Highlights of Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway

You are encouraged to take this enjoyable tour of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway.

Dubois: The southern tip of the byway begins at the rustic town of Dubois, elevation 6,917 feet, a center for trout fishing on the Upper Wind River. In Dubois, the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center has educational exhibits and information on bighorn sheep habitat and conservation.

Dubois is also home to the Wind River Historical Center, which features displays on the settlement and history of the Upper Wind River Valley as well as the geology and natural history of the region.

Shoshone National Forest: Take U.S. 26/287 northwest, which parallels the Wind River as it travels past the Wind River Range and the volcanic Absaroka Range; watch for the nearly 12,000-foot Ramshorn Peak. The 2.4-millionacre Shoshone National Forest, which blankets the land both to the east and west of the road, is thick with aspens, evergreens, spruce, and willows and is home to 236 peaks and 156 glaciers.

Tie Hack Memorial: About 17 miles from Dubois, the Centennial Scenic Byway passes the Tie Hack Memorial, dedicated to the early 20th-century lumberjacks (mostly from Sweden and other Scandinavian countries) who cut and shaped railroad ties by hand from local forests, for use in building the transcontinental railroad. Each man could hack about 30 ties per day, earning 10 cents per tie.

Breccia Cliffs, Pinnacle Buttes, and Falls Campground: Next, watch for the castlelike rock formations known as the Breccia Cliffs and the Pinnacle Buttes in the Teton Wilderness. Stop at Falls Campground to follow the short trail to Brooks Falls, or hike farther to Wind River Lake. In the meadows, watch for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, and even grizzlies.

©Byways.org Waterfowl at the National Elk Refuge just off Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway.

Togwotee Pass: The road rises to Togwotee Pass, elevation 9,658 feet, which marks the Continental Divide. Snow can be heavy in winter and often lingers by the roadside into July. Stop at the overlook for a great view.

Grand Tetons: The road then descends, steeply at points. Soon coming into view are the Grand Tetons, the jagged, glacially carved string of snowcapped peaks that rise like skyscrapers out of the valley and are the most recognizable mountains in Wyoming. Be sure to stop at the overlook, which provides one of the best views of the range, including 13,770-foot Grand Teton and seven other peaks topping 12,000 feet. There are also campgrounds and picnic areas as the road levels off into a valley.

Grand Teton National Park: When the Centennial Scenic Byway reaches beautiful Grand Teton National Park, there are continuing views of the Tetons, framed by sagebrush, forests, lakes, and the Snake River. Float trips are offered on the Snake River. Hiking, camping, mountain climbing, boating, and kayaking are all popular in the park, which is also a favorite of photographers.

Yellowstone National Park or Jackson: At Moran Junction, the end of the byway, drivers face a tough choice. The largest park in the lower 48, Yellowstone National Park lies 27 miles to the north via the Rockefeller Parkway. Route 26, meanwhile, turns south toward the resort area of Jackson, passing the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge en route. The refuge is home to some 7,500 elk each winter. In summer, watch for elk in Grand Teton National Park or in Yellowstone.

Keep your eye out for wildlife as you travel down the amazing Centennial Scenic Byway. You never know what might cross your path!

Find more useful information related to Wyoming's Centennial Scenic Byway:

• Dubois, Moran Junction: Find out what there is to do in these cities along Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway.
• Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Wyoming? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
• How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.