McCall to Lander Road Trip: Idaho Mountains to Wyoming Plains

This 450-mile journey from McCall, Idaho (elevation 5,000 ft) to Lander, Wyoming (elevation 5,357 ft) traverses the Payette National Forest, crosses the Snake River Plain, and climbs into the foothills of the Wind River Range. The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours without stops, but the route is rich with thermal features, historic byways, and unexpected geologic wonders.

One little-known fact: near Arco, Idaho, you'll pass the Experimental Breeder Reactor I, the first nuclear power plant to generate electricity in 1951—a quirky landmark on an otherwise rural stretch. The route follows US-95 south, then I-84 east, and US-20/US-26 into Wyoming, with the final leg on US-287.

Quick Overview Table

The drive begins in the conifer forests of the Payette National Forest, following the Payette River. Near Banks, ID, the canyon narrows and you'll see rafters in summer. At US-55 and I-84 junction, the landscape opens into the Snake River Plain—a volcanic desert dotted with sagebrush and basalt flows.

The most dramatic stop is Craters of the Moon National Monument, a lunar-like lava field with cinder cones and caves. This is a must-see and a key reason why it's worth driving McCall to Lander instead of flying. Things to do between McCall and Lander include hiking the North Crater Flow Trail (3.5 miles) or exploring the Indian Tunnel lava tube.

Local Commerce

• Boise farmers market (Saturday mornings, rich with huckleberry products)
• Arco's Pickle's Place (famous for huckleberry shakes)
• Dubois's Diamond 8 Ranch (local bison jerky and crafts)

For hidden gems, veer off US-20 at Carey, ID onto the historic Goodale's Cutoff (dirt road) that follows an Oregon Trail variant. This adds 30 minutes but offers untouched pioneer ruts and panoramic views of the Lost River Range. For a longer detour, take US-93 north from Arco to visit the ghost town of Silver City (2 hours total round trip).

Wildlife (elk, deer, antelope) are common at dawn and dusk, especially between Arco and Dubois. Use high beams on unlit stretches. The speed limit on two-lane highways is 65 mph; expect slower speeds in construction zones.

Family and Child Suitability: Craters of the Moon has a Junior Ranger program and easy boardwalk trails. The Lander Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits. For teens, the Lander Ice Rink has public skating.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most motels in McCall and Lander allow pets (Best Western Lander has a pet policy). Craters of the Moon allows leashed dogs on paved trails only. Rest stops along I-84 have designated pet areas.

Fatigue Management: Plan rest stops every 2 hours: at Cascade, ID (mile 43), Boise (mile 98), Arco (mile 278), and Dubois (mile 380). The stretch between Arco and Dubois (100 miles) has no services. Bring snacks and music playlists. The route's monotony can induce sleepiness.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: US-95 and US-20 are high-speed, well-paved, but narrow shoulders. I-84 is standard interstate. In winter, Idaho Transportation Department plows primary routes but secondary roads may be icy. Wyoming roads are plowed but often windswept; carry a winter survival kit.

For more tips on uncovering off-the-beaten-path attractions, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stations are sparse between Mountain Home, ID and Arco, ID (a 120-mile gap), so plan accordingly. In Wyoming, gas is available in Dubois (30 miles east of Moran Junction) and then not again until Lander (90 miles). Carrying a spare can is wise for the Dubois–Lander segment.

Road conditions: US-20 and US-26 are well-maintained two-lane highways; in winter, carry chains for Teton Pass (though this route bypasses that). The McCall–Boise section (Payette River Scenic Byway) has tight curves and is prone to ice.

• Total distance: ~450 miles
• Driving time (nonstop): 7h 15m
• Best time to depart: early morning (7 AM) to avoid afternoon storms in the high desert
• Cell service: patchy in Payette National Forest and between Craters of the Moon and Dubois

Recommended Fuel Stops

• Boise, ID (mile 98) – full services
• Arco, ID (mile 278) – last cheap gas before Wyoming
• Dubois, WY (mile 380) – premium fuel available