Evanston to Hope: Scenic Drive Guide

Leaving Evanston, Wyoming, at 6,740 feet, you immediately climb through the Bear River Valley on I-80 westbound, marking the start of a 230-mile journey to Hope, Idaho, that showcases the Intermountain West's diversity.

The route transitions from sagebrush steppe to the pine-clad Caribou-Targhee National Forest, crosses the Snake River Plain, and finishes along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille.

How long to drive Evanston, WY to Hope, ID? The most direct route is I-80 west to US-30 north to US-20, then US-95 north; expect 4.5 to 5 hours without stops, but plan for breaks.

Fuel prices in Idaho are typically 10-15 cents cheaper per gallon than in Wyoming, so fill up in Idaho Falls or Soda Springs; a standard car will need about 12 gallons for the trip.

• Major junctions: I-80 to US-30 at Cokeville, US-30 to US-20 at Soda Springs, US-20 to US-95 at Coeur d'Alene.
• Road conditions: All highways are paved and well-maintained; US-30 north of Soda Springs has a few winding sections.
• Cell coverage: Patchy in mountainous stretches; download maps in advance.

Frequent rest areas every 30-50 miles along I-80 and US-20 offer restrooms and picnic tables; watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk, near dawn and dusk on US-30 and US-95.

For fatigue management, plan stops at McDonalds in Montpelier or the Sinclair gas station in Soda Springs; a good halfway point is Idaho Falls, with a wide choice of eateries.

• Family-friendly: Bear Lake State Park, just off US-30, offers sandy beaches and shallow water.
• Hidden gem: The Lava Hot Springs (actually in Idaho) are a 30-minute detour east of Soda Springs, offering natural hot pools.
• Pet-friendly: The 'Bannock County Dog Park' in Pocatello is near the route, but be aware it's a slight detour.

The geology shifts from Jurassic limestone near Evanston to volcanic basalt of the Snake River Plain; just north of Soda Springs, the 'Soda Springs Geyser' – a carbon dioxide-driven geyser – erupts hourly, a result of 1930s drilling.

This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Actually, no UNESCO sites lie directly on this route, but nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton are within a 2-hour drive of Idaho Falls.

Local commerce: In Montpelier, Idaho, the Montpelier Rodeo grounds host events in summer, and the town's historic district has shops and diners; Soda Springs is known for its hand-crafted root beer at the local soda fountain.

Families will find the Idaho Falls Zoo and the 'Greenbelt' river walk ideal; pets are welcome at the Greenbelt's outdoor areas, and most rest stops have designated pet areas.