Riverton to Dillon Drive: Route, Stops, and Hidden Gems

On US-287 north of Riverton, the route crosses the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. This is one of the few highways in America that traverses a reservation for over 40 miles, offering a glimpse into Native American history and culture.

The drive from Riverton to Dillon covers approximately 310 miles, with an estimated driving time of 5 hours and 45 minutes under normal conditions. The route passes through varied landscapes, from high desert plains to mountain passes, ending in the Beaverhead River Valley.

Leaving Riverton, the terrain ascends into the Wind River Canyon, a scenic gorge carved by the Bighorn River. The canyon walls expose 2.8-billion-year-old Precambrian granite, a geological marvel. Farther, the route skirts the Absaroka Range, with opportunities to glimpse bighorn sheep.

Dubois, a small ranching town, offers a museum on the area's pioneer history and a working ranch. The National Museum of Wildlife Art sits on the outskirts of Jackson, displaying fine art and a sculpture trail.

In Jackson, the town square with its elk-antler arches epitomizes Western kitsch, but local commerce thrives: check out the Jackson Hole Historical Society for authentic artifacts. Grand Teton National Park begins immediately north of Jackson, featuring iconic peaks and alpine lakes.

For a dose of local culture, stop at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson for its saddle barstools, or visit a local microbrewery in Victor, ID, just over Teton Pass.

Driving safety is paramount, especially on the winding Teton Pass (max 10% grade) where trucks are advised to use lower gears. In winter, chains may be required; carry essentials. Wildlife crossings are common at dawn and dusk, so reduce speed near forested areas.

For rest stops and meals, the route is punctuated with small towns: Dubois, Jackson, and Victor, ID, offer a range of diners and coffee shops. A well-timed lunch at Jackson avoids the afternoon rush.

Family-friendly attractions en route include the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, which takes visitors to a 10,000-ft summit, and the Teton Raptor Center, where kids can see live birds of prey. The National Museum of Wildlife Art offers children's activities and free admission for under-18s.

For pet owners, many parks have walking trails, and Leash laws apply. Always carry water and a portable bowl. Restrooms are available in museums and towns.

• Top rest area: Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center at Moose, with exhibits and restrooms.
• Fatigue alert: The straight stretch south of Jackson can lull drivers into drowsiness.
• Hidden gem: Take a detour to the Granite Hot Springs geothermal pool, just 12 miles off the highway via a gravel road.

US-287 is the primary route, merging with US-26 through Dubois and later with US-89 at Moran Junction. The road has two lanes for most of the journey, with passing lanes at intervals. Except for the Teton Pass section, which is maintained year-round due to its importance as a commuter route between Idaho and Wyoming, snow removal is regular in winter.

• Road Quality: Asphalt is in good condition, but watch frosted patches at higher elevations, especially Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 ft).
• Fuel: Gas stations are sparse; fill up in Riverton, Dubois, and Jackson. Prices may be higher in remote areas.
• Rest Areas: No dedicated rest areas on the Wyoming stretch, but pullouts exist for scenic views. In Montana, rest areas at Beaverhead Rock and Red Rock.

For navigation, the route is straightforward, but a paper map or downloaded GPS is advisable due to spotty cell service, particularly between Dubois and Jackson. In winter, check road conditions via Wyoming 511 or Montana 511.

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities