Exploration through the West: A Road Trip from American Fork, Utah to Pinedale, Wyoming

Are you in the mood for a road trip that combines scenic routes and historic sites? Then let's explore the wild west with a journey from American Fork, Utah to Pinedale, Wyoming. With several routes available to suit your preferences, you can choose a path less traveled or stick to the highways and enjoy the facilities on the way.

The Direct Route

If you're in a rush or would like a straight shot to Pinedale with minimal stops, then this is the way to go. Drive north on I-15 and take exit 34 to merge onto 189. Continue on 189 North for 96 miles and you'll arrive in Pinedale.

This route covers 241 miles and can usually be completed in three and a half hours if there are no traffic jams. It's a breathtaking drive through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where you'll see mesmerizing rock formations and reach an elevation of 8,433 feet on a scenic pass.

The Scenic Route

For those who prefer to meander through beautiful back-country, this option is for you. Take the first part of the Direct Route and then turn off to take the scenic byway route. Once you turn off I-15, travel east on US Route 89 through the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway.

This drive is approximately 30 miles longer with a total distance of 274 miles from American Fork to Pinedale. It can take five hours to complete due to the winding roads but the journey is worth it. You’ll have great views of the Wasatch Range, Timpanogos Mountains and Cascade Springs, which is a popular picnic area. At the top of the canyon, continue east on Highway 150 until you reach the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway, also known as Wyoming Highway 410. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you see Henry’s Fork and Fish Lake in front of you. From there, head north on 189 to reach Pinedale.

The Historical Route

If you love to learn about American history while admiring scenic views, this route is for you. Take the scenic byway route with a quick detour to visit the Fossil Butte National Monument, which is a 52-mile drive from the turn off. To get there, turn off I-15 onto US-30 and follow the signs to Kemmerer, Wyoming. Once you reach Kemmerer, turn left onto 233 and continue 17 miles until you reach the Monument.

This route covers the most distance, with a total of 315 miles from American Fork to Pinedale. It will take about six hours to complete, but we highly recommend it. You'll learn about the ancient fish and plants that roamed the area millions of years ago while enjoying the views of the Kemmerer and Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. After exploring the monument, get back on 233 and drive south to reach Highway 189 to continue on to Pinedale.

The Must-Visit Stops

While traveling to Pinedale, be sure to take advantage of the points of interest located along the routes. For the Direct Route, consider taking a detour to the 1000 Springs Scenic Byway, an extension of US-20 that follows the Snake River and the Thousand Springs Area.

For the Scenic Route, don't miss the opportunity to explore Cascade Springs and enjoy a picnic lunch there. Also, make sure to stop at the mirror lake and take a dip in the lake.

On the Historical Route, visit the Fossil Butte National Monument where you can learn about the scientific discoveries, take a guided tour, or walk through the scenic trails.

Conclusion

When choosing a route for your road trip, the journey is as important as the destination. These routes offer something for every traveler and make the trip to Pinedale a memorable experience. Between the beautiful scenery, the charming sites, and the fascinating history, your journey will be full of excitement and adventure. Get your car ready, pack your bags, and hit the road!