Garden City to Alpine: Utah's Bear Lake to Wyoming's Star Valley

This route crosses the Utah-Wyoming border via US-89 and US-26, covering 113 miles. The drive typically takes 2 hours without stops, but plan for 3–4 hours to enjoy the scenery.

Bear Lake's turquoise waters give way to the Salt River Range and Star Valley's green expanse. The highway's highest point reaches 7,600 feet near Smoot, Wyoming.

The highway is generally safe, but narrow shoulders and sharp curves between Garden City and Montpelier require attention. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk, at dawn and dusk.

Designated rest areas are scarce; the most reliable are at the Bear Lake State Park visitor center and the Afton City Park. Both have restrooms and picnic tables.

For families, the Bear Lake State Park offers swimming, boating, and sandy beaches. In Alpine, Palisades Reservoir is a popular camping and fishing spot. The drive itself is scenic enough that even teenagers may appreciate the mountain views.

Pet-friendly stops include the Montpelier City Park and Afton's walking paths. Always carry water and a leash, as desert heat can be intense in summer.

To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 90 minutes. Montpelier, Afton, and Alpine serve as logical break points. Afton's altitude (6,200 ft) may cause mild shortness of breath for some.

Winter travel requires winter tires and emergency supplies. The pass near Smoot, Wyoming, often closes during storms.

Bear Lake, often called the 'Caribbean of the Rockies' for its vivid blue water, anchors the start. The lake is a natural freshwater body split between Utah and Idaho.

North of Garden City, the route passes through rolling farmland near Montpelier, Idaho, with views of the Bear River Range. This area was a stagecoach stop in the 1800s.

In Afton, Wyoming, you'll find the world's largest elk antler arch, spanning the main street. Afton also serves as the gateway to the Star Valley, a high-altitude grassland surrounded by the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges.

Beyond Afton, the road follows the Salt River, offering frequent pullouts for fishing and picnicking. The town of Alpine, at the confluence of the Snake and Salt Rivers, is a launching point for river rafting and fishing.

Local commerce along the route is limited but includes a handful of small cafes in Montpelier and Afton. In Garden City, the Raspberry Days festival in August celebrates the area's raspberry crop.

Bear Lake's famous raspberry shakes are a must-try, served at several stands along the lake's eastern shore.

US-89 and US-26 form the backbone of this trip. Services are sparse between cities, so refueling in Garden City or Afton is wise.

• Fuel stops: Garden City (at the north end) and Afton (several stations). Gas prices are typically $0.10–0.20 higher in Afton than Garden City.
• The highway is well-maintained year-round, but winter conditions bring snow and ice, especially over Salt River Pass.
• No tolls or major construction expected as of 2025.

Cell service is intermittent, especially in the canyon stretches near Stump Creek. Download offline maps before you go.

For trip planning tips, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.