Driggs to Winthrop Road Trip: Scenic Guide via WA-20

This route crosses the Continental Divide at Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 ft), linking the Teton Valley of Idaho with the Methow Valley of Washington. Despite the modest distance of about 900 miles, the journey takes 12–14 hours of pure driving due to winding mountain highways. The best stops along this drive offer a mix of volcanic basalt canyons, alpine lakes, and Western heritage towns.

Driggs sits at the foot of the Big Hole Mountains, while Winthrop is a replica of a 19th-century frontier town, a deliberate architectural preservation project. The road itself—US-20, US-26, and WA-20—traverses the Snake River Plain, central Idaho's sagebrush steppe, and the North Cascades' rugged wilderness. How long to drive Driggs, ID to Winthrop, WA depends on stops, but expect at least three days for a rewarding trip.

Fuel stations cluster around Idaho Falls, Arco, Twin Falls, Boise, and Omak, WA. Between these, cellular service is intermittent. Is it worth driving Driggs, ID to Winthrop, WA? Yes, for the raw scenery and low traffic density. But plan refueling: a 45-mile stretch on US-20 between Arco and Craters of the Moon has no services.

Average fuel cost for a full tank (15 gallons) in Idaho is $45; in Washington, $55. The total fuel bill for the 900-mile trip at 25 mpg is about $162. Lodging ranges from $80/night in chain motels to $150+ in boutique inns. Camping options exist in national forests along WA-20. Use this guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to optimize your budget.

• Always carry cash for remote fuel pumps (some only take cash).
• Carry extra water and snacks; distances between towns can be 60+ miles.
• Check weather for mountain passes (WA-20's Washington Pass at 5,477 ft).

Road quality varies: US-20 across Idaho is smooth 2-lane blacktop, but shoulders narrow. WA-20 is well-maintained but includes steep grades and tight curves. Wildlife (elk, deer, and moose) frequent the road at dawn and dusk. Drive with headlights on low beam in forested sections. Cell coverage is weak from Arco to Craters of the Moon and for 50 miles near Enterprise, OR. Download offline maps before departure.

For families, stop at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot (free for kids under 5) or the Silverwood Theme Park near Coeur d'Alene (detour add 2 hrs). Pet-friendly stops include the Dog Park in Boise (free) and pet-welcome rooms at the Winthrop Inn ($15 extra). Fatigue management: rest zones exist at rest areas every 60-80 miles on I-84. The scenic viewpoint at Washington Pass (milepost 162) has parking and picnic tables—a good break spot.

• Speed limit: 65 mph on US-20, 70 mph on I-84, 50 mph on mountain curves.
• Winter travel: chains required over Washington Pass (Nov–Mar). Check WSDOT.
• Emergency: call 911 but expect delayed response in remote areas.

Natural landscapes on this route are staggeringly diverse. Starting from Driggs, the Teton Range looms to the east, but the drive heads west across the Snake River Plain. Craters of the Moon National Monument preserves a 1,100-square-mile lava field with cinder cones and tubes. Things to do between Driggs, ID and Winthrop, WA include hiking the Devil's Orchard Trail (1 mile, easy) or touring the lava tubes.

Further west, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area near Ketchum offers granite peaks and hot springs. Stop at Redfish Lake for a boat ride. In Washington, the Methow Valley is a year-round recreation hub: ski at Mazama, bike the Methow Trail, or hike to Hart's Pass (the highest drivable pass in Washington). Local commerce thrives on tourism; buy handcrafted jewelry in Winthrop's wood-plank sidewalks.

• Craters of the Moon: $20 entry per vehicle, best in spring or fall.
• Redfish Lake: kayak rentals $30/hr.
• Winthrop's Shafer Museum: free, open May–Oct.