Sheridan, WY to Pocatello, ID: A Road Trip Guide to Hidden Gems

This 430-mile journey from Sheridan, Wyoming (elevation 3,743 feet) to Pocatello, Idaho (elevation 4,462 feet) traces historic pathways along I-90, US-20, and I-15. The route crosses the Continental Divide at Togwotee Pass (9,658 ft) and passes through the Wind River Indian Reservation, a sovereign nation with rich cultural heritage.

Drivers often ask how long to drive Sheridan, WY to Pocatello, ID: expect 7–8 hours of pure driving time, but plan for 10–12 hours with stops. This guide answers is it worth driving Sheridan, WY to Pocatello, ID with a resounding yes—the landscapes range from the Bighorn Mountains to the Snake River Plain.

We'll highlight best stops Sheridan, WY to Pocatello, ID, including geothermal wonders, wildlife refuges, and underrated small towns. For a broader philosophy on road trip discovery, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route is I-90 W from Sheridan to Buffalo (20 miles), then US-16 S to US-20 W through Thermopolis, Dubois, and on to Rexburg. At Rexburg, take US-20 W to I-15 S into Pocatello. Alternative: US-14 W to Cody and Yellowstone (longer, more scenic).

Fuel stations are spaced 30–50 miles apart, but between Dubois and Rexburg (130 miles) there are few services—fill up in Dubois. Gas prices in Wyoming are typically 10-15% lower than Idaho.

• Cell coverage: Strong on I-90 and I-15; spotty in Wind River Canyon and Togwotee Pass. Download offline maps.
• Road conditions: Snow possible October–May; check WYDOT and ITD apps.
• Speed limits: 70-80 mph on highways, slower in construction zones near Shoshoni.

Road tolls: None on this route. For electric vehicles, charging stations exist in Sheridan, Thermopolis, Dubois (Level 2), Rexburg (Supercharger), and Pocatello.

Weather alerts: In summer, afternoon thunderstorms can reduce visibility; in winter, Togwotee Pass often requires chains or 4WD. The best months are June–September when all passes are clear.

The drive unfolds in distinct biomes: from Sheridan's high plains (sagebrush and cottonwood) to the Bighorn Basin's badlands (red rocks and thermal features), over the Continental Divide into Jackson Hole's conifer forests, and down to the Snake River's agricultural valley.

Geological highlights: the Wind River Canyon is a 2,000-foot-deep gorge through Precambrian granite; the Thermopolis hot springs are the largest mineral hot springs in the world. Stop at Hot Springs State Park to view the free-flowing terraces and bison herd.

• Boysen State Park: A reservoir with fishing, boating, and camping; less crowded than Yellowstone.
• Togwotee Pass: At 9,658 feet, it offers panoramic views of the Absaroka Range and, on clear days, the Grand Teton.
• Rexburg's potato farms: Visit the Idaho Potato Museum for a quirky stop and free sample of potato ice cream.

Local commerce in small towns like Dubois (population 970) features Western wear stores, a bighorn sheep interpretive center, and a handful of diners serving fry bread and Indian tacos. Thermopolis has the Wyoming Dinosaur Center with over 30 mounted skeletons.

Between Dubois and Rexburg, the route passes through the Wind River Indian Reservation (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho). You'll see roadside stands selling beadwork and arrowheads. Tribal permits are not required for through travel.

Road quality: The route is mostly well-maintained asphalt. Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk—mule deer, pronghorn, and occasionally bison on US-20. In the Wind River Canyon, there are no shoulders for miles, so use pullouts for photos.

Fatigue management: The long straight stretches on US-20 can induce drowsiness. Plan stops every 2 hours: Thermopolis (mile 115), Dubois (mile 210), Jackson Junction (mile 280), Rexburg (mile 345). Each has rest areas or parks.

• Coffee: Java Moose in Dubois, a drive-through shack with strong brews.
• Stretch break: Boysen State Park has picnic tables and short trails along the reservoir.
• Power nap: Many rest areas are well-lit and patrolled; the one at Shoshoni has clean restrooms.

Family suitability: Kids will love the Wyoming Dinosaur Center (Thermopolis), the Bighorn Sheep Center (Dubois) with interactive exhibits, and the Potato Museum (Rexburg). For outdoor activities, short walks to the hot springs boardwalk are stroller-friendly.

Pet-friendly: Most rest stops have grassy areas; some state parks (Hot Springs, Boysen) allow leashed dogs. Pet-friendly motels in Thermopolis (Days Inn) and Rexburg (Super 8) charge small fees. Avoid leaving pets in cars—summer temps can exceed 90°F.

Hidden gem: Off US-20 near Shoshoni, take a short detour to the no-name pullout at a petroglyph site (ask locals for directions). It's unmarked but free.