The driving distance between Denver and Yellowstone National Park is about 600 miles. Before setting off on your road trip, an important aspect of planning is deciding whether you’d like to make a straight shot or take your time, making the journey part of the fun. If you’re more interested in spending time in the Yellowstone area, the drive could be completed within a day if you leave early in the morning. Be sure that your car is in good condition and stocked with the proper emergency tools.
If your idea of good road-tripping is stopping along the way and spending extra time between Denver and Yellowstone, there are great sites and attractions worth exploring. Fort Collins, close to Denver, is known for its brewery and has excellent tours if you’re a fan of beer. Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, has an Old West attitude and is an excellent place to go horseback riding, with guided trail rides available the state’s numerous and famous ranches. The Red Desert of southwestern Wyoming has sprawling, empty sand dunes. Also worth exploring are Jack Morrow Hills and Adobe Town in the Red Desert area.
In the Yellowstone area, don’t miss Grand Teton National Park, a must-see companion to Yellowstone. Take advantage of hiking, camping, fishing, biking, horseback riding and canoeing during the summer. Skiing and snowshoeing are options during the winter. Archaeology buffs shouldn't miss Fossil Butte National Monument, where some of the world’s best-preserved fossils of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles were discovered. Wherever you go in the area, look out for the scenic routes that provide dramatic views of the mountains, deserts and valleys.
Because Wyoming is largely mountains and desert, the best option for driving is taking major highways. From Denver, take Interstate 25 to Cheyenne. From there, take I-80 heading west until you reach Rawlins, Wyoming, where you’ll turn north again on U.S. 287 to Yellowstone. From Cheyenne, you can also take I-25 up to Casper and then switch to U.S. 26. These routes take between nine and 10 hours, depending on traffic, weather and road construction.
