Driggs to Pocatello: A Scenic Idaho Road Trip Guide

The drive from Driggs, ID to Pocatello, ID covers approximately 120 miles along US-20 and I-15, taking about 2 hours without stops. This route passes through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and crosses the Snake River Plain, offering sweeping vistas of volcanic landscapes and distant mountain ranges. A little-known fact: the highway parallels the historic Oregon Trail in several sections, and near the town of Blackfoot, you can spot a replica of a pioneer way station. For tips on uncovering more hidden gems along your journey, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Key coordinates: Driggs (43.7237° N, 111.1119° W) to Pocatello (42.8627° N, 112.4490° W). Estimated driving time: 2 hours. This road trip is worth taking for the dramatic shift from the Teton foothills to the high desert plains, and the many quirky small towns along the way.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-20 is a two-lane highway with sections of rumble strips and guardrails. I-15 is divided and well-lit. The Idaho Department of Transportation maintains these roads; winter maintenance is frequent. Cell service is good from Driggs to Idaho Falls, but spotty near Sage Junction. Emergency call boxes are present at mile 45 and 60.

Family and Child Suitability: The Idaho Falls Zoo (mile 55) is a great family stop, featuring a petting zoo and playground. The Museum of Idaho has interactive science exhibits. In Blackfoot, the Shoshone-Bannock Casino is not child-friendly, but nearby Jensen Grove Park has a playground and splash pad.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Many rest stops allow leashed pets. The Tautphaus Park in Idaho Falls has a designated dog park. In Pocatello, Ross Park offers off-leash areas. Most accommodations (e.g., La Quinta in Idaho Falls) are pet-friendly with a fee.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Just 5 miles east of US-20 on ID-48 is the Hell's Half Acre Lava Flow, a surreal volcanic landscape formed 5,000 years ago. Another gem: Moose Creek Canyon (turn off at mile 25) offers a short hike to a waterfall. These spots are rarely crowded.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan a stop every 45 minutes. The Sage Junction Rest Area (mile 35) has picnic tables, vending machines, and a restroom. The Idaho Falls Rest Area (mile 55) is larger with a visitor center. On I-15, the Blackfoot Rest Area (mile 80) offers tractor-trailer parking. Consider a full break in Idaho Falls (lunch at the Jensen Grove Park).

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The drive features the transition from the eastern edge of the Teton Range to the Snake River Plain. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers dense pine forests and occasional elk sightings. As you descend onto the plain, the landscape opens into expansive sagebrush steppe and volcanic buttes. Near mile 70 (just before Blackfoot), look for the Fort Hall Replica and the Hell Creek Fossil Area trailhead.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route does not directly pass any UNESCO sites, but it's within a 2-hour drive of the Yellowstone National Park (UNESCO Site 846) and the Moose Mountain Provincial Park (not UNESCO). However, the Idaho Fossil Beds are part of the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, a U.S. National Natural Landmark. This area is known for its Pliocene fossils and volcanic deposits.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: In summer (June–August), temperatures range from 70–95°F with occasional thunderstorms; the landscape is golden-green. Autumn (September–October) offers spectacular fall colors in the forested sections, with crisp air and daytime highs of 50–70°F. Winter (November–March) can bring heavy snow on US-20; chains or 4WD may be required. Spring is windy and muddy, with blooming wildflowers in May.

Culinary Infrastructure: In Driggs, try Mountain Mama's for coffee and sandwiches. In Rexburg, The Hickory serves smoked meats. Idaho Falls has Snake River Grill for upscale dining and The Golden Corral for families. Blackfoot's Jack's Drive-In is a classic burger joint. Pocatello's downtown offers Buddy's Club and Elmer's for diner fare.

Local Commerce & Culture: Small towns like Ririe (mile 30) have antique shops and a rodeo in summer. Blackfoot hosts the Eastern Idaho State Fair each September. The Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls features regional history exhibits. For local crafts, stop at The Artisan Loft in Pocatello.

Begin your journey in Driggs on ID-33 south, quickly joining US-20 west. The road is well-maintained two-lane highway through farmland and national forest. After 50 miles, you reach Idaho Falls, where US-20 meets I-15. From there, it's a straight shot south on I-15 to Pocatello.

• Fuel stops: Rexburg (mile 20), Idaho Falls (mile 55), Blackfoot (mile 80). Gas prices tend to be lower in Idaho Falls than in Driggs.
• Food options: Rexburg offers fast food and diners; Idaho Falls has full-service restaurants; Blackfoot has small cafés.
• Restrooms are available at visitor centers in Sage Junction (mile 35) and the Idaho Falls rest area (mile 55).

Route economics: The total cost for a standard sedan is around $20 in fuel. Driving at the speed limit (70 mph on I-15, 65 mph on US-20) yields optimal efficiency. No tolls are present on this route.