Island Park to Dubois: Scenic Drive Guide

The drive from Island Park, ID to Dubois, WY follows U.S. Route 20/26/287 for about 90 miles, crossing the Continental Divide at Togwotee Pass (elevation 9,658 feet). This road is a vital corridor between Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Range, offering access to some of the most pristine wilderness in the lower 48.

This guide covers

The best stops Island Park, ID to Dubois, WY, how long to drive Island Park, ID to Dubois, WY, whether is it worth driving Island Park, ID to Dubois, WY, and things to do between Island Park, ID and Dubois, WY.

Fuel is scarce; fill up in Island Park or Dubois. The route is well-maintained but remote, with no services between Moran and Dubois (approx. 70 miles). Plan for potential wildlife crossings, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Cell coverage sporadic; download offline maps.
• No major cities along the route.
• Snowplows operate year-round, but chains or 4WD advised in winter.

Road quality is generally good, with some frost heaves in spring. The Teton Pass segment east of Moran can be icy. Watch for slow-moving RVs on grades.

The route is family-friendly with several pullouts for wildlife viewing. The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson is a detour, but closer, the Brooks Lake Lodge offers horseback riding and is accessible via a gravel road (high clearance advised).

For pets, Yellowstone and Grand Teton require leashes; rest areas are pet-friendly. Carry water and waste bags.

Fatigue management: the drive is scenic, but long stretches can be monotonous. Take breaks at the Togwotee Pass summit (restrooms available) or at the Jackson Hole Airport overlook. Hidden off-route spots include the Union Pass Road, leading to historic sites and alpine meadows, and a scenic overlook of the Gros Ventre Slide, a massive landslide from 1925.

To find more hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route hugs the Teton Range's eastern flank, offering sudden glimpses of the Grand Teton. At Togwotee Pass, the Wind River Range emerges, a massive glacial expanse. The terrain shifts from dense lodgepole pine forests to sagebrush steppe.

Local commerce clusters around Moran and Dubois. In Moran, the Dornans store offers deli and gear. Dubois, a former railroad town, has several galleries and a museum. A notable local eatery is the Cowboy Café, known for its hearty breakfasts.

This area is adjacent to John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, a unit of Grand Teton National Park. While not a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, the park system here is part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

The climate is continental: cold winters, mild summers. Summer temps average 70°F at lower elevations, but can drop 20 degrees at the pass. Fall offers aspens in golden color; winter brings deep snow and subzero temps.