Driggs to Pinedale: A Wyoming-Idaho Road Trip Guide

This 200-mile route from Driggs, ID to Pinedale, WY follows Idaho State Highway 33 across the Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 feet) and then Wyoming Highway 22 through Jackson Hole before turning east onto US 191/189 through the Hoback Canyon. The two-lane road through the Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests offers a less crowded alternative to Grand Teton National Park.

The pass can close in winter; in 2023, Teton Pass was shut 12 times for avalanche control. For real-time updates, check Wyoming 511 or the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and National Parks

Grand Teton National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and lies just north of the route. While not directly on the road, the views of the Tetons from Driggs or Wilson are spectacular. The park’s Jackson Hole Airport is just south of the road.

• Grand Teton National Park: Visitor center in Moose, WY, is 10 detour.
• Yellowstone National Park: North of Grand Teton, accessed from the road’s northern terminus at West Thumb. A full day trip.
• Fossil Butte National Monument: Near Kemmerer, WY, about 1.5 hours south; a detour for geology buffs.

Hidden Off-Route Gems

Two lesser-known spots reward those who go 15-30 minutes off the main road.

• Garnet Canyon Trailhead: 12 miles south of Driggs on Teton Canyon Road. A 4-mile hike leads to the base of the Tetons with few crowds.
• Green River Lakes: 20 miles north of Pinedale on WY 352. Crystal-clear lakes, moose, and Squaretop Mountain views.
• Hoback Canyon Overlook: Mile marker 148 on US 191. A quick pullout for a canyon view.

Local Commerce and Culture

Pinedale’s Museum of the Mountain Man is a must-see for fur trade history. In Driggs, the Spud Drive-In movie theater (summer only) shows films on a classic screen.

• Driggs: Saturday farmers market (June-September, 9am-1pm).
• Pinedale: Friday evening art walks in summer, and the annual Green River Rendezvous in July.
• Local music: The R-Bar in Pinedale hosts acoustic open mic nights every Thursday.

Climatic Conditions and Route Aesthetics

Summer: 70°F daytime, afternoon thundershowers. Autumn: crisp, golden aspen. Winter: heavy snow, temperatures below 0°F. Spring: mud season, rivers high.

• Summer leaf-out: The forest canopy is lush, with wildflowers June-July.
• Fall colors: Late September to early October, the aspen groves along US 191 blaze yellow.
• Winter wonder: Teton Pass snowbanks can reach 15 feet.

Understanding the Economics of Fuel and Time

Fuel prices vary by location; as of mid-2024, Driggs and Jackson are most expensive (around $3.80/gallon), while Pinedale is cheaper (about $3.50). Filling up in Idaho Falls before beginning the drive may save $5-8 if coming from the west.

• Distance: 119 miles (191 km) via Teton Pass and US 191.
• Estimated driving time: 2.5 hours without delays; add 1.5 hours for summit migration or bison jams.
• Road tolls: none. All roads are free.
• Best times to drive: May to October for clear weather; winter requires 4WD or chains.

Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements

Driving Teton Pass is steep (10% grade) and winding in winter. The pass is generally open in summer for all vehicles. Winter conditions require traction devices; chains are recommended for 2WD vehicles.

• Summer: fine for any car.
• Winter: check WYDOT cameras; consider taking US 26 (the “Dubois route”) if Teton Pass is closed.
• In spring, the Gros Ventre River may flood, closing portions of US 191 near Kelly.

Best Stops Driggs, ID to Pinedale, WY

While many focus on Jackson, the small towns along the way offer unique experiences. The most rewarding stop is the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail, a vast area of hiking and wildlife.

• Driggs, ID: Known for the Teton Valley; stop at Love’s Bakery for cinnamon rolls (open 7am-3pm).
• Wilson, WY: At the base of Teton Pass; the Stagecoach Bar has live music and historic atmosphere.
• Jackson, WY: Oversaturated with tourism, worth a brief pause for the Town Square elk antler arches.
• Hoback Junction: Fuel and limited food; the gas station convenience store offers microwavable burritos.
• Bondurant, WY (off-route): 10 miles north of the highway; the one-room schoolhouse and general store are photogenic.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

The roads are generally well-maintained. Teton Pass has runaway truck ramps; US 191 south of Jackson is a winding two-lane road with 40-55 mph speed limits.

• Avoidances: Hoback Canyon is narrow with blind curves. Drive cautiously.
• Emergency services: Teton County (Jackson) has a hospital; Pinedale has a clinic (hours 8am-6pm).
• Cell reception: Poor between Hoback Junction and Bondurant; satellite phone recommended for backcountry.

Family and Child Suitability

This drive is moderate for families. Rest stops are scarce between Jackson and Pinedale – the only one is Hoback River Rest Area south of Bondurant (no water, vault toilets).

• Kid-friendly stops: National Elk Refuge visitor center in Jackson (free, interactive exhibits).
• Restrooms: Wilson (general store), Jackson (town square), Bondurant (gas station).
• Food for kids: Jackson has many chain restaurants; Pinedale has a drive-through Dairy Queen.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Dogs are welcome everywhere except inside national park visitor centers. Leash required.

• Vet services: Jackson Animal Clinic (307-733-3966).
• Dog-friendly stops: Many trailheads allow dogs, e.g., Cache Creek Trail in Jackson.
• Water stations: Fill water bottles at the Wilson post office or Pinedale library.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

The drive can be deceptive; the scenery is engrossing. Stop every hour even if not tired.

• Designated rest areas: None along the route. Rest at commercial stops instead.
• Scenic pullouts: Teton Pass summit (restroom, views), Hoback Canyon overlook.
• Safety tips: Pull over if drowsy. The road has few shoulders; use designated areas only.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options vary from quick fuel food to farm-to-table. Jackson dominates, but Pinedale’s Cowboy Cafe is a local institution.

• Driggs, ID:
  • Breakfast: Love’s Bakery (pastries, coffee).
  • Lunch: Royal Wolf (pizza, salads).
• Wilson, WY:
  • Stagecoach Bar (burgers, beer, live music).
  • Cowboy Coffee Shack (drive-through espresso).
• Jackson, WY:
  • Grocery: Albertsons on South Highway 89.
  • Restaurant: The Bunnery (pancakes, sandwiches).
• Pinedale, WY:
  • Wind Rivers Restaurant (steak, salad bar).
  • Hunga Dunga Brewing (craft beer, tacos).