Driggs to Livingston Road Trip Guide: Idaho to Montana

Starting in Driggs, Idaho, population 1,645, your journey follows Idaho State Highway 33 north for 12 miles to the junction with US Highway 20 near Tetonia. This initial segment offers clear views of the Grand Teton massif to the east, a skyline that stays with you for the first hour. At mile marker 6, the road crosses a lava flow from a Pleistocene eruption of the Yellowstone hotspot, visible as dark basaltic rock in roadside ditches.

The total driving distance from Driggs to Livingston is 187 miles (301 km) via US-20, US-287, and I-90. On a clear day, nonstop driving takes 3 hours 15 minutes, but plan for 4-5 hours with stops. The most famous segment is the 110-mile stretch from West Yellowstone, Montana to Livingston along the Yellowstone River—a corridor used by bison herds and the Nez Perce in the 1870s. Locals call mile 87 the 'Bison Jam' zone: a cattle guard here often stops herds.

For a deeper dive into trip planning, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This article covers the strategy behind curating a route that balances iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

This road trip answers the question: 'Is it worth driving Driggs, ID to Livingston, MT?' The answer is a resounding yes—the route crosses the Continental Divide twice, skirts Yellowstone National Park's west entrance, and ends in a Montana fly-fishing capital with a historic downtown.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

From Driggs, the route climbs onto the Madison Plateau (elevation 6,600 ft) through the Targhee National Forest. At mile 34, the Henry's Fork River parallels the road—a blue-ribbon trout stream. Just past West Yellowstone (mile 67), you cross the Madison River and enter the Gallatin National Forest. The most dramatic vista is at Quake Lake (mile 78), a lake formed by the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake that killed 28 people.

Continuing north, the road follows the Madison River, then turns east up the Gallatin Canyon. The canyon walls rise 1,500 feet vertically, striped with limestone and dolomite. At mile 110, the road crests at the second Continental Divide crossing (the first is between West Yellowstone and Big Sky). The descent into Paradise Valley offers uninterrupted views of the Absaroka Range, with Emigrant Peak (10,922 ft) dominating the horizon.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Yellowstone National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is directly accessible from West Yellowstone. While the route itself doesn't enter the park, the park's northern boundary touches the road at mile 72. Consider a detour: enter at the West Entrance (1 mile off route) and drive 20 miles to Madison Junction to see the Fountain Paint Pot and Grand Prismatic Spring. This adds 1.5 hours but is a highlight of any trip.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Best months: June–September when daytime highs are 70–80°F and wildflowers bloom. In July, afternoon thunderstorms are common; be prepared for sudden hail on US-20. Autumn (late Sep–Oct) offers golden cottonwoods and fewer crowds. Winter aesthetics: snow-covered peaks and frozen rivers, but roads may be icy. Spring (May) brings muddy roads and potential road closures.

Culinary Infrastructure

West Yellowstone has the most dining options: try the Wild West Pizzeria (wood-fired pizza) or the Buffalo Bar (bison burgers). In Big Sky, the Antler Grill serves elk meatloaf and huckleberry margaritas. For a quick stop, the Emigrant General Store in Emigrant (mile 145) makes excellent huckleberry milkshakes. In Livingston, the 2nd Street Bistro offers farm-to-table cuisine with local trout.

Local Commerce & Culture

Driggs' downtown has art galleries and a farmer's market on Saturdays. West Yellowstone's main street is lined with souvenir shops and tackle stores. Livingston is known for its historic railroad depot (1898) and the Livingston Center for Culture and History. The city hosts the Livingston Roundup Rodeo every July. Along the route, you'll find fly-fishing shops offering guide services; the Madison and Yellowstone Rivers are world-class.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Roads are generally well-maintained. US-20 has soft shoulders and occasional gravel patches. In rural areas, wildlife crossings are common—especially deer, elk, and bison near the Yellowstone border. Speed limits are 65 mph on two-lane roads and 80 mph on I-90. The Montana Highway Patrol is active in the Livingston area.

Family and Child Suitability

This trip is family-friendly with many bathroom stops at gas stations and parks. West Yellowstone has a children's discovery center (Yellowstone Wildlife Museum). In Big Sky, the Big Sky Resort offers summer activities like zip-lining. For teens, the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center (mile 78) has an engaging film on the 1959 quake.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most hotels in West Yellowstone and Livingston accept pets with fees ($20-50/night). There are pet relief areas at rest stops (mile 50 and mile 150). National forests allow leashed dogs. In Yellowstone National Park, pets are only allowed in developed areas, not on trails. Bring water and a collapsible bowl because summers are dry.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 2 miles east of the route at mile 102, the Gallatin River Trailhead (mile marker 9.5 on US-191) leads to a short hike to Grotto Falls, a 30-foot cascade in a mossy grotto. At mile 118, turn west onto the Old Yellowstone Trail (County Road 3) for an unpaved 5-mile route to the remains of the Chico Hot Springs—a historic bathhouse from the 1890s.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan rest stops every 2 hours. The first good stop: the Ashton rest area (mile 25) with picnic tables. The second: the Quake Lake pullout (mile 78) with interpretive signs. The third: the Big Sky Visitor Center (mile 105) with restrooms and coffee. In Livingston, YellowstoneGateway Trailhead on River Drive offers benches and river views for a final stretch.

Things to do between Driggs, ID and Livingston, MT: hiking at Quake Lake, fishing on the Madison River, hot springs in Big Sky, and historic walks in Livingston's downtown. Use the link above to find more hidden gems along any route.

Fuel up in Driggs—the last cheap gas before West Yellowstone. The 65-mile stretch has only one gas station at the junction of US-20 and ID-87, 30 miles north of Driggs. West Yellowstone has four stations, but prices spike $0.50-$0.80 per gallon due to tourism. Beyond West Yellowstone, the next fuel is in Big Sky (65 miles) or Livingston (122 miles).

• Best stops Driggs, ID to Livingston, MT: Ashton (Idaho), West Yellowstone (MT), Big Sky (MT), Emigrant (MT).
• Estimated tolls: None, all roads are toll-free.
• Permits: No special permits needed, but Yellowstone Park entry fee ($35/vehicle) if you enter the park (optional shortcut via West Entrance).

How long to drive Driggs, ID to Livingston, MT? The pure drive is 3.25 hours. With stops for scenery and food, budget 5 hours. Road conditions: US-20 is a two-lane highway with occasional passing sections. I-90 from Big Sky to Livingston is four-lane divided. Winter driving (Nov-Mar) may require chains; check Montana Department of Transportation road reports.

Cellular coverage: Reliable on US-20 and I-90, but spotty on US-287 through the Madison Valley (a 40-mile dead zone between West Yellowstone and Big Sky). Download offline maps.