Driggs to Keystone Road Trip: Scenic Drive Through Tetons & Badlands

Driggs, Idaho sits at the western base of the Teton Range, roughly 14 miles west of Jackson Hole. The route to Keystone, South Dakota, near Mount Rushmore, spans about 470 miles across Wyoming. The drive typically takes 7–8 hours without stops, but the landscape demands pauses. US-26, US-287, US-20, and I-90 form the backbone. Key terrain includes the Snake River Plain, Wind River Canyon, the Bighorn Basin, and the Black Hills. For travelers asking how long to drive Driggs, ID to Keystone, SD, plan for a full day with stops.

A striking detail: the route crosses the Continental Divide three times—twice in Wyoming's Wind River Range and once near the Oregon Buttes. This triple crossing is rare for a single interstate drive. The highest point is Togwotee Pass (9,658 ft) on US-26/287, just east of Grand Teton National Park. Snow can linger here into June.

To plan your stops wisely, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This guide covers things to do between Driggs, ID and Keystone, SD, including natural wonders and cultural detours.

Wyoming's highways are prone to high winds, especially in the Bighorn Basin. Gusts can exceed 50 mph, affecting RVs and high-profile vehicles. Check weather alerts for US-20 between Worland and Greybull. The Wind River Canyon has no shoulders for 12 miles; use pullouts if you must stop.

Fatigue management is crucial. Plan rest stops every 2 hours or 100 miles. Recommended stops:

• Dubois, WY (mile 129) – gas, diner, Wagon Wheel Cafe for pie.
• Thermopolis, WY (mile 270) – Hot Springs State Park for a soak.
• Buffalo, WY (mile 400) – I-90 exit 58, walk around Main Street.

Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas have dog runs. National Forest lands allow leashed pets. Hot Springs State Park permits dogs on trails but not in the bathhouse. Custer State Park requires dogs on a leash, and they are not allowed on swimming beaches. In Keystone, many motels are pet-friendly but call ahead.

Child suitability: The drive is long but manageable. Thermopolis's dinosaur museum and hot springs appeal to kids. The Wind River Canyon has a scenic railroad along the river. Devils Tower National Monument (a 45-minute detour off I-90 at exit 153) is a must for children; the visitor center has Junior Ranger programs. For families asking is it worth driving Driggs, ID to Keystone, SD, the answer is yes, if you break it up.

Hidden off-route spots: 1) The Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, north of Thermopolis (32 miles on gravel road). 2) The Hole-in-the-Wall Overlook near Kaycee (exit 257 on I-25, then 12 miles dirt road). 3) The ghost town of Spotted Horse (off US-14 near Arvada).

Climatic conditions: Summer temps range from 60–90°F; thunderstorms common in afternoons. Winter temps can drop to -20°F with snowpack on passes. Spring brings mud and road construction. Fall offers clear skies and golden aspens. Route aesthetics peak in June for wildflowers and October for fall colors.

Culinary infrastructure: Wyoming specializes in beef and game. Notable eateries: The Cowboy Cafe in Dubois (buffalo burgers), One Eyed Buffalo Brewing in Thermopolis (elk chili), and The Proud Cut Saloon in Keystone (prime rib). For quick food, I-90 exits have Subway, McDonald's, and truck stops. In Keystone, try the Mount Rushmore Brewing Company.

The drive begins with the Teton Range in the rearview mirror. US-26/287 climbs through Bridger-Teton National Forest. At Togwotee Pass, a pullout offers views of the Absaroka Range. Descending into the Wind River Valley, the landscape shifts to sagebrush steppe. The Wind River Canyon, between Shoshoni and Thermopolis, is a 12-mile gorge with sheer limestone walls. It is part of the ancestral fishing grounds of the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes.

Thermopolis is home to Hot Springs State Park, where you can soak in the world's largest mineral hot spring (free for 20 minutes). Hot Springs County Museum has a 1917 fire truck. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center showcases Jurassic fossils. These detours are among best stops Driggs, ID to Keystone, SD for families.

Continuing east, US-20 passes through the Bighorn Basin near Worland. This is agricultural country: sugar beets, alfalfa, and cattle. The town of Ten Sleep (population 260) has a historic mercantile. Ten Sleep Canyon, to the west, is a rock climbing hotspot with granite walls.

Near Buffalo, WY, the route joins I-90. Exit 58 leads to the Fort Phil Kearny state historic site, a US Army fort from the 1860s. The Fetterman Fight site is nearby. For a local commerce stop, the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo served Buffalo Bill and Teddy Roosevelt. The saloon still operates.

Entering South Dakota, the Black Hills rise abruptly. US-16 to Keystone winds through Custer State Park (entry fee required). The Needles Highway (SD-87) is a scenic alternative, but it is closed in winter. Wild bison herds often block traffic. Keystone is a tourist town with Mount Rushmore as the main attraction. Evening lighting ceremonies are held nightly from late May to September.

The route is predominantly two-lane highway until Casper, then I-90 east. Fuel stops are scarce between Driggs and Riverton (about 140 miles). Fill up in Dubois (mile marker 129 on US-26). Riverton has ample stations. After Casper, I-90 has frequent exits. Gas prices are lower in Wyoming than in Idaho or South Dakota. For fuel economy, cruise at 65 mph on the two-lane sections.

• Cell reception: Spotty in Teton Wilderness and Wind River Canyon. Download offline maps before leaving Driggs.
• Road conditions: Wyoming DOT alerts often for Togwotee Pass and Wind River Canyon (rockfalls possible).
• Best time to drive: June–September for clear passes; winter requires 4WD or chains.
• Tolls: None on this route.