Ely to Driggs: Nevada Desert to Teton Valley Road Trip

The drive from Ely, Nevada to Driggs, Idaho spans approximately 450 miles across three states, crossing the Great Basin Desert, the Wasatch Range, and the Snake River Plain. This route, primarily via US-93, US-50 (the Loneliest Road in America), I-15, and ID-33, offers a dramatic shift from high-elevation desert to lush Teton Valley farmland. Notably, the route passes within 10 miles of the 39th parallel, a latitude that also runs through the Great Salt Lake, linking two distinct geological provinces.

Ely sits at 6,435 feet, surrounded by the Schell Creek and Snake Ranges. As you head north, the landscape morphs from sagebrush steppe to the lunar-like Wah Wah Valley. Near the Utah border, the terrain opens into the Sevier Desert, with the Cricket Mountains to the east. The Great Salt Lake appears as a white shimmer on the horizon. From Salt Lake City, the ascent towards the Wasatch Range offers pine forests and reservoirs like Jordanelle and Deer Creek. After climbing through Park City (peaking at 7,000 ft), the road descends into the Heber Valley, then follows US-40 east through the Uinta Mountains. The final stretch on ID-33 parallels the Teton Range, with the Grand Teton suddenly dominating the skyline near Tetonia.

For local commerce, stop at the Great Basin National Park visitor center (especially if you have time for the Lehman Caves). The park is a detour of 70 miles round trip from Ely but offers the only readily accessible glaciers in Nevada and ancient bristlecone pines. In Salt Lake City, consider a detour to the Natural History Museum of Utah or browse the local food scene. Once in Driggs, the weekly farmers market (Thursdays in summer) showcases local produce and crafts. The area is known for huckleberries—don't miss the huckleberry shakes at the local drive-in.

For the first leg from Ely to Salt Lake City, you'll take US-93 north to US-50 east (the Loneliest Road) through the remote Great Basin. Fuel stops are scarce—plan for gas in Ely (last cheap fill-up), and next at the small towns of Pioche (UT) or Milford (UT). There's a Chevron in Delta, UT (~160 miles from Ely). After reaching I-15 north of Salt Lake, fuel is abundant. The total drive time is about 7 hours, but plan for 9 with stops. Toll roads: none. Estimated fuel cost: $60-80 for a typical sedan.

• Key highway numbers: US-93, US-50, I-15, US-20, ID-33
• Rest areas: Great Basin rest area (NV milepost 37 on US-50), Scipio rest area (UT I-15)
• Cell service: Patchy from Ely to Milford; reliable in SLC and Teton Valley

The most challenging section is US-50 from Ely to Delta, which is remote, two-lane, and often under construction. Watch for loose gravel and wildlife (deer, antelope, wild horses). In winter, carry chains—the stretch from the Utah border to I-15 can get icy. The I-15 portion from Salt Lake City to Idaho Falls is well-maintained but congested near Salt Lake. For family stops, consider the Great Basin National Park (junior ranger program) or the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, UT. Near Driggs, the Teton Valley Museum offers hands-on exhibits about pioneer life. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities article can help you plan unique stops.

Pet-friendly framework: Most national forests allow dogs on leash. Great Basin NP permits pets on paved roads and parking lots only. In Utah, rest areas have designated pet exercise areas. For fatigue management, plan to stop every two hours: possible rest stops include the rest area at Great Basin (NV), the scenic overlook at the Utah/Nevada state line, the Beaver Canyon rest area (I-15, UT), and the Teton Scenic Overlook near the Wyoming border. Coffee and snacks are available at the gas stations in Delta, UT and at the Love's Travel Stop in Snowville, UT.