Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway is a picturesque 32 mile drive along Highway 20 between the cities of Shoshoni and Thermopolis here in Wyoming. Some people may wonder...so what? What's the big deal about this Wind River Scenic Drive? Well...for a lot of folks (and for me as well) if you're driving towards Yellowstone National Park...this section of road...is worthwhile for appreciating the views and surroundings along the way. Wind River Canyon wasn't my favorite of all drives in the USA...but I'd recommend it within the context of an itinerary for those interested in doing a road trip throughout the country (lol, or at least to Yellowstone NP). In fact...I'd actually like to recommend not only Wind River Byway...but the entire path that I trekked about to make for a fun-filled journey...ultimately ending at Yellowstone and beyond... Here was the bigger picture... I started out in Casper, Wyoming...where I picked up all my supplies, food, gas and necessities for my journey. I then drove 43 miles to a cool roadside attraction called Hell's Half Acre. I spent 1 hour or so at this unique landmark. Next I continued for 55 miles to the small town of Shoshoni, Wyoming. And this is where I picked up Highway 20 to go north and where technically, Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway started. From Shoshoni I then drove 32 photogenic miles north to the quiet town of Thermopolis, Wyoming. And along these 32 miles...was within Wind River Canyon. Before I describe in detail some nice aspects about WRCSB...I'll just finish out my itinerary. From Thermopolis I went 84 miles to the authentic western town of Cody, Wyoming...where I walked the streets and spent the night. The following day I continued 63 miles north towards Red Lodge, Montana where I started another All-American Road called BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY. Beartooth Highway is known as "one of the best drives in the USA" and it's 68 miles in total from Red Lodge to Cooke City - Silver Gate, Montana. Here along Beartooth Highway I afforded myself an entire day for basking among the mountainous landscape and charming alpines lakes. Finally, from Cook City - Silver Gate it was 5 miles to the western entrance station of Yellowstone National Park. I'd recommend to tourists out there interested in seeing the sights while heading northwest through Wyoming to follow this route for a fulfilling way to catch the scenery....rather than trekking specifically towards Yellowstone and missing out on hidden gems along the way. But...back to why I'm writing about Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway. These 32 miles from Shoshoni to Thermopolis had some instances for me to exit my car and gaze out at the scenic settings along Highway 20. - First off you'll pass through a dam area with a reserve and underneath a man-made tunnel. - After going through the tunnel, I pulled off the road onto the shoulder and was afforded cool views of Bighorn River running through the canyon. The entire atmosphere was embedded within the rugged walls of the mountains. Overall it was a good moment for a few pictures. - Eventually, the Bighorn River expanded and the canyon really opened for opportunities to sit down along the banks of the river and soak up the surroundings. Also although you're driving north, make sure to look back towards the south section as the views looking behind me were unique as well. - Finally, the entire road sort of "snake-necked" around curves of the canyon walls. All this takes place while driving parallel to the flowing waters of the Bighorn River. - Even with guard rails along the high walls...I still stopped and hopped over the railings to capture memorable moments immersing myself among the towering jagged walls of the canyon. -Also during the summertime when I visited...the sun was out in full force and really reflected well on the Bighorn River adding some colorful aspects. -One last thing, along the drive...there weren't many cars on the road. It was quiet for this pandemic summer of 2020 when I was here. So I didn't mind taking it slow, looking around and catching the best aspects of the terrain. I took my time driving Wind River Canyon. For 32 miles, I used about 2 - 2.5 hours...and I stopped to get out of my car for photos about 5 or 6 times. Although WRCSB wasn't nearly the most scenic of drives I have witnessed along my travels...I still admired the drive. And coming from Hell's Half Acre, passing through Shoshoni and Thermopolis and ending the day in Cody...it really made for some worthwhile moments to enjoy the outdoors. read more