Jackson to Evanston Drive Guide: Stops, Scenery & Secrets

Driving from Jackson, WY to Evanston, WY covers roughly 150 miles along US-89 and US-189, a journey through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This route, part of the historic Lincoln Highway, offers dramatic shifts in elevation from Jackson's valley floor (6,237 ft) to Evanston's plateau (6,748 ft).

Expect a drive time of 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, but you'll want to linger. The road passes through Bridger-Teton National Forest, along the Green River, and past the majestic Wind River Range. This guide covers everything from fuel economics to hidden off-route spots.

The route is a showcase of Wyoming's diverse geography. From the rugged canyons near Jackson to the sagebrush plains south of Pinedale, the landscape constantly shifts. Bridger-Teton National Forest envelopes much of the drive, offering dense pine forests and alpine meadows.

• Bondurant Valley: A wide, pastoral valley with distant mountain views.
• Wind River Range: Visible west of Pinedale; a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site (Yellowstone-Grand Teton biosphere nearby).
• Green River Basin: Near Big Piney, the landscape turns arid, with red-rock bluffs.

Local commerce includes the historic town of Pinedale, known for its fur trade history and the Museum of the Mountain Man. In Big Piney, the annual Big Piney Muzzle Loader shoot draws history buffs. The region's economy is tied to ranching, gas extraction, and outdoor recreation.

For a deeper dive into finding hidden gems along any route, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities

Winter driving can be treacherous; the stretch from Bondurant to Pinedale sees frequent snow squalls. Carry chains and check weather via wyoroad.info. Summer brings sudden thunderstorms and hail. Elk and deer crossings are common, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Pet-friendly stops: Multiple national forest pull-offs, and many hotels in Pinedale and Evanston allow pets for a fee.
• Family activities: The Children's Museum of the Mountains in Jackson, the Pinedale Aquatic Center, and the Fossil Cabin in Elko (detour).
• Rest zones: Hoback Junction rest area, Pinedale City Park, and the Big Piney rest stop on US-189.

For fatigue management, break the drive at Pinedale's Lasso Park, which has tables and shade. The stretch between Big Piney and I-80 is long and empty—take a 15-minute nap if tired. Audio guides or podcasts can help stay alert.

Hidden off-route spots include the New Fork River crossing near Cora, where a short dirt road leads to a secluded fishing hole. Also, the abandoned town of Merna, north of Pinedale, offers rustic ghost town exploration.

US-89 runs south from Jackson, then merges onto US-189 south of Hoback Junction. At Daniel Junction, turn onto US-191 toward Pinedale. From Pinedale, follow US-191 south to US-189 at Rock Springs, then west on I-80 to Evanston.

• Estimated drive time: 2.5 to 3 hours without stops.
• Fuel stops: Jackson, Hoback Junction, Bondurant, Pinedale, Big Piney, Marbleton, and Evanston.
• Road quality: Mostly two-lane highway, well-paved but winding. I-80 section is divided highway.

For fuel economy, gas prices tend to be slightly higher in Jackson due to tourism, dropping in Pinedale by about $0.10-0.20 per gallon. Fill up in Pinedale for best rates. Electrolyte stations for EVs are sparse; only Jackson and Evanston have Level 2 chargers, so plan accordingly.