This fall, move away from the main roads of travel and take time to enjoy the colorful autumn scenery of Wyoming byways. These “roads less traveled” will take you on tours of paved and unpaved roadways that explore Wyoming’s National Forests, mountain terrain, high deserts, and steep canyons. Here are six of our favorite fall drives you can’t afford to skip.
Beartooth Highway
Newly accepted into the National Register of Historic Places, Beartooth Highway is the highest paved road in Wyoming. This scenic 68-mile route can be accessed from the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and travels through Custer, Gallatin, and Shoshone National Forests before entering Yellowstone National Park via its northeast entrance.
Black Hills Scenic Byway
Also known as U.S. Highway 385, this byway starts in Newcastle, Wyoming, and continues 78 miles toward South Dakota’s western border. This scenic drive showcases a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees, allowing motorists to enjoy landscapes of lush green and bright colors. Additionally, local cities along the route offer tourist opportunities, including shopping, museums, hiking, fishing, and ghost town tours.
Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway
Following U.S. Route 16, Cloud Peak Skyway is located in north-central Wyoming, between Buffalo and Ten Sleep, and shares a boundary with Bighorn National Forest. During this 47-mile drive to experience the views of Cloud Peak Wilderness, travelers are treated to views of gold- and yellow-toned aspen trees that make their home in the Big Horn Mountains.
Flaming Gorge / Green River Basin Byway
Located in southwest Wyoming and connecting two roads separated by the Green River, this 100-mile route takes travelers around Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area’s centerpiece, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Visitors will experience the uniqueness of the area via high deserts, breathtaking rock formations, and herds of wild horses, pronghorn, and mule deer.
Red Gulch / Alkali Scenic Byway
A spare tire, drinking water, and food are recommended while heading out on this mostly unpaved 34-mile route through the Bighorn Basin. While there are no gas stations, towns, or stores along the Red Gulch / Alkali Scenic Byway, those choosing to embark on this adventure during the open months of May through October are rewarded with local history, colorful landscapes, caves, table rocks, and canyons along the way.
Star Valley Scenic Byway
Having just recently received official recognition as a byway, Star Valley Scenic Byway is Wyoming’s newest scenic byway. Mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks create the perfect environment for colorful landscapes travelers can enjoy during the 80-mile drive. For those looking for a little more adventure, you can climb Salt River Canyon and Salt River Pass before completing your hike atop the 7,610-foot peak of Snake River Canyon.
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