Salmon ID to Dubois WY: Scenic Road Trip Guide

North America's Continental Divide Trail crosses Highway 28 at the Montana-Idaho border near the route's midpoint, a reminder that this drive traverses high, rugged terrain. The 234-mile journey from Salmon, Idaho, to Dubois, Wyoming, takes about 4.5 hours without stops. It's a route that rewards a slower pace, with unexpected vistas and small-town history. Below, find a practical guide to making the most of this drive.

The route crosses the Bitterroot Range, the Lemhi Valley, and the Eastern Snake River Plain, with sagebrush steppe giving way to farmland. Salmon is the gateway to the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Idaho Falls sits on the Snake River and is a regional hub.

Along Highway 28, the ghost town of Gilmore offers a glimpse of mining-era history, and the Birch Creek Campground is a quiet picnic spot. Further south, the Idaho National Laboratory site is a notable landmark. In Dubois, the National Museum of Military Vehicles showcases a large collection of restored military vehicles.

Local commerce includes a handful of cafés and diners in Salmon and Leadore, offering American staples like burgers and milkshakes. Idaho Falls has a more diverse culinary scene with several craft breweries. For cultural immersion, consider a stop at the Lemhi County Historical Museum in Salmon.

Road quality is generally good on US-93 and I-15, but US-28 can be rough in places and winter weather closes it occasionally. Watch for wildlife, especially deer and elk at dawn and dusk. Drive with headlights on in low-visibility areas.

For families, the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park and the Museum of Idaho are excellent stops. Between Salmon and Dubois, there are limited formal playgrounds, but rest areas and campgrounds offer open space for children to stretch. Pets are allowed on a leash at most rest areas and campgrounds; check individual hotel policies in Idaho Falls.

To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 2 hours. The route offers few services, so restrooms are scarce; carry toilet paper and water. The best formal rest areas are at mile markers 40 (near Leadore) and 158 (near Idaho Falls). For longer breaks, the towns of Leadore and Gilmore have pull-offs with scenic views.

The most direct route is: US-93 South from Salmon for 42 miles to Leadore, then US-28 South for 130 miles to Idaho Falls, then I-15 North and US-20 East for 62 miles to Dubois. For critical route stats, see the table.

• Highway 28 is a two-lane rural road with minimal services; drive with a full tank.
• Gas is available in Salmon, Leadore, and Gilmore (limited hours), but not intermittently.
• Larger fuel stations are in Idaho Falls, about 100 miles before Dubois.

As for route economics, the fuel cost will vary with your vehicle and gas prices, but budget around $30–$50. To verify current conditions, check local signage or call ahead. For tips on discovering stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.