Cody to Driggs Road Trip: Wild West to Teton Valleys

The road from Cody, Wyoming to Driggs, Idaho covers roughly 170 miles via US-14/16/20 West and ID-33 South, typically taking 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. This route shadows the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, linking Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Notably, the highway crosses the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,988 feet near Sylvan Pass, a critical milestone that marks the transition from the Bighorn Basin to the Snake River watershed. The drive offers a dramatic shift from Cody's arid plains to the lush Teton Valley.

This route is known for its unpredictable wildlife crossings, limited cell service, and stunning mountain vistas. The best time to drive is June through October when mountain passes are clear of snow.

For travelers wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this route delivers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions.

Road quality on US-14/16/20 is well-maintained but narrow in sections through Yellowstone. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Teton Pass has a 10% grade with runaway truck ramps.

• Weather: Summer thunderstorms, winter snow; check forecasts at nps.gov/yell
• Family suitability: Kid-friendly with short hikes like Mystic Falls (Yellowstone) and Taggart Lake (Teton)
• Pet-friendly: Dogs allowed on paved paths and roadside pullouts; not on trails or backcountry

Fatigue management: Plan stops at Fishing Bridge Visitor Center (mile 80), Colter Bay (mile 110), and Moose (mile 130). Each has restrooms and picnic areas. Consider a break at the Flagg Ranch Resort for refreshments.

Hidden off-route spots include the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness (north of the route) and the unmaintained Shadow Mountain trail (near Driggs). For a scenic detour, take the South Entrance to West Yellowstone (loop adds 30 minutes).

Local culture includes the Cody Nite Rodeo (June–August) in Cody and the Teton Valley Museum in Driggs. If the question “is it worth driving Cody, WY to Driggs, ID” arises, the answer is yes for nature lovers, but be prepared for limited services.

The drive begins in the high desert of Cody, where the Shoshone River carves a canyon visible from the highway. As you ascend Sylvan Pass, you enter Yellowstone’s volcanic plateau, home to geysers, hot springs, and the massive Yellowstone Lake.

• Natural attractions: Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful (south of the route), Hayden Valley for bison
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yellowstone National Park (1978) – known for geothermal features and biodiversity
• Geographic milestone: Headwater of the Snake River at Yellowstone’s south boundary

Exiting Yellowstone at the South Entrance, the landscape transforms into the Teton Range. The Jackson Hole valley opens up with views of the Teton fault-block mountains. At Moose, WY, the Craig Thomas Discovery Center offers exhibits on local geology.

Local commerce includes Jackson’s art galleries and Driggs’s agricultural markets. The Teton Valley Farmers Market (summer Saturdays in Driggs) sells local produce and crafts. The route supports a thriving tourist economy based on outdoor recreation.

Culinary infrastructure ranges from Cody’s buffalo burgers at The Irma Hotel to Driggs’s farm-to-table restaurants like Grand Teton Brewing. For supplies, stop at Hoback Junction (near Jackson) for last-minute gear.

Fuel and food options are sparse between Cody and Driggs. Fill up in Cody (gasoline prices ~$3.50/gal) and again in Jackson, WY (prices ~$4.00/gal). The stretch through Yellowstone has no gas stations, so plan accordingly.

• Distance: 170 miles total
• Driving time: 3.5–4 hours without stops
• Road types: Two-lane highways (US-14/16/20, US-89, ID-33), mountain passes
• Cell coverage: Intermittent in Yellowstone; no signal in remote stretches
• Costs: National Park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle, valid 7 days) + gas (~$30–$40)

Restrooms are available at Yellowstone visitor centers, Moose Visitor Center, and limited establishments in West Yellowstone (MT) – a detour alternative. The route crosses Teton Pass (elev. 8,431 ft), known for steep grades and sharp curves.

Winter travel requires snow tires or chains from November to April. The park roads close from early November to mid-April, except for a short season for snowmobiles.