Island Park to Buffalo: Scenic Drive Guide

The route from Island Park, Idaho to Buffalo, Wyoming spans 290 miles along US-20 and I-90, crossing the Continental Divide twice. This corridor traces part of the historic Oregon Trail, where wagon ruts are still visible near Guernsey.

Before you go, check road conditions on wyoroad.info and idahopost.com, as mountain passes can close unexpectedly.

Driving time is roughly 5.5 hours without stops, but plan for a full day to savor the scenery. The route offers a mix of geothermal wonders, national forests, and prairie vistas.

On this route, you'll pass two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. These offer geothermal features like Old Faithful and wildlife viewing.

For family stops, consider a detour to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Kids will also love the quirky roadside attractions like the World's Largest Buffalo in Jamestown.

Pet-friendly options abound: many pullouts allow dogs on leashes, but pets are prohibited on trails and boardwalks in the national parks. Plan for pet breaks at rest areas, where water is available.

To combat fatigue, take breaks at the scenic overlooks near Sylvan Pass and the Bighorn National Forest. Eat at the Pahaska Tepee Resort, a historic lodge east of Yellowstone, or the Cowboy Café in Buffalo.

Hidden gems include the Hulet Creek Falls, a short hike off US-14 west of Greybull.

This route showcases Yellowstone's volcanic plateau, the Absaroka Range, and the Bighorn Basin. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a must-see, with its 1,000-foot-deep canyon and waterfalls.

In Cody, you'll find the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum complex. The town's nightly gunfight reenactment pays homage to its frontier past.

As you climb toward Sylvan Pass (8,530 ft), you'll cross the eastern entrance to Yellowstone. This area is prime grizzly habitat, so stay alert and carry bear spray.

For a taste of local culture, stop at the Irma Hotel in Cody, built by Buffalo Bill in 1902, or browse the shops in Buffalo's historic downtown.

US-20 leaves Island Park and heads east to West Yellowstone, Montana. From there, US-191/287 cuts south into Grand Teton National Park, then merges with US-26 to Riverton. I-90 then takes you to Buffalo.

Fuel stations are sparse between West Yellowstone and Cody; fill up before leaving Island Park (about $3.50/gal) to avoid baselines of $4+. A fuel app can help locate diesel, but plan for a 160-mile stretch without services.

• Road quality: Well-maintained asphalt with occasional frost heaves in shaded areas.
• Major junctions: US-20 at Island Park, US-191 at West Yellowstone, I-90 at Buffalo.

While the drive is straightforward, winter conditions can require chains (check Idaho and Montana DOT websites). Summer brings RV traffic, so patience is key on two-lane sections.