Island Park to Orderville: The Ultimate Utah Road Trip Guide

Spanning 450 miles, this route from Island Park, ID (elevation 6,293 ft) to Orderville, UT (5,400 ft) crosses three states and drops into the Great Basin. You'll traverse the Snake River Plain, skirt the Wasatch Range, and finish amid the pink cliffs of the Grand Staircase. Historically, this corridor follows segments of the Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century trade route linking Santa Fe to Los Angeles. Today, it's a smooth drive on US-20, I-15, and UT-9, with a total elevation change of just under 1,000 feet, though you'll climb and descend several mountain passes.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to make the most of this diverse landscape. The drive typically takes 7 hours without stops, but plan for at least 9 with breaks. Key milestones: Idaho Falls (2 hrs), Pocatello (3.5 hrs), Fillmore (4.5 hrs), and St. George (6.5 hrs).

Fuel economy: Most vehicles average 25 mpg, so you'll need about 18 gallons for the trip. Gas prices vary, with Utah often cheaper than Idaho; check apps for real-time updates. Budget around $60 for fuel. Interstate rest areas are plentiful on I-15, with restrooms and picnic tables at most exits.

• Road Quality: I-15 is well-maintained, but sections near Provo can be congested; US-20 and UT-9 are two-lane highways with occasional potholes.
• Tolls: None on this route.
• Construction: Expect summer roadwork on I-15; check UDOT and ITD for alerts.

If you're towing a trailer or driving an RV, be aware of steep grades on US-91 over Malad Pass (7,000 ft) and on UT-9 through Zion's tunnel (1.1 miles, no RVs over 11'4").

Safe Driving and Road Conditions

Watch for wildlife (deer, elk) at dawn/dusk, especially on US-20 and UT-9. Winter driving requires chains on mountain passes; summer thunderstorms cause flash floods in slot canyons. Keep a spare tire, water, and first-aid kit.

Family-Friendly Adventures

Kids will love the Idaho Falls Greenbelt (walking path along the river), the American Falls Aquarium (in American Falls, ID), and the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (near Brigham City). At Bryce Canyon, the Rim Trail is stroller-friendly.

Pet-Friendly Stops

Most hotels welcome pets for a fee, and many rest areas have designated pet zones. Off-leash parks include the Pocatello Dog Park and the St. George Dog Park. National parks restrict pets to trails, but you can board them at local kennels.

Hidden Gems and Fatigue Management

Venture off the beaten path to the Table Butte petroglyphs (near Price, UT) or the Grafton Ghost Town (outside Springdale). Break up the drive with stops at the Bear Lake overlook (mile 15 on US-89) or the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge (off UT-199). Plan a 15-minute break every two hours; use rest areas like the one at Beaver (mile 68 on I-15) or the Scipio Lake Vista Point.

Cultural Nuances

Beyond commerce, the route passes by the California National Historic Trail, and in Utah, many towns have pioneer heritage. Stop at the Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore (Utah's first capital) or the Cove Fort historic site.

Natural Landmarks and UNESCO Sites

Zion National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on the route's southern end. Highlights include Angels Landing and the Narrows. Other notable formations: the San Rafael Swell and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, which you can see from UT-9/UT-89.

Climate and Aesthetics

This route spans four climate zones: high desert (cold winters, mild summers) in Island Park, semi-arid steppe (low precipitation, temperature swings) in Idaho, a Mediterranean-like basin in Utah, and finally a hot desert in St. George. Summer highs exceed 100°F in Orderville, while winter lows dip below 0°F in Island Park. The best time to drive is spring (April-May) or fall (Sep-Oct) for moderate temps and colorful foliage.

Local Commerce and Dining

The culinary scene shifts from Idaho potato farms to Utah's Basque influences. Must-try: a pastrami burger in Provo, fry sauce in Salt Lake City, and a Dutch-oven dinner in Fillmore. Local products include huckleberry shakes in Island Park, cheese curds in Beaver, and pomegranates in Hurricane. For a unique stop, visit the Spud Drive-In in Driggs, ID, famous for its giant potato sculpture.