Stanley to Afton: Route 93 Through Wild Idaho-Wyoming

Stanley, Idaho sits at the southern toe of the Sawtooth Range, where the Salmon River's headwaters converge. The drive to Afton, Wyoming follows US-93 southeast, then Idaho State Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass, and US-89 through Star Valley. The route spans roughly 180 miles and typically takes three-and-a-half to four hours of wheel time, but plan at least six to savor the landscapes.

This is a corridor of volcanic calderas, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and the Salt River Range. The easiest day-trip question—is it worth driving Stanley, ID to Afton, WY—answers itself the moment you crest the Big Hole Mountains and glimpse the Teton Range's snowy shoulder.

Best stops Stanley, ID to Afton, WY include Galena Lodge for lunch, the ghost town of Custer, and a short detour to the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery. Hidden off-route: Lava Lake, a volcanic crater filled with turquoise water, 10 miles south of Carey.

• Road safety: Watch for elk and deer at dawn/dusk, especially near wetlands; keep your speed down.
• Rest zones: Rest areas at Galena Summit and south of Alpine; pullouts abound.
• Family: Redfish Lake Visitor Center has interactive exhibits; the kids will enjoy the Stanley Museum's mining relics.
• Fatigue: Plan to stop every 1.5 hours; the two passes are strenuous.

For things to do between Stanley, ID and Afton, WY, consider a soak at the natural hot springs near Baumgartner Campground, or a wildlife-watching hike in the Palisades area. The route's biggest hidden gem is the unpaved Craters of the Moon loop, a volcanic moonscape added to the National Park system in 1924.

Check conditions at local ranger stations; they also know where the moose hang out. And remember, the drive itself is the reward—pull over often.

The Sawtooth Scenic Byway (part of US-93) is a National Scenic Byway, winding alongside the Salmon River with views of jagged peaks. Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers hiking at Redfish Lake, a glacial gem. Later, the Palisades Reservoir near Alpine, WY, is a prime photography spot.

Weather varies: summers are mild (70s–80s F) with afternoon thunderstorms; winters are cold and snowy. The best months for color are late September when aspen glow gold.

Local commerce thrives on tourism and ranching. In Ketchum, the Sun Valley area boasts a farm-to-table scene; in Afton, try a burger at the historic Afton City Cafe. Seasonal produce stands appear near Victor.

For family fun: Redfish Lake has a beach and boat rentals; the kids will love spotting elk and pronghorn. Pets stay welcome at most trailheads, but keep them on a leash in alpine zones to protect wildlife.

US-93 from Stanley to Ketchum is a well-maintained two-lane highway with periodic passing lanes. The segment over Galena Summit (elev. 8,701 ft) is the steepest, with grades up to 7% and sharp curves. Below Ketchum, ID-75 joins US-93, then the route turns east on ID-31 over Pine Creek Pass, a narrower road with wildlife crossings.

• Fuel economy: Expect 15–20% lower mpg due to altitude and mountain grades.
• Gas stops: Stanley (three stations), Ketchum/Bellevue, Carey, Arco, Hailey, and Victor. No services on ID-31 for 30 miles.
• Costs: Gas prices in rural Idaho are 10–15¢/gallon higher than in Twin Falls; plan accordingly.
• Road conditions: Winter (Nov–Mar) requires snow tires; closures are rare but check 511.idaho.gov.

The drive passes through no UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Yellowstone is three hours north of Afton. The nearest is Yellowstone, but it's not on this route.

For planning tips on finding spontaneous stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.