Overview
Cokeville is a small ranching town of roughly 540 people in Lincoln County, tucked into the far southwestern corner of Wyoming near the Idaho border. Sitting at an elevation of around 6,200 feet in the Bear River Valley, it is surrounded by sagebrush plains, rolling foothills, and the western fringe of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The town has a quiet, working-ranch character and sees relatively few tourists, making it a genuine off-the-beaten-path stop rather than a developed destination. It is perhaps best known beyond Wyoming for the 1986 Cokeville Elementary School hostage crisis, an event the community has memorialized and that later inspired a documentary and a feature film titled The Cokeville Miracle (2015).
For travelers, Cokeville functions primarily as a waypoint along US-30 between Kemmerer, Wyoming, and Montpelier, Idaho, or as a base for low-key fishing, hunting, and backcountry access in the surrounding valley. Expect limited services and plan accordingly.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Cokeville is in the continental United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's official immigration resources for current requirements.
Practical Preparation
- Services are minimal. Fuel up and stock supplies before arriving; the nearest larger towns are Kemmerer (~40 miles northeast) and Montpelier, Idaho (~30 miles west).
- Cell service can be limited in the valley and surrounding back roads. Download offline maps before you go.
- Weather changes quickly at this elevation. Pack layers even in summer, and be aware that snow is possible from October through April.
- Hunting and fishing licenses are required for outdoor activities; obtain these through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before your trip.
- Verify locally whether any specific business or attraction is currently open, as schedules in small towns can shift seasonally or without wide notice.
Getting There
By Car
Cokeville sits along US Highway 30, which connects it westward to Montpelier, Idaho, and eastward toward Kemmerer and eventually I-80. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle; a car is essentially required to reach the town and explore the surrounding area.
Nearest Airports
The closest commercial airports are in Idaho Falls, Idaho (approximately 110 miles northwest) and Rock Springs, Wyoming (approximately 130 miles east). Salt Lake City International Airport (roughly 180 miles south via I-15 and US-30) offers the broadest flight options. No shuttle or bus service to Cokeville is known; verify locally.
By Bus
Regional intercity bus coverage in this part of Wyoming is very limited. Do not rely on scheduled bus service without verifying current routes with carriers.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is the only practical way to get around Cokeville and the surrounding region. The town itself is small enough to walk across in a few minutes, but any excursion into the Bear River Valley, nearby BLM land, or toward the national forest requires a car—ideally one with reasonable clearance for unpaved roads.
Road conditions on forest and BLM access roads can be poor after rain or snow. Check with the USDA Forest Service Bridger-Teton ranger district for current road conditions before heading into the backcountry.
Things to See & Do
Outdoor Recreation
The Bear River and its tributaries offer fishing for trout in a setting that sees very little pressure compared to more popular Wyoming destinations. The river corridor and adjacent BLM lands are also used for birdwatching, with migratory waterfowl present in spring and fall.
The western slopes of the Bridger-Teton National Forest are accessible from the Cokeville area, providing opportunities for hiking, dispersed camping, and wildlife observation. Mule deer, pronghorn, and elk are common in the valley. Verify road access and any permit requirements with the Forest Service before heading out.
Hunting (deer, elk, pronghorn, upland birds) is a major draw for visitors in the fall. Wyoming Game and Fish licensing applies; plan well in advance as some areas require draw permits.
Local History
The Cokeville Elementary School site and the town's small-community character invite those interested in the 1986 hostage incident to reflect on the event. There is no formal museum dedicated to it; the story is part of the community's living memory. Visitors should be respectful and mindful that this is a sensitive local history, not a tourist attraction.
- Pick up locally produced books or accounts at community stores if available
- The 2015 film The Cokeville Miracle provides background for those unfamiliar with the event
Food & Drink
Dining options in Cokeville are very limited. The town has a small number of local establishments that may include a diner-style café or convenience-store food. Hours and availability should be verified locally, as small-town businesses sometimes operate seasonally or with reduced hours.
Travelers are strongly advised to carry food and water, especially if planning any time in the surrounding backcountry. Kemmerer and Montpelier, Idaho both offer more dining variety and are within an hour's drive. Wyoming is not a dry state, so alcohol is generally available where food service exists, but confirm locally.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Cokeville has basic emergency services. For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. The nearest hospital with full services is likely in Kemmerer or Afton; verify the closest facility before your trip, particularly if traveling with medical needs.
Connectivity
Cell coverage can be spotty in Cokeville and drops off further in the backcountry. Download maps, trail information, and contact numbers offline before leaving a coverage area.
Fuel and Supplies
- Fill up your fuel tank whenever the opportunity arises in this region
- The nearest pharmacy, larger grocery store, and hardware store are in Kemmerer or Montpelier, Idaho
Time Zone
Cokeville observes Mountain Time (MT). Wyoming observes daylight saving time.
Safety
Cokeville is a quiet, low-crime rural community. Standard rural travel precautions apply.
- Wildlife awareness: Deer, elk, and pronghorn frequently cross roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously on rural highways.
- Weather hazards: High-desert weather can shift rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Winter driving on US-30 and surrounding roads can be hazardous; check Wyoming Department of Transportation road conditions (wyoroad.info) before traveling.
- Backcountry preparedness: If venturing into the forest or on BLM land, carry water, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, and let someone know your itinerary.
- The nearest significant emergency medical services are some distance away, so self-sufficiency matters more here than in an urban destination.
