The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway
Page Summary: The byway is located in west-central WY and includes the two most scenic routes to Yellowstone.
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About the Scenic Byway
The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway
The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway corridor embraces many of Wyoming’s natural (national) treasures, from the magnificent scenery of its mountains and rivers to its rich natural diversity of wildlife, sights explored while traveling historic trails and enjoying boundless recreation opportunities.
The Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway is located in west-central Wyoming and includes the two most scenic routes to Yellowstone from the east and south. Travelers on Interstate 80 can turn north at Rock Springs and travel through Pinedale, while those using Interstate 90 may jump off in Buffalo and head west along the Cloud Peak Skyway and down the newly designated Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway, then across the Wind River Indian Reservation to the entry portal at Dubois. History buffs might choose to follow one of the many trails west from the National Historic Trails Center in Casper and join up with the byway along the way. Folks who travel north from Salt Lake City can enter the byway near Pinedale and follow it around to Dubois, then turn back south to Interstate 80, making a great loop tour through the best of Wyoming’s natural beauty.
The historic trails that became the roads along the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway started as game trails which were followed by native peoples hunting and gathering the area’s abundant natural resources. The earliest explorers in turn traveled these paths, finding that they crossed the best passes and river drainages. As the mountain men turned to guides for intrepid wagon trains, they used the routes as well. Today’s highways are a reflection of how the landscape shapes man’s history.
Modern travelers will experience incredible scenic vistas of some of the country’s wildest mountain ranges and rivers. They will be amazed at the quantity of wildlife encountered right along the road. They will become explorers themselves, wondering what is “just over that hill” or around the next corner. They will look forward with anticipation to what natural treasure they will discover next.
The charming towns along the byway will draw travelers out of their cars, to explore on foot the rustic boardwalks, charming western shops and larger than life public art displays. Each major community features a world-class and unique attraction, including the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center in Dubois, the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson and the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale. Existing byway signs and historic markers tell stories of early explorers and highlight recreation opportunities.
Travel time – The 169 mile Byway route is unbroken and takes approximately 3 hours without stops, but the average visitor will want to take significantly longer to enjoy all the many photo ops, attractions, historic signs, businesses and recreation choices along the way.
