Highway 72 begins its south end at Carbon County Route 402 (East Main Street) in Elk Mountain.

WYO 72 heads northwest out of Elk Mountain as Bridge Street and then loses the name when it leaves the town.

At approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Elk Mountain, Highway 72 intersects Interstate 80 at Exit 255.

14.3 miles (23.0 km) north of Carbon County Route 402, Highway 72 intersects U.S.

Highway 72 then continues north from this intersection for around 1 mile (1.6 km) as Adams Street to its northern terminus in Hanna.