Stanley ID to Riverton WY: Scenic Drive Guide & Best Stops

The drive from Stanley, ID (elevation 6,260 ft) to Riverton, WY (elevation 4,961 ft) traverses 580 miles of diverse terrain, crossing the Continental Divide at Teton Pass (8,431 ft) and following the historic Oregon Trail corridor. This route is not just a highway—it's a journey through volcanic plains, mountain passes, and high desert basins shaped by ancient glacial floods.

Is it worth driving Stanley, ID to Riverton, WY? Absolutely, for travelers seeking raw natural beauty and remote western landscapes. The drive takes approximately 9 to 10 hours of actual driving time, spread over two days if you plan to explore.

This route is primarily via US-20/26/191, with sections of I-15 and US-287. Road conditions are generally good, with well-maintained asphalt throughout, but winter can bring heavy snow, especially over Teton Pass. Check Wyoming road reports and Idaho's 511 before departure.

Fuel is available in Stanley, but it's sparse between Idaho Falls and Jackson (about 100 miles). Fill up in Idaho Falls or Blackfoot to avoid range anxiety. Along the route, gas prices average $3.50–$4.00 per gallon (2024). Towing and RVs should factor in grades of up to 6% on Teton Pass.

• Major fuel stops: Stanley, Idaho Falls, Jackson, Dubois, Riverton
• Rest areas: near Arco, ID; Teton Pass; Dubois; and Wind River Canyon

Wildlife (deer, elk) are prevalent at dawn and dusk, especially in Yellowstone's vicinity—this route borders it near West Yellowstone (a detour from Idaho Falls). Use headlights in low light and scan roadsides.

For families, Craters of the Moon offers accessible trails (Loop Drive, 7 miles) and visitor center activities. In Jackson, the Town Square with its antler arches and the nearby National Elk Refuge are kid-friendly. For pets, many motels along the route are pet-friendly—confirm when booking: Idaho Falls has several, and Dubois' Longhorn Motel allows pets.

Fatigue management: take breaks at the Arco rest stop (mile marker 190 on US-20) and at the Wind River Canyon viewpoint. Alternate drivers if possible. Culinary options: in Stanley, Smiley Creek Lodge serves hearty breakfast; in Dubois, The Moose and The Trapper offer classic American fare. In Riverton, don't miss the old-fashioned soda fountain at the Riverton Drug.

From Stanley, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway (SH-75) offers dramatic granite peaks and alpine lakes. East of Carey, Craters of the Moon National Monument showcases lava fields and cinder cones—arrive early to beat crowds. As you cross into Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park rises abruptly, a signature vista for this drive.

• Continental Divide crossing at Teton Pass (8,431 ft) provides panoramic views
• Wind River Canyon (US-20) features 2 billion-year-old rock formations and is a sacred site for Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes
• Local commerce: In Dubois, the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center offers exhibits; Riverton's River Meadows Trail honors indigenous culture