Idaho Falls to Driggs: A Scenic Teton Views Drive Guide

As you leave Idaho Falls heading east on US-20, the Snake River Plain stretches wide and flat—a vast agricultural basin carved by ancient floods. The road itself is a concrete artery built atop the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, one of the largest groundwater systems in the United States. At mile marker 333, look north: the first blue-gray humps of the Teton Range will appear on the horizon, still 50 miles away but already commanding attention.

This 85-mile drive from Idaho Falls to Driggs takes about 1 hour 20 minutes without stops. But the question is is it worth driving Idaho Falls, ID to Driggs, ID without pulling over? Absolutely not. The route crosses three distinct ecosystems: irrigated farmland, high desert sagebrush steppe, and finally conifer forests climbing toward the Wyoming border. US-20 merges into US-33 at Rexburg, and from there you follow the Teton Scenic Byway.

This road trip guide details things to do between Idaho Falls, ID and Driggs, ID, with an emphasis on the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities mentality.

The first 30 miles (Idaho Falls to Rexburg) are flat farmland—potatoes, wheat, and alfalfa irrigated by center pivots. At Rexburg, the white spire of the Rexburg Idaho Temple (2.2 million bricks) dominates the skyline. Just past Rexburg, look for the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, a 10,000-acre tract of windblown sand rising 50 feet above the sagebrush. These quartzite sands are a remnant of ancient Lake Bonneville floods. Off-road vehicles are permitted, but you can also hike the dunes in 15 minutes from the parking area.

• St. Anthony/Warm River: The Warm River Campground offers picnic tables and a short trail to the river—ideal for a 20-minute leg stretch.
• Ashton Reservoir: A calm, blue water body perfect for birdwatching. Ospreys and bald eagles are common.
• Tetonia Overlook: At mile marker 45 on US-33, pull over for a panoramic view of the Grand Teton (13,775 ft). This is one of the best stops Idaho Falls, ID to Driggs, ID.

The local commerce along the route is dominated by agriculture and tourism. In Rexburg, the BYU-Idaho campus hosts free concerts and a visitor center. The St. Anthony Farmers Market (Wednesdays, July–September) sells fresh huckleberries and local honey. In Driggs, the Spud Drive-In (opened 1953) is a cultural landmark—catch a movie under the stars with Teton views. The town's art scene includes the Teton Arts Council gallery and several bronze foundries.

• Groceries: Broulim's in Rexburg and Driggs (local chain).
• Unique purchases: Teton Valley cheese at the Driggs Farmer's Market, handmade pottery at Ashton Glassworks.
• Local craft: Idaho vodka at Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs, offering free tastings.

The primary route is US-20 east from Idaho Falls to Rexburg, then US-33 north toward Driggs. A shorter alternative—using ID-33 directly from Idaho Falls to Rexburg—is less scenic and more congested. Stick to US-20 for speed and views.

• Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes (non-stop).
• Fuel stops: Idaho Falls (many), Rexburg (Costco, Chevron), St. Anthony (limited), Ashton (one station), Driggs (Shell, Chevron). Fill up in Rexburg or Driggs; the stretch from St. Anthony to Driggs has no services for 40 miles.
• Tolls: None. All roads are free public highways.
• Road number changes: US-20 becomes US-33 at the Rexburg junction (exit 329). Follow signs for Jackson/Driggs.

Cell phone coverage is spotty between Ashton and Tetonia; Verizon and AT&T work near towns, but you'll lose signal in the pine forests. Download offline maps.

• Winter conditions: From November through March, snow tires or AWD are recommended. US-33 east of Rexburg is plowed but can get icy near Pine Creek Pass.
• Best time to drive: Late morning (9-11 AM) for Teton light or late afternoon (3-5 PM) for golden hour. Avoid dawn and dusk due to wildlife (deer, elk).
• Road quality: US-20 is a four-lane divided highway. US-33 narrows to two lanes with shoulders. Watch for farm equipment near Rexburg.

This route is generally safe, but three hazards exist: wildlife (particularly deer at twilight), sudden weather changes (wind gusts on the plain, snow squalls near Pine Creek Pass), and distracted drivers at the Rexburg junction. Always carry water and a blanket in winter. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach also means knowing where to pull over for a rest.

• Family-friendly stops: The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park (exit 0), Rexburg's Porter Park (playground and splash pad), St. Anthony Sand Dunes (great for energetic kids).
• Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow leashed dogs. The Warm River Campground has a designated pet-waste station. Avoid off-leash areas due to sagebrush and ticks.
• Fatigue management stops: The Rexburg Rest Area (mile 30, US-20) has clean facilities, vending machines, and picnic tables open year-round. The Ashton Welcome Center (mile 60) provides free coffee and local maps.

For hidden off-route spots, consider a 10-minute detour to the Warm River Springs (turn at ID-47 South just before Ashton). This hot spring is undeveloped, free, and usually uncrowded. The water is a consistent 95°F year-round. Another secret: the Teton Geotourism Center in Driggs (free) has interactive exhibits on the Yellowstone hotspot and Teton fault.

• Infrastructure safety: US-20 has rumble strips on the shoulders; US-33 has reflective mile markers. Emergency services are based in Rexburg (Madison County Sheriff) and Driggs (Teton County Sheriff).
• Restroom stops: Every town has a gas station. The Rexburg Walmart (24 hr) is a safe bet. Avoid the St. Anthony rest area after dark—lighting is poor.
• Fatigue plan: Alternate driving with a passenger. The flat farmland section can induce monotony; switch drivers at Rexburg. Caffeine is available at the Moose Creek Café in St. Anthony (excellent espresso milkshake).