Idaho Falls to Valentine Road Trip: Epic Drive Guide

The drive from Idaho Falls, Idaho to Valentine, Nebraska spans 650 miles across three states, crossing the Continental Divide twice and descending from the Rocky Mountain foothills to the vast Nebraska Sandhills. This route is a study in contrasts: sagebrush steppes give way to volcanic badlands, then to the lush Niobrara River valley. The geography changes as dramatically as the elevation, from 4,700 feet in Idaho Falls to 2,500 feet in Valentine, with a notable climb over South Pass at 7,400 feet in Wyoming.

One peculiar fact: the highway U.S. 20, which serves as the backbone of this journey, is one of the few transcontinental routes that remains largely two-lane through Wyoming, offering a distinctly unhurried driving experience. To make the most of this trip, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The recommended route is U.S. 20 east from Idaho Falls, connecting to U.S. 26 into Wyoming, then I-25 briefly near Casper, and U.S. 20 east again into Nebraska. Key towns along the way include St. Anthony, ID; West Yellowstone, MT (a detour); Dubois, WY; Riverton, WY; Casper, WY; and Oshkosh, NE. Fuel is plentiful in larger towns but scarce in stretches like the Wyoming Basin—plan stops every 150 miles.

• Estimated total driving time: 10 hours without extended breaks. For a relaxed pace, budget two full days.
• Tolls: None. The route uses federal and state highways exclusively.
• Road quality: Paved and well-maintained. Two-lane segments through Wyoming require caution for passing and wildlife.
• Best fuel economy tip: Fill up in Idaho Falls (lower prices) and again in Casper. Wyoming gas stations are farther apart.

Cell service is intermittent, especially between Dubois and Casper. Download offline maps and carry a paper atlas. Amtrak's California Zephyr parallels parts of the route in Nebraska but is not practical for point-to-point driving.

This route is generally safe, but drivers must watch for wildlife—elk, deer, and antelope—especially at dawn and dusk. In Wyoming, strong crosswinds can affect high-profile vehicles. The speed limit on US-20 is often 65 mph, but sections drop to 55 mph near towns. Drive with headlights on during the day for visibility.

• Family-friendly stops: The Idaho Falls Zoo (Tautphaus Park) for kids, the Wyoming Frontier Prison in Rawlins (if you detour south), and the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Nebraska.
• Pet-friendly stops: Many national forests allow pets on leashes, and motels in Casper and Valentine accept dogs. The Niobrara River is great for canine swimming.
• Rest zones: Designated rest areas exist every 50-80 miles along US-20, but most are simple pull-offs with no services. Plan hydration and snack stops in towns.

To combat fatigue, follow the 2-hour rule: stop every two hours for a 10-minute break. Good rest points are the town of Shoshoni (WY) with a small park, and the scenic overlook at Independence Rock (WY). In Nebraska, the town of Hyannis offers a quiet rest area with a historical marker.

The most iconic natural attraction is the Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho, just 30 minutes east of Idaho Falls. This vast lava field with cinder cones and spatter cones is a surreal lunar-like landscape. Further east, Wyoming's Wind River Range offers towering peaks and alpine lakes. The Bighorn Basin near Thermopolis features hot springs and the unique Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

• Natural landscapes: volcanic plains, the Wind River Range, the Red Desert (Wyoming), and the Nebraska Sandhills.
• Local commerce: farm stands selling huckleberry products in Idaho, Rocky Mountain outfitters in Dubois, and Native American art in Riverton (Wind River Reservation).
• Hidden gem: The Figure Eight Loop in the Bighorn Mountains (a detour off US-26) is a spectacular scenic drive with waterfalls and wildlife.

For a deeper cultural stop, visit the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, which covers the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails. In Valentine, the Niobrara National Scenic River offers canoeing and horseback riding on the prairie.