Jackson to Riverton: A Wyoming Road Trip Guide

This 150-mile stretch of US-26 and US-287 links the alpine grandeur of Jackson Hole with the Wind River Basin. In 1869, this corridor served as part of the Bridger Trail, a less-traveled alternative to the Oregon Trail. The route offers a dramatic descent from Teton Pass, traversing the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Expect a driving time of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, but the journey rewards those who linger. The key question—is it worth driving Jackson to Riverton? Yes, if you value solitude and transitioning ecosystems.

US-26 runs the entire route, with US-287 joining near Morrison Junction. The road is two-lane for most of the drive, well-maintained but winding through mountainous sections. Key towns for services include Hoback Junction (gas, food), Bondurant (limited), and Dubois (full services).

• Fuel stops: Jackson (plentiful), Dubois (two stations), Riverton (multiple). No gas between Dubois and Riverton for 80 miles.
• Cell service: Sporadic between Hoback Junction and Dubois; reliable near towns.
• Road conditions: Check WYDOT for winter closures on Teton Pass.

Be mindful of the Wind River Indian Reservation; permits are required for fishing or hiking off main roads. For best stops from Jackson to Riverton, consult how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Safety-wise, the route is generally safe but watch for wildlife (elk, deer, antelope) at dawn/dusk. Winter conditions demand snow tires and patience. The road has no guardrails in some mountain sections.

• Family-friendly: Brooks Lake (picnic, fishing), Dubois Museum (free, educational), Wind River Canyon (short walks).
• Pet-friendly: Most national forest lands allow leashed pets; the reservation requires pets on a leash.
• Rest zones: Scenic overlooks near Hoback Junction (restrooms) and Wind River Canyon (pull-offs).

Combat fatigue by stopping at the Tie Hack Historical Monument in Dubois (5-minute leg stretch) or the Crowheart Butte vista (30 minutes). The how long to drive Jackson to Riverton question often leads drivers to skip breaks, but plan for at least two 15-minute stops to stay alert.

The route showcases three distinct biomes: the subalpine forests of the Tetons, the arid sagebrush of the Upper Green River Basin, and the red desert of the Wind River Canyon. The National Elk Refuge near Jackson hosts the largest elk herd in North America.

• Bridger-Teton National Forest: Vast wilderness with hiking trails (e.g., Brooks Lake Trail).
• Wind River Canyon: A steep, scenic gorge with exposed Precambrian rock.
• Dubois: A small town known for its petrified forests and the National Bighorn Sheep Center.

Local commerce along the route includes rancher supply stores, trading posts (e.g., the Rustic Pine Inn in Dubois), and art galleries featuring Native American beadwork. The Wind River Hotel and Casino in Riverton offers a taste of tribal enterprise.