McCall to Driggs Road Trip: Idaho's Scenic Mountain Drive

This 280-mile route from McCall to Driggs traverses central Idaho via ID-55, US-95, US-20, and ID-33, a drive averaging 5.5 hours without stops. The road crosses the historic Lolo Trail corridor used by Lewis and Clark, passing through the Payette National Forest, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the volcanic plains of the Snake River Plain before ascending the Teton Valley. Unlike the more direct but monotonous interstate, this route offers a cross-section of Idaho's geography—from alpine lakes to sagebrush steppe—making it a journey worth the extra time.

One curious local fact: the section of US-20 near Arco is built on the rift zone of the Eastern Snake River Plain, a volcanic feature that produces the distinctive buttes visible from the highway. These are remnants of the Yellowstone hotspot's track, which today sits under Yellowstone National Park, just 90 minutes northeast of Driggs.

The journey begins in the Payette National Forest, where dense Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cloak the mountains. Along ID-55 south, the road hugs the Payette River, a popular whitewater rafting destination. After New Meadows, the landscape opens into the Weiser River Valley, a pastoral mosaic of hayfields and cattle ranches, then transitions into the arid Snake River Plain, marked by extinct volcanic cones and lava flows near Arco. The final leg through the Teton Basin offers unobstructed views of the Grand Teton and surrounding peaks, rivaling Yellowstone's scenery.

• Highlights: Payette River Scenic Byway (ID-55), Craters of the Moon National Monument (detour near Arco), Mesa Falls (near Ashton), Teton Valley views.
• Hidden off-route gems: The ghost town of Warren, 20 miles north of McCall on gravel roads (accessible in dry weather), and the Natural History Museum at the College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None on route, but Yellowstone National Park is a day trip from Driggs.

Local commerce reflects frontier heritage. In McCall, specialty shops sell handcrafted wooden boats and huckleberry products. In Ashton, the annual Fremont County Fair showcases local livestock and produce. Driggs' downtown features art galleries and coffeehouses catering to Jackson Hole spillover. For a unique souvenir, visit the Arco General Store for firearms and antiques. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel economy on this route varies dramatically due to elevation and traffic. Expect 20-25 mpg for a typical sedan; with Idaho's current average gasoline price around $3.50, the total fuel cost is approximately $45 for the 281 miles. However, fuel is pricier in remote towns like McCall and Driggs; fill up in Boise or Idaho Falls for savings.

• McCall (departure) to New Meadows: 24 miles, 30 mins. ID-55 north to US-95 north.
• New Meadows to Council: 30 miles, 35 mins. US-95 north.
• Council to Cambridge: 17 miles, 20 mins. US-95 north.
• Cambridge to Weiser: 36 miles, 40 mins. US-95 north.
• Weiser to Fruitland: 30 miles, 35 mins. US-95 north to US-84 east.
• Fruitland to Boise (optional detour): 60 miles, 1 hour. US-84 east.
• Boise to Mountain Home: 50 miles, 50 mins. I-84 east to US-20 east.
• Mountain Home to Arco: 120 miles, 2 hours. US-20 east.
• Arco to Idaho Falls: 85 miles, 1.25 hours. US-20 east.
• Idaho Falls to Rexburg: 30 miles, 30 mins. US-20 east.
• Rexburg to Ashton: 25 miles, 30 mins. US-20 east.
• Ashton to Driggs: 27 miles, 35 mins. ID-33 east.

The route includes two significant mountain passes: the grade east of New Meadows (elev. 4,800 ft) and Teton Pass (8,431 ft) just before Driggs. Winter travel requires snow tires or chains from October to April. Road quality is excellent on US-20 (four-lane divided highway) but narrow to two lanes on ID-55 and ID-33. Rest areas are sparse; the largest are near New Meadows, Cambridge, and Arco.

The route's primary safety concerns are wildlife (deer, elk) on US-95 and US-20 between dusk and dawn, and sudden weather changes on Teton Pass. Carry chains from October to April. Cell service drops in the Payette corridor and near Arco; download offline maps. Emergency call boxes are infrequent; satellite phones are recommended for remote stretches.

• Family suitability: The route offers many kid-friendly stops. The McCall Activity Barn (mini-golf, bumper boats), the Idaho Falls Zoo, and the Teton County Fairgrounds in Driggs (summer events) are highlights. Restrooms: all fuel stations, rest areas at New Meadows (mile 24), Cambridge (mile 77), Arco (mile 225), and Idaho Falls (mile 260).
• Pet-friendly: Most roadside chains allow pets; national forest lands permit dogs on trails. The Payette River offers swimming spots for dogs. In Driggs, the Teton Valley Dog Park provides off-leash space.
• Fatigue management: Take a 15-minute break every two hours. The best rest spots are the Council City Park (east of downtown), a pullout just after the Weiser River overlook (mile 70), and the rest area at the Arco exit (mile 225) with picnic tables. For overnight stops, consider Maacama Campground near McCall (reservations advised) or the Budget Inn in Arco.
• Culinary stops: In McCall, try the Salmon River Brewery (gastropub). In Cambridge, the Cambridge Steakhouse offers prime beef. In Arco, the Pickle's Place serves diner fare. In Driggs, the Brakeman's Grill in the old train depot has craft sandwiches. For coffee, the Common Knowledge Coffee in Driggs is excellent.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for frost heaves in spring. Teton Pass has steep switchbacks; large RVs should take ID-33 through Swan Valley instead. Wear sunscreen at higher altitudes—reflectivity off snow can cause sunburn even on cloudy days.