This 430.4-mile journey from Rafter J Ranch to Cheyenne, Wyoming, is a substantial drive, estimated to take about 7 hours and 43 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, US 26, and South Highway 89, this route offers a mixed driving experience within the Mountain West region. With a fuel cost estimate of $68 and two planned stops, it's feasible as a single-day trip, though breaking it up is also an option. You'll spend a significant portion of your time on highways, making it a relatively straightforward, albeit long, travel day.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
215.2 miles from Rafter J Ranch, WY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
255.5 mi
4h 12m
US 26
162.2 mi
3h 7m
South Highway 89
7.5 mi
10m
South Park Loop Road
2.1 mi
5m
West 24th Street
0.9 mi
2m
South Park Ranch Road
0.8 mi
3m
Purple Heart Trail
0.3 mi
<1m
Missile Drive
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 255.5 mi, about 4h 12m
Traffic on I-80
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 20 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
3 PM
~445 veh/hr typical
· worst 685
Quietest
2 AM
~82 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 51 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rafter J Ranch, WY and Cheyenne, WY.
1
Start on South Park Ranch Road
0.8 mi·3 min·South Park Ranch Road
2
Turn left onto South Park Loop Road
2.1 mi·5 min·South Park Loop Road
3
Turn right onto US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
7.5 mi·10 min·South Highway 89
4
Enter roundabout onto US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
165 ft·4 sec·US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
5
Continue on US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
162 mi·3 hr 7 min·US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·53 sec
7
Merge onto I 80; US 30
254 mi·4 hr 10 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
8
Continue on I 80
0.3 mi·18 sec·Purple Heart Trail
9
Take the exit
0.3 mi·34 sec
Exit 359CToward I 25 North, US 87 North: Casper
10
Merge onto I 25; US 87
1.6 mi·1 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward Missile Drive, Warren Gate 2
12
Turn right onto Missile Drive
0.2 mi·32 sec·Missile Drive
13
Turn left onto West 24th Street
0.9 mi·2 min·West 24th Street
14
Arrive at destination
West 24th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour-plus duration, an early start is recommended if you plan to complete this drive in one day. Plan your two stops strategically to break up the 430.4 miles, especially considering the 255.5-mile stretch on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, with an estimated cost of $68 for this trip. While it's manageable in a single day, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider an overnight stop to fully appreciate the changing scenery within Wyoming.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 215.2 miles from Rafter J Ranch, WY, or about 4h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 255.5 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 95 miles or 1h 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 215.2 miles or 4h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Cheyenne, WY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Rafter J Ranch, WY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Rafter J Ranch, WY
This is one driving day of about 430.4 miles and 7h 43m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 95 miles from Rafter J Ranch, WY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 255.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 10
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.4 and 429.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
4
10.4 mi into trip|~18m in|US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
Enter roundabout onto US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
5
172.6 mi into trip|~3h 26m in
Take the exit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
7
427.3 mi into trip|~7h 37m in
Take the exit toward I 25 North, US 87 North: Casper
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 359C
Toward I 25 North, US 87 North: Casper
5
429.1 mi into trip|~7h 40m in
Take the exit toward Missile Drive, Warren Gate 2
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward Missile Drive, Warren Gate 2
5
429.3 mi into trip|~7h 40m in|Missile Drive
Turn right onto Missile Drive
Navigation decision point
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$67.08 one way
$134.17 round trip
$3.96/gal25.4 MPG avg151 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.17
$70.71
$141.42
premium
$4.47
$75.81
$151.62
diesel
$4.80
$81.27
$162.54
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$67
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$92–$117
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 150.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $45 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
129.1
1
$45.19
$20.66
Efficient EV
107.6
1
$37.66
$17.22
EV Truck/SUV
172.2
2
$60.26
$27.55
Gas CO2
151 kg
EV CO2
50 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Jul 17, 2026
Origin
Rafter J Ranch, WY
Afternoon
in Rafter J Ranch on Saturday
Local time
4:43 PM
MDT
Current temp
50°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
ENE 2 mph31% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 16 at 7:09PM MDT until July 19 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:32PM MDT until July 16 at 7:30PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Destination
Cheyenne, WY
Afternoon
in Cheyenne on Saturday
Local time
4:43 PM
MDT
Current temp
58°F
Mostly Clear
SSE 5 to 15 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 16 at 7:09PM MDT until July 19 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 6:32PM MDT until July 16 at 7:30PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
8 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 43m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Grand Teton National Park
National Park
Soaring over a landscape rich with wildlife, pristine lakes, and majestic alpine vistas, the Teton Range stands as a testament to generations of stewards. For over 11,000 years, communities have thriv...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Your drive will feature a 39% highway share, meaning you'll experience a good balance of faster-paced travel and more local road conditions. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 255.5 miles on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, so be prepared for a significant period on this main artery. This route is characterized as a 'Mixed drive,' suggesting a varied landscape and road type as you progress from the mountains towards the plains. Expect to transition from potentially more winding sections to straighter, open roads as you cover the distance.
39% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 255.5 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
4/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 10.4 miles in near US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191.
Driving Effort4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
The route itself is not hard, but at 7h 43m, endurance matters. Plan breaks every 2-3 hours. The 10 decision points are all manageable with basic attention.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 10.4 miles (US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 172.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 427.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Mountain driving with significant elevation changes
8,115 ft6,066 ft
Total Climb
4,027 ft
Total Descent
4,004 ft
Highest Point
8,115 ft
~399.7 mi in
Elevation Range
2,049 ft
Notable High Points
7,440 ft at ~61.5 miles+229 ft prominence
6,892 ft at ~153.7 miles+63 ft prominence
6,814 ft at ~215.2 miles+26 ft prominence
6,951 ft at ~276.7 miles+163 ft prominence
7,725 ft at ~338.2 miles+582 ft prominence
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Cheyenne is the state capital and largest city (approximate 2020 population 64,000) of Wyoming. Cheyenne is a place that celebrates its history and "true Western" culture. It is not uncommon to see cowboy hats, boots, and the belt as daily attire. It is host to the annual Frontier Days, one of the largest rodeos in North America.
Top landmarks
•Wyoming State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of Wyoming
•Cheyenne Depot Museum — former railroad station and current museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
•Boeing/United Airlines Terminal Building, Hangar and Fountain
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 255.5 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 14 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Cheyenne, WY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 2 meaningful breaks. There are 14 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
Mostly yes along the main roads, but rural stretches through WY can have sparse or no coverage. Before you leave, download offline Google Maps or Apple Maps for the route, and consider downloading music or podcasts instead of streaming. If you depend on data for navigation, keep a paper backup of the turn-by-turn directions.
The main spots that need attention: at 10.4 miles (US 26; US 89; US 189; US 191): Roundabout - know your exit number before entering; at 172.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 427.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Grand Teton National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Cheyenne, WY before the return drive.
