quickest route from denver to YSNP

Will be flying into Denver in July, arriving approx. 1:30pm, would like to get to Cody YS that day. If this isn%26#39;t suggested, please give advice on where to stop/spend the night.

Thanks

quickest route from denver to YSNP

The best way would be to go up I-25 from Denver, thru Cheyenne, Casper and then Cody. I think that it should take about 8-8 1/2 hours. Casper is approx. 4 hours. There is a nice Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and Super 8 hotel in Casper. If you are arriving at 1:30 then it will take you another hour to get your bags and pickup your rental car.

quickest route from denver to YSNP

We always figure it takes us an hour to get out of DIA and on the road and we don%26#39;t have to rent a car. It will be an hour and a half drive to Cheyenne, from Cheyenne to Cody I always figure on 7 1/2 hours.

It%26#39;s tough to project traffic %26amp; road construction slow-downs this far out. From Casper on north you will generally be on two-lane, non-divided roads, which can be slow. It will be light until 8:30, I%26#39;m guessing. It would be doable but certainly not an easy drive, plus the time difference and altitude (until you are acclimated you may be a little more tired, as there is just less oxygen in the air here!)

A lot just depends on how many drivers you will have, how comfortable you will be driving that late in the day. I like stopping in Thermopolis for the night. The hot springs are amazing. If you stay at the Holiday Inn, you have hot springs right there in the hotel -- in the morning see the Hot Springs Park and it%26#39;s an easy, daylight trip on into Cody.

CeCe%26#39;s times are a little off -- we live in Cheyenne and I guarantee it is at least an hour %26amp; a half from DIA to Cheyenne once you are in your vehicle. Cheyenne to Casper is 3 hours. There is little that is redeeming about Casper, go ahead and go on to Thermop.

Good to know that there is a nice place to stay in Thermapolis- only stayed in Casper.

If you are arriving in Denver at 1:30pm, then plan on 1.5-2 hours to get luggage, get rental car and get driving! It is 1.5 hours to Cheyenne, then another 3 to Casper, you will be getting into Casper close to 8pm! From Casper to Thermopolis is 2.5 hours on an unknown (to you) highway at dusk and night time! This is after flying in from TN. Boy, I%26#39;m exhausted just typing this!!

My choice, get to Casper, get some rest, then get up early for the drive to Cody. That way you can see that part of WY and arrive in Cody safely!

I am going to take your advice and have already made reservations at HIExpress in Casper! You are right on target with being able to see the beauty the next morning after resting.

Thanks much

I think that is a good plan.

We just stayed last night at a HI Express here in NM, they have upgraded their rooms and bedding! We had an awesome room, very comfortable beds, with 2 different pillows.. soft and firm! The free breakfast was decent, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, bagels, cinnamon rolls etc...

Enjoy your trip!