Major city · United States
PowellPowell, Wyoming
Give Powell one night, not three: a farm town on US 14A between Cody and Lovell, best used as a bed for Bighorn Canyon and a Cody day.
Powell is a town of about 6,300 people in the Bighorn Basin, home to Northwest College and a working cattle and sugar-beet economy. There is no headline sight: the draw is cheaper beds between Cody and Bighorn Canyon, a small homestead museum, and open ranch country. You need a car for everything, and one night covers the town itself.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, snow, some closures); Jul–Aug afternoon heat
- Airports
- Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody (COD) · Casper-Natrona County International (CPR) · Billings Logan International (BIL)
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Powell911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Powell Valley Healthcare (hospital)+1 307 754-2267
- Wyoming road conditions (WYDOT 511)511
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Powell, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyPowell is a low-crime small town; the real risks are driving distances, winter road closures, wildlife at dusk and heat in Bighorn Canyon.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 307 754-2267 Powell Valley Healthcare (hospital) · 511 Wyoming road conditions (WYDOT 511)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCOD Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody (About 25 mi west on US 14A; the nearest commercial airport.
- Getting aroundA car is required: the town is spread along US 14A and the sights sit 7–24 mi out.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCafés close early; the brewery is the late option.$3–6
- Street or quick mealBreakfast burrito or diner plate$10–18
- BeerDraught beer at the brewery$6–9
- Budget bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$80
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$130
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- COD Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody (About 25 mi west on US 14A; the nearest commercial airport. Rental cars at Cody, not in Powell.) · CPR Casper-Natrona County International (About 200 mi southeast; longer drive, more flights.) · BIL Billings Logan International (About 100 mi northeast via US 14A and US 310; often the cheapest Wyoming gateway.)
Map of Powell
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Feb
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Care
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Care
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C) low), wettest May (8 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Powell: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
4 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
5 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
6 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Sep
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
5 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
5 rd
Dec
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is required: the town is spread along US 14A and the sights sit 7–24 mi out. Powell has no local bus service worth planning around. Fill up in Powell or Cody before heading to Bighorn Canyon — fuel and phone signal thin out fast.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h to the first overlook
US 14A east to Lovell, then the canyon road to the Devil Canyon overlook
The reason to sleep here. Go early; the rim road is exposed and hot by midday.
Door to door: About 30 min
US 14A west, about 24 mi
Buffalo Bill Center of the West and the nightly summer rodeo; a full day if you do both.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
US 20 southeast via Worland, about 90 mi
Hot springs and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center; too far for a relaxed return day.
Door to door: About 50 min
US 20 southeast, about 45 mi
Fuel, groceries and a hospital; not a sight in itself.
Door to door: About 2 h to the gate
US 14A west to Cody, then US 14/16/20 over the pass to the East Entrance
Do not day-trip it. Sleep in Cody or inside the park.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Powell (Bent St and 1st St)
Walk to the restaurants, brewery and museum; the practical choice for one night.
US 14A east strip
Chain motels with parking, a short drive from the centre; best if you arrive late with a trailer.
Ranch and cabin stays outside town
A few working-ranch and cabin options in the surrounding valley; you need a car and usually a two-night minimum.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × US$130 | US$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| Car rental, one day, compact1 × US$90 · Pick up in Cody or Billings; Powell has no airport desk. | US$90 |
| Fuel, 100 mi of driving1 × US$12 · 2026 estimate | US$12 |
| Bighorn Canyon entry, one vehicle1 × US$25 · check | US$25 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$55 |
| Trip total≈ US$301 per person per day, bed included | US$602 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| CoffeeCafés close early; the brewery is the late option. | $3–6 |
| Breakfast burrito or diner plate | $10–18 |
| Mexican plate at a downtown restaurant | $14–22 |
| Draught beer at the brewery | $6–9 |
| Motel room, summer weekendRates jump during Cody's summer rodeo season. | $110–200 |
| Gallon of fuel2026 estimate | $3.20–3.80 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are real: Cody is 24 mi west, Lovell 24 mi east, Bighorn Canyon beyond that. Nothing is walkable between towns.
- Winter storms close US 14A and the Bighorn Canyon access roads without much warning; check Wyoming 511 before driving.
- Cell signal is patchy in the canyon and on the basin back roads. Download offline maps.
- Wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk, especially deer and pronghorn.
- Summer afternoons reach the mid-30s °C; carry water for any canyon walk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Powell Valley Healthcare (hospital)
- +1 307 754-2267
- Wyoming road conditions (WYDOT 511)
- 511
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
PowellPowell, Wyoming
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Powell Valley Healthcare+1 307 754-2267
- WYDOT road conditions511
Embassy
No embassies in Powell. Your country's embassy or consulate is in Denver or Washington, DC; the nearest US passport agency is in Denver (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Powell → Cody by car: 24 mi, about 30 min
- Powell → Lovell by car: 24 mi, about 30 min
- Powell → Billings airport by car: about 100 mi, 1 h 45 min (check)
Say or show
- Where is the nearest gas station? — Where is the nearest gas station?
- Is the canyon road open? — Is the canyon road open?
- Table for two, please — Table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How far is Cody from here? — How far is Cody from here?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Powell. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, snow, some closures); Jul–Aug afternoon heat · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for COD: last flight in, rental-car desk hours, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown Bent St, the college and museum block, the US 14A motel strip.
- Place pages with verified hours (Homesteader Museum, Powell Golf Club, Llamas Unlimited) and eat pages with last orders.
- Canyon and winter-storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Powell
- officialHomesteader Museum
- officialYellowstone Regional Airport, Cody
- secondaryWikivoyage: Powell (Wyoming), revision 5217719 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Powell
Loading…
Was this useful?