Pocatello to Pinedale Road Trip Guide

The route from Pocatello, ID to Pinedale, WY follows US-20 East for about 220 miles, crossing lava plains, mountain passes, and high desert sagebrush—a swift 4-hour drive that takes you from the Portneuf Valley to the Wind River Range's doorstep. US-20 splits from I-86 near Pocatello and heads northeast, first skirting the Blackfoot Reservoir and then climbing into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest before descending into Idaho's potato country around Idaho Falls.

The geological story alternates between volcanic basalt of the Snake River Plain and the sedimentary ridges of the Wyoming Overthrust Belt. Features like the Idaho National Laboratory's Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (a National Historic Landmark) sit just north of the route, while the Island Park Caldera—one of Earth's largest volcanic calderas—lies a short detour north of Ashton. These volcanic soils underpin the region's famous potato farming, visible in the irrigated fields around Idaho Falls.

Local commerce along the route reflects its rural character: farm stands selling potatoes and honey in Idaho, and small outfitters in Alpine catering to fishing and rafting on the Snake River. In Pinedale, the Museum of the Mountain Man chronicles the fur trade era. For a taste of local flavor, try a huckleberry shake at a drive-in in Ashton, or a bison burger at a diner in Alpine.

Fuel is plentiful at both ends, but sparse in the middle—top off in Idaho Falls or Rigby before crossing into Wyoming. Wyoming's side has long stretches without services; the last major fuel stop is in Alpine, WY. As of 2025, plan for roughly $40–$50 in gas for a typical sedan.

• Top towns: Idaho Falls, ID • Rigby, ID • St. Anthony, ID • Ashton, ID • Warm River, ID • Alpine, WY
• Road quality: US-20 is well-maintained across Idaho; WY-191 is good but with occasional frost heaves
• Weather: Mountain passes (Teton Pass area) can close in winter; check conditions

If you're hunting for best stops Pocatello, ID to Pinedale, WY, know that the drive is increasingly scenic as you approach Wyoming. For a detailed methodology on scouting hidden gems, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route passes near the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and offers quick access to Grand Teton National Park via WY-22 from Victor, ID—a worthwhile detour if time allows.

The route is generally safe and straightforward, but winter brings cold and snow, so pack an emergency kit. Speed limits are 65–70 mph; watch for deer and elk, especially at dawn and dusk. Rest areas are few—notable ones near Idaho Falls and Alpine. To combat fatigue, schedule a break every 2 hours.

Families will enjoy the children's museum in Idaho Falls and the Yellowstone Bear World wildlife park just north of Rigby. Rest stops are pet-friendly, but many hotels outside towns have restrictions. For hikers, consider the things to do between Pocatello, ID and Pinedale, WY: a short walk to Mesa Falls, south of Ashton, or a visit to the historic Ward+Roof House in Pinedale. The question is it worth driving Pocatello, ID to Pinedale, WY answers itself with these landscapes—the journey is a scenic prelude to the Wind River Range.