Driggs to Kellogg Road Trip: Teton Scenic Byway to Silver Valley

This 370-mile route from Driggs (elevation 6,110 ft) to Kellogg (elevation 2,300 ft) traverses Idaho from the Teton Range to the Coeur d'Alene mining district. The drive typically takes 6.5 hours without stops, but with recommended pauses, plan for a full day. Here, the road morphs from alpine passes to volcanic plains, then climbs again through cedar forests.

One quirky fact: just east of Driggs, the Teton Fault creates a 30-foot scarp visible from Highway 33 — a reminder of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake that reshaped the region. The route crosses the Continental Divide twice: once at Monida Pass (6,860 ft) on I-15, and again near Lookout Pass (4,730 ft) on I-90.

I-15 and I-90 are modern interstates with guardrails, wide shoulders, and clear signage. However, between Monida and Dillon, the road crosses open range — watch for cattle and deer, especially at dawn/dusk. Snow and ice are common on Monida Pass from October to May; chains or 4WD advised.

For family suitability, the route offers plenty: the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, the Discovery Center in Idaho Falls, and the Silver Mountain gondola in Kellogg (the longest gondola in North America). Kids will love the water park at Kellogg's Silver Mountain Resort.

• Rest zones: rest areas at mileposts 22 (I-15 north near Hamer), 180 (I-90 west at RV park), and a full-service plaza at Kellogg.
• Fatigue management: take breaks every 2 hours. Use the Butte Rest Area (I-90 mile 224) with picnic tables and vending.
• Pet-friendly: most parks allow leashed pets; the Craters of the Moon pet policy: allowed on roads and parking areas but not on trails.

The journey starts with jaw-dropping Teton views. The Teton Valley, part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, is a paradise for wildlife watchers. In autumn, elk bugle near the Palisades Reservoir (off US-26). The Snake River Plain offers volcanic basalt flows, with Craters of the Moon National Monument (exit 131 on I-15) a must-see detour.

UNESCO World Heritage Site alert: Although none lie directly on the route, Yellowstone National Park (2 hours east of Driggs) is a UNESCO site, and the route passes through the Yellowstone biosphere region. For culture, stop at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot (exit 93 on I-15) — a quirky tribute to Idaho's staple. In Kellogg, the Crystal Gold Mine offers tours of a historic 1880s mine.

• Craters of the Moon: lunar-like lava fields, caves, and cinder cones. Allow 2 hours.
• St. Anthony Sand Dunes (off US-20): 10,600 acres of white sand dunes, great for sandboarding.
• Historic Wallace, ID: a fully preserved 20th-century mining town with a 24-block historic district (1 mile off I-90 exit 61).

From Driggs, take ID-33 south to US-20 west toward Idaho Falls. At Idaho Falls, merge onto I-15 north (exit 118) toward Butte. After 90 miles in Montana, take exit 0 at Monida to stay on I-15. At Dillon, follow I-15 north to I-90 west at Butte (55 miles). Then take I-90 west 175 miles to Kellogg exit 49.

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities — this guide explains using offline maps and local forums to discover off-interstate treasures.

• Gas stations: plentiful in Driggs, Idaho Falls, Dillon; sparse between Dillon and Butte (80 miles without services).
• Cell service: good near cities; dead zones in Craters of the Moon area and between Monida and Dillon.
• Road condition: I-15 and I-90 are well-maintained; US-20 can have snowpack from November to April.