Driving Cost from Douglas, Wyoming to Roy, Utah

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The Cost of a Road Trip: Douglas, Wyoming to Roy, Utah Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a road trip is an adventurous way to explore the beauty of the American West. The journey from Douglas, Wyoming, to Roy, Utah, offers stunning views and the chance to experience the true essence of the region. However, before hitting the road, it’s important to understand the costs involved, particularly fuel expenses. This article will break down the possible routes, assess their costs based on current gas prices, and ultimately recommend the best route for your trip.

Overview of the Journey

The distance from Douglas, Wyoming, to Roy, Utah, is approximately 360 miles, depending on the route taken. The current average gas price in Wyoming is around $3.50 per gallon. To accurately calculate the cost of your trip, you’ll need to consider your vehicle's fuel efficiency. For the sake of this analysis, we will use three distinct driving scenarios with fuel efficiencies of 20, 25, and 30 miles per gallon.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-25 South to I-80 West

  1. Distance: 360 miles
  2. Estimated Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  3. Cost:
    • For 20 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 360 miles ÷ 20 MPG = 18 gallons
      • Cost: 18 gallons × $3.50 = $63.00
    • For 25 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 360 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 14.4 gallons
      • Cost: 14.4 gallons × $3.50 = $50.40
    • For 30 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 360 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 12 gallons
      • Cost: 12 gallons × $3.50 = $42.00

This route takes you south on I-25 and then west on I-80. The drive treats you to sweeping views of the Wyoming plains before moving through the scenic mountains near Laramie, making it visually appealing, especially in spring and fall.

Route 2: US-287 South to I-80 West

  1. Distance: 367 miles
  2. Estimated Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
  3. Cost:
    • For 20 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 367 miles ÷ 20 MPG = 18.35 gallons
      • Cost: 18.35 gallons × $3.50 = $64.23
    • For 25 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 367 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 14.68 gallons
      • Cost: 14.68 gallons × $3.50 = $51.38
    • For 30 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 367 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 12.23 gallons
      • Cost: 12.23 gallons × $3.50 = $42.81

Starting on US-287, this route offers a chance to experience small Wyoming towns and beautiful landscapes as you make your way towards I-80. It adds a bit more distance to your journey but can be less traffic-congested than the highways.

Route 3: I-25 South to US-40 West

  1. Distance: 335 miles
  2. Estimated Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  3. Cost:
    • For 20 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 335 miles ÷ 20 MPG = 16.75 gallons
      • Cost: 16.75 gallons × $3.50 = $58.63
    • For 25 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 335 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 13.4 gallons
      • Cost: 13.4 gallons × $3.50 = $46.90
    • For 30 MPG:
      • Gallons needed: 335 miles ÷ 30 MPG = 11.17 gallons
      • Cost: 11.17 gallons × $3.50 = $39.09

This route differs from the others by taking US-40, which runs through the scenic mountain area and offers ample opportunities for sightseeing. It is the shortest and cheapest of the three routes, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers.

Summary of Costs

To sum up, here are the costs for each route at different miles per gallon:

Route Distance Time 20 MPG 25 MPG 30 MPG
I-25 South to I-80 West 360 miles 5 hrs 30 mins $63.00 $50.40 $42.00
US-287 South to I-80 West 367 miles 5 hrs 45 mins $64.23 $51.38 $42.81
I-25 South to US-40 West 335 miles 5 hrs 15 mins $58.63 $46.90 $39.09

After analyzing these routes, the I-25 South to US-40 West route emerges as the best option. Not only is it the shortest distance, saving you both time and fuel costs, but it also provides a beautiful scenic drive through Wyoming's mountainous terrain. Choosing this route will cost approximately $58.63 at 20 MPG, $46.90 at 25 MPG, and $39.09 at 30 MPG, making it the most economical choice while still offering an enjoyable travel experience.

Conclusion

The trip from Douglas, Wyoming, to Roy, Utah, takes you through varied landscapes, allowing you to enjoy the best of Wyoming’s features. The recommended route via I-25 South and US-40 West covers about 335 miles and takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, making it both time-efficient and cost-effective. With current gas prices taken into account, this route is an excellent choice for both budget travelers and those looking to soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, this road trip promises a memorable experience.