Ely to Ketchum: Epic Nevada-Idaho Road Trip Guide

This 470-mile route from Ely, Nevada (6,435 ft elevation) to Ketchum, Idaho (5,900 ft) traverses the remote Great Basin and the Snake River Plain. The drive takes approximately 7 hours without stops, but plan for 8–10 hours to explore. US-93 and US-20 form the backbone, with long stretches devoid of services.

Fact: The route passes through the Nevada Test and Training Range, and the Shoshone Ice Caves near Shoshone, ID are a must-see. For tips on discovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route begins in the high desert of eastern Nevada, with sagebrush flats and distant mountain ranges. Near the Idaho border, the landscape becomes more mountainous. Key natural attractions include the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls and the lava fields of Craters of the Moon.

• Natural Landscapes: Great Basin (NV), Snake River Plain (ID), Craters of the Moon (ID).
• UNESCO Sites: None directly on route; closest is Yellowstone (280 mi north).
• Local Commerce: Ely has historic mining museums; Twin Falls offers farm-to-table cuisine; Ketchum is a ski town with art galleries.

In Shoshone, visit the Shoshone Ice Caves (private, fee). In Arco, see the Experimental Breeder Reactor I (free). Ketchum’s heritage includes Ernest Hemingway’s gravesite. The best stops Ely, NV to Ketchum, ID include these off-the-beaten-path sites.

US-93 from Ely to Twin Falls is a two-lane highway with 65–70 mph speed limits. Services are sparse: the last major fuel in Nevada is in Wells (mile 120) and then Jackpot (mile 180). Fill up in Ely to avoid range anxiety. After the Idaho border, US-93 merges with I-84 near Twin Falls.

• Fuel stops: Ely (start), Wells, Jackpot, Twin Falls, and Shoshone.
• Road quality: Good pavement on US-93; watch for cattle grids and wildlife at dawn/dusk.
• Cell service: Spotty in Nevada; better near towns and from Twin Falls north.

From Twin Falls, take US-93 north to Shoshone, then US-20 east to Arco and US-93 north again to Ketchum. The final segment from Arco to Ketchum passes through Craters of the Moon National Monument. For current gas prices and road conditions, check local apps.

Long stretches with no services mean you must plan fuel and rest stops. Fatigue is a risk; take breaks every 2 hours. Safe pullouts are marked along US-93. Carry water and snacks.

• Rest Zones: Ely (Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park), Wells (Angel Lake), Twin Falls (Centennial Waterfront Park), Shoshone, Arco, Ketchum.
• Family Suitability: Great for older kids; Craters of the Moon offers easy hikes. Pet-friendly stops: many National Forest lands allow dogs on leash.
• Hidden Off-Route: The City of Rocks National Reserve (35 mi east of Burley) is a climber’s paradise.

Check weather: summer can be hot (90s°F), winter icy (snow possible from October). For questions like “how long to drive Ely, NV to Ketchum, ID” or “is it worth driving,” the answer is yes for those loving solitude and geology. Things to do between Ely and Ketchum include hiking, fossil hunting, and visiting atomic history sites.