Driggs to Lander Road Trip: Scenic Highways and Hidden Gems

The route from Driggs, Idaho, to Lander, Wyoming, covers roughly 240 miles along US-33, US-26, and WY-789, crossing three mountain passes and the Continental Divide. The drive takes about 4.5 to 5 hours without stops, but the landscape demands more time. At mile 47 (US-26 over Teton Pass), you'll crest at 8,431 feet — the highest point on the journey — with sweeping views of the Grand Teton.

This road follows a historic Native American corridor linking Shoshone and Bannock hunting grounds to the Wind River Range. Today, it's a trans-Wyoming artery that morphs from lush mountain valleys to high desert sagebrush. For those wondering how long to drive Driggs, ID to Lander, WY, plan for 5-6 hours accounting for photo stops and food breaks.

The first 30 miles from Driggs hug the western slope of the Tetons, passing through Driggs' historic downtown with its potato warehouses and bike trails. After Teton Pass, the valley opens into Jackson Hole with views of the National Elk Refuge. At mile 80, Pinedale offers the Museum of the Mountain Man, detailing fur trade history, and the nearby Bridger Wilderness trailheads.

Beyond Pinedale, the landscape shifts to sagebrush steppe at Big Sandy Open Area, then to the Continental Divide at South Pass — a flat, grassy saddle that was the emigrant route to Oregon. The approach to Lander reveals the Wind River Range's jagged peaks, sacred to the Shoshone and Arapaho. Lander's downtown boasts a thriving arts scene with galleries like the Lander Art Center and the Red Desert Rose.

• Natural Landscapes: Teton Range, Hoback Canyon (mile 60), Wind River Range, Red Desert (mile 140).
• Local Commerce: Pinedale's weekly farmers market (summer), Farson's Merc (old-fashioned general store), Lander's NOLS gear shops.

For those exploring hidden gems, check out the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for off-the-beaten-path finds like the Farson Ice Cream Cone (mole-sized portions) or the historic South Pass City ghost town.

The route's greatest hazards are wildlife crossings, sudden weather shifts, and monotony in the desert sections. In winter (Nov–April), tire chains may be required on Teton Pass and South Pass. Summer storms can bring sudden hail. For fatigue management, stop at the Hoback Junction rest area (mile 55) or the Pinedale Travel Center (coffee, Wi-Fi).

Families will enjoy the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson (mile 35) or the Lander Skate Park. Pet-friendly stops: fenced dog runs at Farson Merc's outdoor area and the Sinks Canyon State Park dog-friendly trails (mile 220). Children should be supervised near any streams due to fast spring runoff.

• Recommended rest breaks: Driggs (start), Jackson (45 min), Pinedale (30 min), Farson (15 min).
• Safety tips: Carry emergency kit (blanket, water, flares). Cell coverage only in towns.
• Pet policies: Most outdoor attractions allow leashed pets; indoor art museums do not.

Hidden off-route spots: Big Sandy Lodge (mile 120, private access) offers horseback rides; the Green River Lakes trailhead (mile 130) leads to Squaretop Mountain. Both require 4WD on gravel roads.

Fuel stations are sparse between Jackson and Lander. The longest stretch without gas is from Pinedale to Farson (45 miles), then Farson to Lander (85 miles) with only a single stop in Sweetwater Station. Fill up in Driggs or Jackson before crossing the pass. Gas prices in Driggs average $3.50/gallon; in Lander, around $3.70.

Cell signal drops dramatically after Teton Pass west of Jackson and again from Pinedale through the Red Desert. Download offline maps before leaving Driggs. The road quality is generally good: US-191 is freshly paved, but WY-28 has some frost heaves and loose gravel edges. Watch for wildlife at dawn/dusk — especially deer, antelope, and the occasional moose near the passes.

• Cost: Tolls none; estimated fuel cost $35–45 (one way).
• Best fuel stop: Sinclair in Pinedale (clean restrooms, diesel).
• Road elevation profile: Teton Pass 8,431 ft, South Pass 7,416 ft.