Dubois to Afton: 100 Miles of Wyoming's Wild Beauty

Driving from Dubois to Afton, Wyoming, is a 100-mile journey that winds through the Wind River Range and the Wyoming Range, offering stunning alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. This route follows US-26 west to Moran Junction, then US-191 south through Teton National Forest, finally joining US-89 at Hoback Junction into Star Valley.

One of the first things you'll notice is the geological and ecological transition from the arid, red desert badlands east of the Continental Divide to the lush, green conifer forests and limestone canyons west of it.

US-191 is a high-speed highway with occasional sharp curves, especially in Hoback Canyon. Drive with low beams in fog, and be alert for wildlife—deer and moose are most active at dawn and dusk. In winter, the route can be icy; carry chains and check conditions.

For families, the National Museum of Wildlife Art (Jackson, WY) is a 15-minute detour and has interactive exhibits for kids. In Alpine, the Alpine Lanes bowling alley offers a rainy-day option. Afton has the Intermittent Spring, where water flows and stops on a cycle—a natural curiosity that entertains all ages.

Pets are welcome at most outdoor stops, but keep dogs on a leash in national forests. There are fenced dog parks in Jackson and Afton's North Park. Note that the Teton County RV park in Jackson has a pet washing station.

For rest breaks, consider the turnout at the top of Togwotee Pass, Hoback River Overlook, and the Alpine overlook just south of town. The rest area at the junction of US-26 and US-191 has picnic tables and vault toilets. To combat fatigue, stop every 90 minutes; caffeine is available in Dubois, Pinedale, and Alpine.

The drive from Dubois to Afton, Wyoming, typically takes about two hours without stops, but plan for three to four if you hike, picnic, or soak in hot springs. Daily fuel and food options are available in Dubois, Pinedale, and Alpine, but between those towns, services are sparse.

• Last convenient fuel east of the pass: Dubois at the Conoco (11 E Ramshorn).
• In Pinedale, there are multiple gas stations on Pine Street (US-191).
• Alpine has a Sinclair and a Chevron along the highway.
• Afton offers several stations including Maverik on Washington St.
• Mobile phone coverage is patchy, especially in the canyons; download offline maps beforehand.

The route includes four paved mountain passes: Togwotee Pass (9,658 ft), and then a rolling terrain with a minor climb before Hoback Junction; the road is well-maintained two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. Expect road construction delays in summer on US-191; check WYDOT for updates.

Above Dubois, the road ascends Togwotee Pass, where you'll see the volcanic remnants of the Absaroka Range to the north and the granite peaks of the Wind Rivers to the south. The pass is a prime spot for spotting bighorn sheep, especially in early morning.

As you descend to Moran Junction, you enter Grand Teton National Park's eastern boundary, but the route turns south onto US-191, which runs along the park's eastern edge, offering views of the Teton Range's east face. The highway skirts the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, where thousands of elk winter, but in summer, they are in the high country.

The town of Pinedale, about 45 miles from Dubois, is the largest community on the route. Its Museum of the Mountain Man (125 E 2nd St) chronicles the fur trade era, and its Rendezvous Peak offers a chairlift ride in summer for panoramic views.

Further south, Hoback Canyon is a dramatic limestone gorge carved by the Hoback River, a popular spot for fishing (you need a Wyoming license). Just north of Alpine, the Greys River merges, and a short detour east on US-89 leads to the historic town of Alpine, with its delis and rafting outfitters.

For a link to our broader guide on road trip discovery, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.