McCall to Gillette Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive Across Idaho & Wyoming

Did you know that the shortest route from McCall, Idaho to Gillette, Wyoming bypasses the entirety of Yellowstone National Park, crossing the Teton Basin and the high plains of central Wyoming instead? This 640-mile journey along US-20, US-26, and I-25 takes roughly 10 hours of driving time, but the real character lies in its transition from Idaho's ponderosa pine forests to Wyoming's sagebrush steppe. The route passes through the historic Oregon Trail corridor near Casper and crosses the Continental Divide at two points (about 7,000 ft elevation).

For travelers wondering how long to drive McCall, ID to Gillette, WY, the pure driving time is about 10 hours without stops. However, to truly experience the region's contrasts, plan for at least two days. The question is it worth driving McCall, ID to Gillette, WY? Absolutely—the journey reveals a lesser-known slice of the American West, with surprising geological and cultural gems along the way.

This guide covers best stops McCall, ID to Gillette, WY, from the Payette River corridor to the Bighorn Basin, and provides everything you need to plan an efficient and memorable road trip. For more on finding unique detours, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Natural Attractions

While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, the Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is a notable detour north of Dubois. Within the corridor, you’ll visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument (US-20 near Arco), a volcanic landscape of lava flows and cinder cones. Further east, the Wind River Canyon (US-20 between Shoshoni and Thermopolis) offers stunning Precambrian rock exposures.

• Craters of the Moon: explore lava tubes, hike the Wilderness Trail, visit the visitor center.
• Wind River Canyon: scenic drive with pullouts; watch for bighorn sheep.
• Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis: free public bathhouse, terraces of travertine.

Local Commerce and Culture

Small towns along the route retain Western character. In Idaho, look for huckleberry products (jams, milkshakes) in McCall and Idaho Falls. In Wyoming, the town of Shoshoni has a historic downtown with antique shops, while Casper offers the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, detailing the Oregon, Mormon, and California trails.

• McCall: touristy but authentic; local breweries like McCall Brewing Company.
• Idaho Falls: Japanese Friendship Garden, farmers market (summer).
• Casper: Nicolaysen Art Museum, restored historic hotels.
• Gillette: Energy Capital of the World; Frontier Auto Museum.

Culinary Infrastructure

Dining options cluster in larger towns. McCall has upscale lakefront dining (e.g., The Edge on Payette Lake). Idaho Falls offers diverse cuisines from steak to Mexican. Casper has a growing food scene with farm-to-table restaurants. Fast food chains are available at most interstate exits. For picnics, stock up at local grocery stores in McCall, Idaho Falls, and Casper.

• McCall: Ruins, a restaurant in a historic church; Salmon River Coffee for pastries.
• Idaho Falls: The Owl for burgers; Sushi Ya for Japanese.
• Casper: FireRock Steakhouse; Racca's Pizzeria Napoletana.
• Gillette: Tack Room for prime rib; Brush Creek for pub food.

Highway Details and Driving Times

The core route uses US-95 south from McCall to New Meadows, then US-55 to US-20 near Boise, but the most scenic option is to stay on US-95 to Council and follow US-95 to Cambridge, then US-95/ID-71 to US-20 near Parma. More directly, head east on ID-55 to US-20 at Cascade. From there, US-20 runs east to Idaho Falls, then US-26 continues to Casper, WY. Finally, I-25 north to Gillette.

• US-20 through Idaho: mostly two-lane highway with 65 mph speed limits; watch for farm vehicles and deer.
• US-26 through Wyoming: long, straight stretches with occasional passing lanes; high winds common.
• I-25: four-lane divided highway, 75 mph speed limit; well-maintained but remote sections.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are sparse in eastern Idaho and central Wyoming. Fill up in McCall, Idaho Falls, and Casper. Diesel and premium fuel available at major towns. Expect gas prices to vary by $0.20-$0.40 per gallon between Idaho and Wyoming. Carry cash for some smaller stations.

• McCall: several stations near ID-55.
• Idaho Falls: ample options near I-15/US-20.
• Casper: numerous stations on I-25.
• Midway: Mud Lake (ID), Dubois (ID), Shoshoni (WY), and Douglas (WY).

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

Roads are generally good, but winter conditions can be severe. US-20 east of Carey, ID is prone to snow drifts. US-26 near Monida Pass (7,000 ft) can be icy. I-25 in Wyoming is known for strong crosswinds; light vehicles should exercise caution. Summer construction is common; check 511 for delays.

• Idaho: pavement quality varies; some sections have narrow shoulders.
• Wyoming: excellent pavement on interstates; US-26 has good surface but occasional rough patches.
• Cell coverage: reliable in towns, but dead zones in mountains and high plains. Download offline maps.

Family and Child Suitability

The route is family-friendly with plenty of educational stops. Craters of the Moon offers a junior ranger program. In Thermopolis, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center (just off US-20) features real dinosaur fossils and a dig site. In Douglas, the Wagon Box Fight site and Fort Fetterman are living history opportunities. Rest areas often have playgrounds.

• McCall: Ponderosa State Park has easy trails and a Nature Center.
• Idaho Falls: a riverside greenbelt with playgrounds.
• Thermopolis: hot springs pool with slides for kids.
• Gillette: Eagle Butte Coal Mine tour (ages 8+).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most hotels along the route are pet-friendly, with chains like La Quinta and Motel 6 common. National forest land offers hiking with dogs on leash. Craters of the Moon allows pets on paved paths but not on trails. Hot Springs State Park permits leashed pets in the park but not in the bathhouse. Rest stops often have designated pet areas.

• Murry's Service Station in Mud Lake: pet-friendly with a dog run.
• Casper: two dog parks (Sagebrush Park and Ernie's Park).
• Gillette: pet supply stores at exit 126.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off US-20 near Ashton, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway leads to Lower Mesa Falls (a 114-ft waterfall). Between Dubois and Shoshoni, take a detour to the Ghost Town of Kirwin (4WD recommended). Near Kaycee, WY, the Hole-in-the-Wall site (Butch Cassidy's hideout) requires a gravel road.

• Lower Mesa Falls: 6 miles north of ID-20 via ID-47.
• Kirwin: 20 miles southwest of Meeteetse via gravel; historic mining town.
• Hole-in-the-Wall: 30 miles west of Kaycee; access via BLM roads.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Given the 10-hour drive, schedule breaks every 2 hours. Idaho has rest areas on US-20 near Arco and Carey. Wyoming has rest areas on I-25 at mile markers 15 (near Douglas) and 80 (near Wright). In between, small towns like Mud Lake, Dubois, and Shoshoni have city parks with restrooms. Consider an overnight stop in Casper (midpoint) or Thermopolis (slightly north via US-20).

• Idaho rest stop: Arco Rest Area (mile 0) – basic facilities.
• Wyoming rest area: Douglas Rest Area (I-25 northbound) – restrooms, picnic tables.
• Key overnight: Casper (motels from $80/night) or Thermopolis (hot springs motels from $100/night).