Driggs to Hope: Idaho's Teton-to-Lakes Road Trip

At Milepost 0 on Idaho State Highway 33, Driggs sits at 6,120 feet elevation, cradled between the Teton Range and Big Hole Mountains. This road trip to Hope, ID—a tiny lakeside hamlet on Lake Pend Oreille—covers 447 miles via US-20, I-15, I-84, US-95, and SH-200, taking roughly 7 hours of driving. The route traces the Lewis and Clark Trail and crosses the Continental Divide at Monida Pass (6,860 ft).

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities includes insider tips for this exact drive. From alpine meadows to volcanic plains and lake country, each segment changes character.

Best stops Driggs to Hope, ID cluster around gas stations every 30–50 miles. Fill up in Driggs, Idaho Falls, Arco, and Coeur d'Alene. Between Arco and Hailey, stations are sparse—especially on US-20 across the Snake River Plain. Fuel prices drop near larger towns.

• Driggs: Chevron and Sinclair at the town center.
• Idaho Falls: Multiple stations at Exit 119 off I-15.
• Arco: One station on US-20 at the west edge.
• Hailey: Several stations on SH-75.
• Coeur d'Alene: Plentiful off I-90 exits.
• Hope: Only one station on SH-200 (limited hours).

Cell service is reliable in towns but drops on long stretches: US-20 through the desert and US-95 near Riggins. Download offline maps. Restrooms are available at gas stations and rest areas—notably the US-20 rest area at Milepost 210 (west of Arco).

How long to drive Driggs to Hope, ID is about 7 hours without stops. Budget 10–12 hours with sightseeing. Is it worth driving Driggs to Hope, ID? Absolutely—the landscapes range from Teton backdrops to the volcanic moonscape at Craters of the Moon, then the forested Salmon River corridor.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-20 and I-84 are in good condition. SH-200 from Coeur d'Alene to Hope is winding two-lane; watch for deer at dusk. Monida Pass has no services after Craters. Use headlights in fog.

Family and Child Suitability: Craters of the Moon offers junior ranger program. Idaho Falls has a zoo (Tautphaus Park Zoo). Coeur d'Alene has a water park and Silverwood Theme Park (north). Between Arco and Hailey, no major kid attractions. Pack snacks.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most rest stops allow leashed pets. Hotels in Idaho Falls, Hailey, Coeur d'Alene, and Sandpoint welcome pets. Many parks along the way, including Craters (pets on leash allowed on trails). How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities includes pet-friendly ratings.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan a break every 2 hours. Rest areas on US-20 at Milepost 210 (east of Arco) and I-15 at Exit 119. Recommended overnight: Idaho Falls or Coeur d'Alene. Hidden off-route spot: EBR-1 National Historic Landmark (Atomic Museum) on US-20, 18 miles west of Arco—first nuclear power plant. Open Memorial Day–Labor Day.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Gospel Hump Wilderness (south of Grangeville) offers backcountry hikes. Not recommend detour of more than 20 miles.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The drive begins with Teton views from Driggs. At Idaho Falls, the Snake River Greenbelt offers a walk. Craters of the Moon National Monument (a must-stop) features lava tubes and cinder cones—a designated National Natural Landmark. West of Hailey, the Salmon River (known as the River of No Return) cuts through a deep canyon. Coeur d'Alene: Lake Coeur d'Alene with hiking at Tubbs Hill. Hope sits on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake.

• Teton Range panorama from SH-33.
• Craters of the Moon: $20/vehicle, open year-round.
• Salmon River scenic byway (US-95).
• Lake Pend Oreille: Hope Marina & beaches.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: There are none directly on route. Nearby site: Yellowstone National Park (UNESCO, 2 hours north of Driggs). Craters of the Moon is not UNESCO but a National Monument.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Summer (June–Sept) brings 70–90°F on plains, cooler in mountains. Winter: snow possible through Driggs and Monida Pass. Fall foliage peaks late September around Coeur d'Alene. Spring is muddy.

Culinary Infrastructure: Stop for famous huckleberry shakes in Coeur d'Alene (e.g., Hudson's Hamburgers). In Driggs: Big Hole BBQ. Idaho Falls: The Cellar (Italian). Arco: Pickle's Place (local diner). Hailey: The Kneadery for breakfast. Hope: Moose Mountain Grill (seasonal).

Local Commerce & Culture: Teton Valley's artist studios, Idaho Falls' historical museums, and Coeur d'Alene's resort culture. Hope is a quiet lakeside town with marinas and a general store.