Bishop to Driggs Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The route from Bishop, California to Driggs, Idaho traverses approximately 580 miles (933 km) via US-395, I-80, and US-89/91, typically taking 10-11 hours of driving time without stops. This journey connects two distinct geologic provinces: the rain-shadowed eastern Sierra Nevada and the volcanic plains of the Snake River Plain, culminating in the Teton Range's western slope.

Unlike the more traveled I-15 corridor, this route offers a less congested alternative with unexpected historical layers. For instance, the stretch along US-93 through Nevada follows the path of the 1860s Pony Express, with several original station sites still visible near the highway. The route also crosses the 40th parallel north near Elko, a latitude famously surveyed by John C. Frémont in 1845.

To optimize your journey, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The following sections break down landscapes, logistics, and practicalities for this underrated cross-state drive.

Fuel and Route Economics Gas prices fluctuate significantly along this route. In Bishop (2025 average: $4.50/gal), fuel is pricier due to remote location. Fill up in Tonopah ($4.20) or Ely ($4.10) for savings. The longest stretch without services is between Tonopah and Ely (110 miles) via US-6; carry extra fuel if driving a low-range vehicle.

• Fuel stops: Bishop (last cheap option), Tonopah, Ely, Wells, Jackpot, Twin Falls (cheapest), Driggs.
• Cost estimate: $110-$140 for a standard sedan (12 gal tank, average 25 mpg).

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics Summer (June-August): highs 85-95°F in valleys, thunderstorms common afternoons. Winter (December-February): snow possible from Bishop to Driggs; US-395 and US-93 can close briefly. Spring and fall offer mild temps and fewer crowds.

• Best season: late May or early October for wildflowers or autumn colors.
• Road quality: US-395 excellent; US-6 and US-93 generally good, with occasional rough patches in Nevada.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions The journey begins in Bishop, gateway to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (home to Methuselah, a 4,853-year-old tree). North on US-395, the White Mountains rise to the east; to the west, the Sierra crest. Near Bridgeport, the Bodie Hills offer ghost towns. In Nevada, US-6 crosses the remote Great Basin Desert – the basin and range topography is starkly beautiful. The Snake River Plain near Twin Falls is agricultural, contrasting with the volcanic Craters of the Moon National Monument (a detour via US-93). Finally, the Teton Valley east of Driggs provides dramatic mountain views.

• Must-sees: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (Bishop), Bodie State Historic Park (Bridgeport), Great Basin National Park (near Ely, US-6), Craters of the Moon (near Arco, ID-20/26), Teton Valley Scenic Byway (ID-33).
• UNESCO sites: While none directly on route, the nearby Yosemite National Park (west of Bishop) and the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings (not on route) are accessible.

Local Commerce & Culture Bishop is a hub for outdoor gear and local Paiute art. Ely has a historic railroad district. Twin Falls is known for its potato-based cuisine (try a potato pizza). Driggs exudes Western charm with art galleries and log-furniture shops.

• Shopping: Bishop (Mountain Light Gallery), Ely (Railway Museum gifts), Driggs (Spud Drive-In gift shop).
• Culinary Infrastructure: Bishop (Erick Schat's Bakkery), Tonopah (Mizpah Hotel restaurant), Twin Falls (Elevation 486), Driggs (Royal Wolf restaurant).

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality US-395 is well-maintained but occasionally has single-lane construction zones. US-6 in Nevada is a two-lane highway with minimal shoulders; watch for wildlife (pronghorn, cattle) at dawn/dusk. I-80 near Wells is divided and smooth. US-93 in Idaho has narrow bridges and farm machinery. Cell coverage is spotty between Tonopah and Ely, and again near the Idaho border. Download offline maps.

• Emergency services: Bishop (hospital), Tonopah (clinic), Ely (hospital), Twin Falls (hospital), Driggs (clinic).
• Roadside assistance: AAA coverage limited in remote areas; consider satellite communicator.

Family and Child Suitability & Pet-Friendly Framework Many attractions are outdoors and suitable for children: Bodie State Park (ghost town exploration), Great Basin National Park (easy cave tours), Craters of the Moon (short lava tube hikes). Pets are allowed on leashes at both parks and most rest stops. Driggs has a dog park. For rest stops: use Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas near US-395; Nevada rest areas are 50 miles apart on I-80.

• Fatigue Management: Plan a split stop at Elko (midpoint) or Jackpot. Elko has affordable motels; Twin Falls offers a range of hotels. Rest zones: 1) Bishop visitor center, 2) Tonopah station, 3) Ely park, 4) Wells rest area, 5) Jackpot casino lots.

Hidden Off-Route Spots Adjacent to US-6: visit the Warm Springs natural hot springs (undeveloped, 2 miles east of US-6 near mile marker 33). Near Jackpot: Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir offers fishing and camping. Between Twin Falls and Driggs: the Malad Gorge State Park (100-foot-deep canyon) is a 5-minute detour off I-84.

• Hot springs: Spencer Hot Springs (near US-6/50 junction), free and primitive.
• Ghost towns: Belmont (off US-6) and Hamilton (near Ely) — both easily accessible with a high-clearance vehicle.