditions are good) for sweeping views into Idaho and Wyoming.
Jackson has a fun mix of old-west and upscale mountain-town style. You can grab a burger in a bar that looks like a movie set, then walk into a sleek art gallery next door.
Road trip tip: Parking can be busy in peak summer and winter. Arrive earlier in the day for a smoother experience.
8. Grand Teton National Park Day Trip (Teton County, WY)
If you have an extra day, turn your Jackson run into a Grand Teton National Park road trip. From Afton to the main park areas, plan on about 2 to 2.5 hours each way.
Inside the park, don’t miss:
- Jenny Lake – Short hikes, boat rides (in season), and classic glacier-carved views.
- Oxbow Bend – Often a great spot for reflections of Mount Moran and wildlife sightings.
- Signal Mountain Summit Road – Panoramic views if the road is open.
The Tetons rise straight up from the valley floor, with no foothills to soften the view. It’s one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in the USA.
Safety reminder: Wildlife is wild. Bison, bears, and moose are not photo props. Always follow park rules and keep your distance.
9. Evanston’s Historic Downtown & Bear River Greenway (Uinta County, WY)
Drive about 3 hours south from Afton into Uinta County and you’ll reach Evanston, near the Utah border.
Here’s how to spend your day:
- Walk through historic downtown Evanston and check out old brick buildings and local shops.
- Visit the Bear River Greenway for walking or biking trails along the river.
- Look for public art and murals scattered around town.
Evanston has a relaxed, small-town feel, with plenty of places to grab a coffee or ice cream before or after your walk.
Road trip tip: This is a nice destination if you’re road-tripping with multiple generations. You can keep activities low-key and accessible while still getting time outdoors.
10. Visit Fossil Butte National Monument via Kemmerer (Uinta County, WY Access)
While the monument itself is in Lincoln County, the most common access point is through the Kemmerer area, and many travelers pair it with stops that extend into Uinta County and the surrounding region. From Afton to Kemmerer, plan on roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
This loop-style day trip can include:
- A stop in Kemmerer to see historic downtown and the original J.C. Penney store (Lincoln County).
- Continuing south and east into or through Uinta County, linking up with scenic back roads, river valleys, and small towns.
- Wide, open Wyoming landscapes ideal for photography and quiet drives.
Use this as your “choose‑your‑own‑adventure” drive: pick a few side roads (on paved highways), stop at roadside pullouts, and just enjoy being out in the big country between Lincoln and Uinta Counties.
Road trip tip: Fuel up before you leave and keep an eye on your gas gauge. Services can be spread out in this part of Wyoming.
Planning Your Road Trips from Afton: Quick Tips
To make the most of these out-of-county adventures:
- Check road and weather conditions – Mountain passes and rural highways can change fast.
- Carry snacks and water – You may go long stretches without services.
- Download offline maps – Cell service can be spotty in the mountains and high desert.
- Layer your clothing – Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer.
If you’re planning several of these road trips from Afton, you might even turn your stay into a mini “hub-and-spoke” vacation: sleep in the same cozy spot at night and explore a new direction each day.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Afton?
Have you tried any of these drives from Afton into Idaho, Utah, or other parts of Wyoming?
Did you discover a hidden café, a quiet fishing spot, or a perfect overlook along the way?
Share your experience in the comments—your tips might help the next traveler planning their own Afton road trip adventure.
And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are thinking about visiting Wyoming. The more we trade stories and ideas, the easier it gets for everyone to plan memorable, stress‑free road trips in this beautiful corner of the West.
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