Ketchum to Watford City: Epic Idaho-North Dakota Road Trip

Route 20 east from Ketchum traverses the Continental Divide at 7,000 feet before dropping into the high desert plains of Wyoming. This 640-mile journey, a mosaic of volcanic foothills, sprawling ranchlands, and the dramatic badlands of western North Dakota, is a lesson in American vastness. A little-known fact: the section between Shoshoni, Idaho and Muddy Gap, Wyoming follows the exact path of the 1840s Oregon Trail, and you can still see wagon ruts preserved in the limestone near Guernsey.

Driving from Ketchum to Watford City typically takes 10-11 hours straight, but you’ll want to budget at least three days to absorb the stark beauty. The best stops Ketchum, ID to Watford City, ND include Craters of the Moon National Monument, Hell’s Half Acre in Wyoming, and the Little Missouri State Park. If you’re wondering how long to drive Ketchum, ID to Watford City, ND, the answer is a full day on I-94 and US-85, but the slower two-lane highways reward with solitude.

Is it worth driving Ketchum, ID to Watford City, ND? Absolutely — for the roadside geology alone. This route is less about flashy attractions and more about the journey through working landscapes. For tips on uncovering hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The backbone of this trip is US-20 east from Ketchum to Casper, Wyoming, then I-25 north to I-94 east, and finally US-85 north to Watford City. The entire route is well-paved and maintained, but services become sparse between Muddy Gap, WY and Douglas, WY — a 90-mile stretch with only one gas station. Fuel up in Shoshoni (exit 120) and again in Casper.

• Gas stations: Frequent in Idaho, sparse in central Wyoming, more regular near I-94 in ND.
• Food: Limited to small cafes in Shoshoni, Thermopolis, and Douglas; pack snacks for long stretches.
• Lodging: Motels in Idaho Falls, Casper, and Dickinson are reliable; book ahead during summer.
• Data coverage: AT&T and Verizon work in towns; T-Mobile has dead zones near Hell’s Half Acre.

The best stops Ketchum, ID to Watford City, ND for a break include the Idaho Falls Greenbelt (mile 145), the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper (mile 475), and the Painted Canyon Visitor Center (mile 620). For how long to drive Ketchum, ID to Watford City, ND, expect 10-11 hours of driving plus stops. Is it worth driving? Yes — especially for the quiet solitude of Wyoming’s Red Desert.

Road quality is excellent on Interstates, but US-20 in Wyoming has long stretches without shoulders. Wildlife — pronghorn, deer, and occasionally elk — often graze near dawn and dusk. Use high beams in rural areas and watch for reflective eyes. In winter, snow can close US-20 over the Continental Divide; check Road and Weather reports from WYDOT.

Family suitability: Craters of the Moon is kid-friendly with easy lava tube walks; the Oregon Trail Ruts are a short, paved trail. For pets, most rest stops allow leashed dogs, but national parks require dogs on trails. The Idaho Falls Greenbelt is pet-friendly. Fatigue management: stop every two hours. Recommended rest zones include the Shoshoni Rest Area (mile 95), the Muddy Gap Rest Area (mile 245), and the Glendo Rest Area (mile 380 near I-25).

• Emergency services: Hospitals in Idaho Falls, Casper, Dickinson; call 911. Cell coverage may be spotty — carry a paper map.
• Child-friendly attractions: Wyoming Dinosaur Center, National Historic Trails Center, Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
• Pet-friendly stops: Most fuel stations allow pets, but pack water and bowls for the dry climate.

The route begins in the sagebrush valleys of central Idaho. Craters of the Moon, just 20 miles west of Arco, is a volcanic rift zone with lava tubes and cinder cones — a must-stop for geology enthusiasts. Further east, the Wind River Canyon south of Thermopolis offers Precambrian gneiss cliffs and a roadside scenic pullout at the Wind River Canyon Rest Area.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are absent on this exact route, but the Oregon Trail ruts near Guernsey (a National Historic Landmark) are a close second. The site features actual wagon ruts carved into sandstone — a tangible link to 19th-century migration. In North Dakota, the Little Missouri State Park and the Maah Daah Hey Trail offer hiking and horseback riding through the badlands.

Local commerce: in Thermopolis, the Star Plunge hot springs are a fun soak; in Douglas, the Wyoming State Fairgrounds host events in August. Watford City’s economic boom from oil has led to new motels and restaurants like the Rough Rider Hotel. Things to do between Ketchum, ID and Watford City, ND: explore Idaho Falls’ River Walk, visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, and hike the Caprock Coulee Trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit, near Medora).