Missoula to Afton: A Scenic Drive Through Rugged Rockies

This route from Missoula, Montana to Afton, Wyoming roughly follows US-93 and US-26, crossing the Continental Divide near Monida Pass. The 250-mile drive takes about 4.5 hours without stops, but you'll want to linger. Historically, this corridor was part of the Oregon Trail and later the stagecoach route to Yellowstone.

Key highways include US-93 South from Missoula, then US-20 East at Spencer Junction, merging onto US-26 East into Wyoming. The road is mostly two-lane, with sections of four-lane divided highway near Dillon, MT. Is it worth driving Missoula, MT to Afton, WY? Absolutely—the landscape shifts from Montana's ponderosa pine forests to Wyoming's sagebrush steppe, with the Teton Range looming southward.

For in-depth tips on finding stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Safety: avoid driving at night due to wildlife (elk, deer, moose). In winter, snow tires or chains are recommended. Roads are plowed but can be icy. Rest stops: official rest areas at mile markers 44 (Clark Canyon) and 120 (Spencer).

• Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours. Dillon offers a coffee shop (The Tired Lumberjack) and a park.
• Best stops Missoula to Afton: for families, the Beaverhead Rock State Park has easy trails and picnic spots.

Family and child suitability: kid-friendly activities include the Afton Star Valley Museum (free, hands-on) and the World's Largest Elk Horn Arch in Afton. Pet-friendly framework: most motels in Dillon and Afton allow pets (Motel 6, Super 8). In between, pets can stretch at the Lima Rest Area.

Hidden off-route spots: the ghost town of Bannack State Park is 20 miles west of Dillon (detour via MT-278). Also, the Targhee National Forest near Afton offers hot springs like Astoria Hot Springs (fee). Things to do between Missoula and Afton: horseback riding at the Big Hole River Ranch, or stargazing at the remote Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (east of Lima).

Culinary infrastructure: Dillon's best meal is at the Italian Grill (New York strip steak). Lima's Burger House serves classic diner fare. In Afton, do not miss The Local (farm-to-table cuisine) for bison tacos. For quick bites, the Afton Chevron has surprisingly good sandwiches.

Fuel stations are sparse, especially between Dillon and Afton. Fill up in Missoula (multiple stations) and Dillon (Chevron, Exxon). The 130-mile stretch from Dillon to Afton has only a few options: Lima, MT (50 miles south of Dillon) has one station, and the tiny hamlet of Lake, WY has none. Plan accordingly.

• Missoula: gas ~$3.50/gal, diesel ~$4.00
• Dillon: slightly cheaper, gas ~$3.30/gal
• Afton: gas ~$3.60/gal (WY average)

Road quality is good on US-93 and US-26, but watch for frost heaves in spring and deer at dawn/dusk. The speed limit is 65-70 mph on open highway, 55 in towns. No tolls exist on this route.

Cell coverage is spotty between Dillon and Afton—AT&T and T-Mobile lose signal near the Continental Divide. Download offline maps. Emergency services: dial 911, but response time can be 30+ minutes in remote areas.

The Big Hole River Valley south of Dillon is a fly-fishing paradise. The Big Hole River, a blue-ribbon trout stream, parallels US-91 for 20 miles. In autumn, cottonwoods blaze gold against the arid hills.

• Beaverhead Rock State Park: a historic landmark for Lewis and Clark, 14 miles south of Dillon.
• Clark Canyon Reservoir: waterskiing, camping, and the ghost town of Armstead.

Local commerce thrives in small towns. Dillon’s Historic District has the Beaverhead County Museum and unique shops. Lima boasts the Lima Trading Post for souvenirs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: none directly on route, but the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed houses in nearby Wyoming (e.g., the Darling House) offer architectural interest. More tangentially, Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is 120 miles south of Afton.