Driggs to Hill City Road Trip Guide

The drive from Driggs, Idaho to Hill City, South Dakota is a 500-mile traverse through the American West's most dramatic landscapes. The route, primarily US-20 east, then I-90, crosses the Continental Divide at Togwotee Pass (elevation 9,658 feet), a point where Pacific and Atlantic watersheds split. This specific road fact often surprises drivers, as few expect such a high-altitude crossing.

Total driving time is about 9-10 hours without stops. A full day with breaks for national parks and monuments is recommended. The journey includes two major national parks (Grand Teton and Yellowstone) and Devils Tower National Monument, making it a dense collection of natural wonders.

Wildlife collisions are a primary safety concern. Bison, elk, and pronghorn frequent roads, especially around dawn and dusk. Reduce speed in designated wildlife crossing zones. Bear spray is recommended for park stops.

• Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. Good rest stops include Flagg Ranch (at Yellowstone South Gate), and the Powder River Rest Area on I-90.
• Family suitability: The journey is suitable for older children (6+). Younger kids may find the long driving days tedious. Many parks offer Junior Ranger programs.
• Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed on some trails but must be leashed. Many motels in West Yellowstone and Hill City accept pets.

US-20 east from Driggs to West Yellowstone is a two-lane highway through Targhee National Forest. The road is well-maintained but can be icy in winter. From West Yellowstone, the route enters Yellowstone National Park, requiring an entrance fee (valid for 7 days, $35 per vehicle for non-commercial use).

• Fuel stops: Driggs, Alta, West Yellowstone, Cody, Greybull, Moorcroft, Sundance, and Hill City. Distances between stations can exceed 60 miles, especially in Wyoming.
• Towing capacity: Over 12,000 lbs vehicles use I-90 often; US-20 is less suited for heavy loads.
• Peak season (June-September) sees heavy traffic in Yellowstone; expect delays at construction zones.

The route offers four distinct landscape zones: Teton Valley, Yellowstone Plateau, Bighorn Basin, and Black Hills. Each region has a unique geological story. The Tetons are fault-block mountains; Yellowstone lies atop a supervolcano caldera; the Bighorn Basin is a sedimentary basin; and the Black Hills are a granite dome.

Local commerce thrives on tourism. In Driggs, the Spud Drive-In offers classic burgers. West Yellowstone has many outfitter shops. Cody, Wyoming is known for its rodeo and Buffalo Bill Center of the West. In Hill City, the 1880 Train is a heritage railroad.

The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide can help you uncover unique shops in small towns like Buffalo, Wyoming or Sundance.