Driggs ID to Jackpot NV: Road Trip Guide via US-26 and US-93

This route crosses the Big Lost River at the 43.5°N parallel, a subtle geographic marker separating the Snake River Plain from the Basin and Range. The drive covers 276 miles on US-26 and US-93, taking roughly 5 hours without stops.

Originally a section of the Oregon Trail's northern branch, this corridor once saw emigrant wagons headed for California gold fields. Today, the highway bypasses small towns that thrived on mining and ranching, now quiet waypoints for travelers.

Understanding how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is essential here, as the journey weaves through varied terrain.

This guide explores everything from ragged mountain passes to neon-lit casino oases, answering whether it's worth driving Driggs, ID to Jackpot, NV.

Fuel stations are concentrated in towns; the longest gap without gas is between Arco (Idaho) and Jackpot (Nevada), a 134-mile stretch through the Nevada desert. Plan to fill up in Arco or just north at the junction with ID-22.

Cell service is unreliable past Arco; AT&T and T-Mobile have the best coverage near the Idaho-Nevada border. Verizon drops out frequently in the Jarbidge Mountains.

• Total distance: 276 miles from Driggs to Jackpot
• Drive time: about 5 hours non-stop
• Recommended fuel stops: Idaho Falls (mile 57), Arco (mile 142), Jackpot (destination)
• Major highways: US-26 (Driggs to Arco), US-93 (Arco to Jackpot)
• Towing availability: Nearest services in Idaho Falls and Twin Falls (off-route)

The road quality is good on US-26 and US-93, with occasional frost heaves in spring. After leaving the farmland near Arco, the pavement becomes straight and smooth, typical of high desert highways.

Winter travel requires caution: snow can close the pass between Woodville and Arco, but US-93 is usually plowed quickly thanks to its status as a regional freight corridor.

Cash is king at remote gas stations; some convenience stores only accept cash or have surcharges for cards.

The first stretch from Driggs to Idaho Falls offers sweeping views of the Teton Range, especially near the Teton River crossing. After Idaho Falls, the Snake River Plain flattens into irrigated farmland, then gradually rises into the sagebrush steppe.

Between Arco and Jackpot, the landscape shifts to volcanic rock formations, basalt flows, and the foothills of the Jarbidge Mountains. This area is part of the Great Basin, where rain seldom falls and the sky seems immense.

• Craters of the Moon National Monument: a volcanic wonderland just west of Arco (30-mile detour). No entrance fee; lava tubes open year-round.
• Big Lost River: a braided stream that disappears into the aquifer west of Arco; remnants of Pleistocene Lake Terreton.
• Jackpot Basin: a high desert valley dotted with juniper and sage, famous for its dark skies.

Local commerce is sparse but authentic. In Arco, the Pickle's Place is a classic diner serving hour-long breakfasts and homemade pies. The town's motto 'First City in the World to Be Lit by Atomic Power' refers to nearby nuclear reactors.

At the Nevada border, Jackpot is a gambling outpost with three casinos and a few gas stations. The town exists solely for entertainment, with slot machines and cheap motels catering to Idaho visitors.

For locally made crafts, stop at the Sagebrush Gallery in Mackay (just off US-93 at mile 170), which sells Paiute beadwork and local turquoise jewelry.

Farmers markets in Idaho Falls (Saturdays May-October) offer fresh produce and honey, a good break from fast food.

Speed limits are 65 mph on two-lane sections; on US-93 south of Arco it increases to 70 mph. Wildlife (deer, antelope, and cattle) frequently cross the road, especially at dawn and dusk. Headlights on at all times in low-visibility weather.

Rest areas are few: the Idaho Rest Area near milepost 122 on US-26 (east of Arco, with clean toilets and picnic tables) and the Nevada Welcome Center just past the border at Jackpot (24/7, but limited services after midnight).

• Child-friendly stops: The Science Museum of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls; the playground at Craters of the Moon visitor center.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most motels in Jackpot accept pets with a fee; in Idaho Falls, La Quinta Inn allows pets free. Carry water for dogs, as desert temperatures exceed 90°F in summer.
• Fatigue management: Break every 2 hours. The straight desert road induces monotony; stop at Arco's Pickle's Place for coffee, or walk the lava trails at Craters of the Moon to re-energize.
• Hidden off-route spots: Lucky Strike Campground (a geothermal hot spring) near the ID-22 junction, about 5 miles east of US-93. Also, the ghost town of Metropolis (accessible via gravel road 15 miles south of Jackpot) with ruins from 1910.

For families, the drive can be tedious for young children. Pack car games and audiobooks about the Oregon Trail to engage the kids. The vast emptiness might be boring for them, so plan short hikes at rest stops.

Pet owners should avoid stopping at livestock watering areas; the water may be contaminated. Use designated rest areas and pack waste bags.

Roadside assistance: AAA coverage is available in towns but spotty in between. Cell phone dead zones of up to 30 miles exist between Arco and the border; consider a satellite messenger if traveling alone.

The best things to do between Driggs, ID and Jackpot, NV include visiting Craters of the Moon, the EBR-1 atomic museum (20 miles west of Arco), and soaking in the remote hot springs near the border.

To summarize, the answer to how long to drive Driggs, ID to Jackpot, NV is about 5 hours, but allocate a full day with stops to truly experience the landscapes.