Cody to Pocatello Road Trip: Wyoming to Idaho Guide

Did you know that the route from Cody, WY to Pocatello, ID closely follows the historic Oregon Trail, specifically the Sublette-Greenwood cutoff used by emigrants in the 1840s? This 340-mile journey on US-20 and US-26 takes about 5.5 hours of driving time, but the real value lies in the stops between.

From the volcanic badlands of Wyoming to the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the landscape shifts dramatically. How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is key to unlocking this route's full potential.

Fuel economy matters on this trip. Gas stations cluster in towns like Shoshoni, Riverton, Dubois (Wyoming), and Idaho Falls. In remote stretches, especially across the Wind River Reservation and between Arco and Craters of the Moon, stations can be 60+ miles apart.

• Plan fuel stops: Cody (mile 0), Shoshoni (mile 84), Riverton (mile 100), Dubois (mile 162), Jackson (mile 212), Idaho Falls (mile 290), Blackfoot (mile 310).
• Cell service: spotty in Wyoming sections; reliable after Idaho Falls.
• Road quality: US-20 is mostly well-maintained two-lane highway; watch for wildlife near Dubois and after dark.

Is it worth driving Cody, WY to Pocatello, ID? Absolutely, especially if you take time for the natural and cultural attractions. The route passes through the Wind River Canyon, a deep gorge with exposed Precambrian rock, and skirts the Teton Range to the south.

Road quality is generally good, but sections near Dubois and between Arco and Carey, ID can have loose gravel or potholes. Winter travel requires caution; summer brings thunderstorms and sudden gusts. Always carry water, food, and blankets.

• Fatigue management: pull off at designated rest areas near Shoshoni (mile 85) and west of Arco (mile 250).
• Family-friendly stops: the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois, and the EBR-1 Museum near Arco (first nuclear power plant).
• Pet-friendly framework: most rest stops allow pets on leash; Craters of the Moon allows dogs on trails.

Hidden off-route spots: go 15 miles north of Shoshoni to see the ghost town of Ayres Natural Bridge, or detour to the hot springs at Thermopolis (30 minutes off route). Things to do between Cody, WY and Pocatello, ID include hiking, fossil hunting near Kemmerer, and visiting the Teton Geotourism Center.

The journey from Cody to Pocatello traverses three distinct geological provinces: the Absaroka Range, the Wind River Basin, and the Snake River Plain. Highlights include the Wind River Canyon (mile 78-85) and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve (near Arco, ID).

• Wind River Canyon: steep walls drop to the river; watch for bighorn sheep.
• Craters of the Moon: lava flows, cinder cones, and caves off US-20.
• Snake River Plain: vast agricultural fields, volcanic buttes.

Local commerce along the route includes small-town cafes, gas stations doubling as gift shops, and craft breweries in Idaho Falls (e.g., Eagle Brewing). The Wind River Indian Reservation offers cultural insights but limited commercial stops.