Driggs to Island Park Road Trip: Stops & Scenic Drive Guide

The drive from Driggs, Idaho (population 1,662 as of 2020) to Island Park, Idaho (estimated 286 residents) along Highway 33 and Highway 20 covers about 52 miles, taking roughly one hour without stops. This route skirts the western edge of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, offering views of the Big Hole Mountains and the headwaters of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River. Notably, Highway 33 is locally known as the Grand Teton Highway, and the Tetons themselves are visible on clear days from several vantage points. For context, this is not an interstate—it's a two-lane road with sections of undivided highway, so caution is advised when overtaking slower vehicles. The first recorded automobile trip between Driggs and Island Park was in 1915, when the road was little more than a wagon trail.

Before setting out, consider planning your route using resources like how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This drive is not about speed but about savoring the transition from the agricultural Teton Valley to the volcanic and forested caldera of Island Park, which lies partly within the caldera of the Yellowstone supervolcano. The answer to “is it worth driving Driggs, ID to Island Park, ID” is a definitive yes, especially if you enjoy wide-open western landscapes, wildlife viewing, and low-traffic roads. The question “how long to drive Driggs, ID to Island Park, ID” typically yields one hour of pure driving, but plan for two to three hours if you make stops at the recommended attractions.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The drive passes through three distinct landscapes: the agricultural Teton Valley (hay fields and potato farms), the transitional sagebrush steppe near Ashton, and the dense lodgepole pine forests of the Island Park caldera. Key natural attractions include the St. Anthony Sand Dunes (just west of Ashton), which are off-road vehicle playgrounds, and the Henrys Lake flat area near Island Park, known for fly fishing. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers numerous trailheads—check the Ashton Ranger Station for maps.

• St. Anthony Sand Dunes: a 10,000-acre field of white quartz sand up to 400 feet deep. It’s a designated off-road vehicle area, but hiking is allowed on the periphery. Best visited from May to October.
• Warm River: a small tributary just north of Ashton with a scenic campground and a spring-fed swimming hole.
• Henrys Lake: a shallow natural lake near the Montana border known for stocked cutthroat trout. It is accessible via Highway 20.

Local Commerce & Culture: Driggs has a small but artsy downtown with galleries, a brew pub (Grand Teton Brewing), and outdoor gear shops. Ashton is a farming community famous for its “World’s Largest Potato” sculpture, a nod to the region’s agricultural heritage. Island Park’s economy is almost entirely tourism-driven, with lodges, rental cabins, and the Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail (one of the few navigable spring-fed rivers in the US). The culture here is a blend of Mormon pioneer heritage and modern outdoorsy lifestyle; local businesses are generally family-owned and seasonal.

The route begins at the intersection of Highway 33 and Little Avenue in Driggs, heading north on Highway 33 toward Tetonia and Ashton. After passing through Tetonia (approx. 6 miles), continue north on Highway 33 for another 16 miles to Ashton, where Highway 33 meets Highway 20. Turn right (north) onto Highway 20 and drive 30 miles to reach Island Park. The road is well-maintained year-round, but winter conditions can bring snow and ice—check local forecasts. Gas stations are sparse; fill up in Driggs or Ashton. The speed limit varies from 45 to 65 mph, with slower zones near Ashton due to school zones and agricultural traffic.

• Fuel availability: Driggs has two gas stations; Ashton has three; Island Park has a handful of seasonal stations. Do not rely on a tank less than half full.
• Restrooms: public restrooms are available at the Teton Scenic Byway pullout (milepost 50 on Highway 33) and at the Ashton/St. Anthony Sand Dunes entrance.
• Cell service: Verizon and AT&T have intermittent coverage; expect dead zones between Tetonia and Ashton, and again north of Ashton.
• Food options: In Driggs, try the Driggs Cafe for breakfast; in Ashton, there are chain fast-food options; Island Park offers a mix of diners and grocery stores.

For those wondering “things to do between Driggs, ID and Island Park, ID”, the short answer is plenty: hiking, historic sites, sand dunes, and river access. But infrastructure is limited, so pack water, snacks, and a paper map. The Teton Scenic Byway itself is a designated scenic route; the section between Driggs and Ashton is especially lovely in autumn when the cottonwoods turn gold.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: Highway 33 and Highway 20 are in good condition, but both have sections with soft shoulders and occasional wildlife crossings. Deer and elk are common, especially at dawn and dusk. Speed traps are infrequent but present near Ashton. The road quality is generally smooth, but potholes can appear after winter. There are no interstate-style rest areas, only a few pullouts. For fatigue management, plan a stop at the Teton Scenic Byway pullout (milepost 50) or at the Ashton Memorial Building, which has benches and a water fountain.

• Wildlife hotspots: near the junction of Highway 33 and 20, and again between milepost 390 and 385 on Highway 20 (watch for moose near Island Park).
• Winter driving: from November to March, carry chains and heed chain-up signs near Tetonia. Snowmobiles are common on the road shoulders.
• Emergency services: Dispatch via 911; the nearest hospital is in Rexburg (60 miles from Island Park). Cell coverage is sparse; a satellite messenger is recommended for solo travelers.

Family and Child Suitability: This trip is suitable for families with kids aged 5 and up. The St. Anthony Sand Dunes offer sledding on sandboards (rentals available in Ashton). The Big Springs boardwalk is a half-mile, stroller-friendly loop. For pet-friendly framework: most pullouts and campgrounds allow dogs on leash, but national forest rules require them to be under control at all times. There are no official dog parks, but the Warm River campground has river access for dogs to cool off.