Driggs to Missoula Road Trip: Mountains, Valleys & Hidden Gems

This 261-mile route traces the Teton Range's western flank via US-20, US-26, and I-15, then cuts north through Idaho's lava plains on US-20 and US-93 before entering Montana's Bitterroot Valley. A little-known fact: the section between Monida and Dillon, MT follows the historic Corinne-Dillon stagecoach route, where 19th-century travelers endured 30-hour rides on hard benches. Today, the drive takes about 4.5 hours without stops, but savvy travelers stretch it to a full day.

For those wondering how long to drive Driggs, ID to Missoula, MT, pure driving time is 4.5–5 hours. But is it worth driving Driggs, ID to Missoula, MT? Absolutely – the route offers sweeping vistas, hot springs, and vibrant small towns. Our guide helps you find things to do between Driggs, ID and Missoula, MT and the best stops Driggs, ID to Missoula, MT.

For a deeper strategy on discovering roadside treasures, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The first leg offers continuous Teton views to the east, with the jagged Grand Teton dominating the skyline. Near Idaho Falls, the Snake River plain opens into farmland. North of Dubois, the landscape turns to sagebrush steppe and lava fields – evidence of the Eastern Snake River Plain volcanic province. At Monida Pass, the Continental Divide crosses the road. Montana's Beaverhead Valley features open ranchland, then the Bitterroot Mountains rise west of Missoula.

• Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (off US-20, 12 mi detour) – 3 waterfalls on the Henrys Fork
• Upper Mesa Falls – 114-ft drop, accessible boardwalk
• Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge – trumpeter swans, hot springs
• Bitterroot River – float fishing, kayaking near Missoula

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No UNESCO sites lie directly on this route, but Yellowstone National Park (UNESCO, 120 mi southeast of Driggs) is a notable digression. The route passes through a region rich in volcanic geology similar to Yellowstone's – the underlying hotspot track.

Culinary Infrastructure

Farm-to-table options exist in Idaho Falls and Missoula; the small towns offer classic diners and fast food. Notable stops: The Butterhorn (Driggs) for pastries, The Snake Bite (Idaho Falls) for burgers, and The Oxford (Missoula) for prime rib. For a picnic, pick up cheese and charcuterie at Meadowsweet Farm (Driggs) or fresh huckleberries at the Missoula Farmers Market (Sat mornings).

• Best coffee: Portneuf Valley Coffee (Idaho Falls)
• Unique dish: Huckleberry shake at Big Dipper Ice Cream (Missoula)
• Food truck cluster: Main Street in Dillon (summer evenings)

Local Commerce & Culture

Driggs' downtown has art galleries and outdoor gear shops. Idaho Falls' historic district features the Willard Arts Center. Dillon is home to the Beaverhead County Museum (mining and rail history). Missoula's hip vibe includes dozens of breweries and the Missoula Art Museum. For vintage shopping, try the 40th Street Antique Mall in Missoula.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Over 90% of the route is paved with adequate shoulders. I-15 has emergency call boxes every 2 miles. The two-lane sections have rumble strips on center lines. In winter, check 511 for PlowCam coverage. Summer thunderstorms can produce hail; seek shelter if caught on the open plain.

• Emergency services: Idaho Falls (hospitals), Dillon (critical access hospital), Missoula (level II trauma)
• Tow services: AAA coverage limited in remote areas; carry phone charger
• Wildlife collisions: most common between Monida and Dillon (deer) and along Bitterroot Valley (elk)

Family and Child Suitability

Kids enjoy the walk to Upper Mesa Falls and the Children's Museum of Idaho (Idaho Falls). The drive is long; break it with the Idaho Falls Zoo (Tautphaus Park) or the Bannack State Park ghost town (near Dillon). Missoula's A Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow playground are free. Pack snacks; many restaurants have kids' menus.

• Best rest stop for energy burn: Clark Canyon Recreation Area (playground, short trails)
• Educational stop: Lemhi County Museum (Salmon, ID – 25 mi detour)
• Screen entertainment: DVD player or downloaded movies – no signal for 100mi stretches

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most outdoor attractions allow leashed dogs. Mesa Falls boardwalk is dog-friendly (no pets off-trail). Rest stops with designated pet areas: none official, but pullouts suffice. Motel chains in Idaho Falls and Missoula welcome pets (extra fee ~$25). For dining, the Blackbird (Idaho Falls) has a pet-friendly patio.

• Water stations: pack a bowl; not all gas stations have outdoor spigots
• Veterinary clinics: Idaho Falls Animal Hospital (208-522-2117), Missoula Animal Hospital (406-549-6624)

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long monotonous sections (e.g., I-15 from Idaho Falls to Dubois) induce drowsiness. Plan stops every 2 hours or 100 miles. Best rest zones are Clark Canyon Dam (mile 158) with bathrooms and shade, and the Dubois Rest Area (mile 90) with vending machines. For a nap, pull into a scenic viewpoint on US-93 near the Continental Divide: the crisp air helps.

• Recommended resting spots: Warm Springs (weigh station, but open area), Grasshopper Creek pullout (mile 140)
• Energy snacks: sunflower seeds, huckleberry chocolate
• Co-driver tasks: navigation, spotting wildlife, reading road trip trivia

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Detours reveal gems: The town of Darby (MT) has the Lost Trail Hot Springs (30 mi west of US-93). Near Dillon, the ghost town of Bannack offers self-guided tours. Also off US-20 near Ashton, ID, the Warm River Campground features a natural hot spring pool free to use. For a weird stop, Carhenge (Alliance, NE) is a long way; rather, visit the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center (near West Yellowstone) for an earthquake survivor story.

• Secret waterfall: Hidden Falls (near Driggs) requires 2-mi hike
• Best photo op: the Teton Valley overlook on Ski Hill Road (Driggs)
• Local legend: the Pterodactyl of Rexburg – a concrete sculpture at the Rexburg Rapids

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations cluster in Idaho Falls (mile 52), Dubois (mile 90), and Dillon (mile 158). Between these points, stretches of 60+ miles have no services. Fill up before leaving Driggs – the Teton Valley stations are pricier. Average gas cost for the trip: ~$40 (mid-size SUV). Idaho fuel taxes are $0.33/gal; Montana's are $0.34/gal.

• Cheapest gas: Costco in Idaho Falls (exit 118 off I-15)
• Most scenic fill-up: Stage Stop in Monida (historic, pricey)
• Electric vehicle fast chargers: Idaho Falls (multiple), Dillon (one 50kW), Missoula (ample)

Road Quality and Safety

US-20 from Driggs to Idaho Falls is two-lane but well-paved. I-15 north is interstate-grade. US-93 from Idaho Falls to Dillon is mostly two-lane with periodic passing lanes. Montana's portion from Dillon to Missoula is a mix of two-lane and four-lane divided highway. Watch for deer and livestock, especially at dawn/dusk. Winter travel requires snow tires; the route crosses several mountain passes.

• Worst stretch: Monida Pass (elev. 6,820 ft) – icy Nov–Mar
• Best rest area: Clark Canyon Dam (mile 158) – picnic tables, river access
• Cell service: Drops between Dubois and Monida (30 miles) and between Grant and Dillon (20 miles)