Sun Valley to Pinedale: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Did you know that along US-20 from Sun Valley eastward, you cross the Continental Divide three times before reaching Pinedale? That's right — the road climbs over the Snake River Plain, through Teton Pass, and into the Green River Basin, each crossing offering a distinct ecological shift.

This 220-mile route from Sun Valley, ID to Pinedale, WY takes about 4 hours of pure driving, but plan for 6–8 hours to enjoy detours. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach will make this journey unforgettable.

The route primarily follows US-20 east from Sun Valley to Idaho Falls, then US-26 east to Jackson, and finally US-191 north to Pinedale. Estimated driving time: 4 hours without stops. Gas stations are concentrated in towns: Idaho Falls, Swan Valley, and Jackson. Between Jackson and Pinedale, the next gas is 80 miles — fill up in Jackson.

• Distance: 220 miles total
• Driving time: 4 hours (no stops)
• Recommended stops: Idaho Falls, Jackson
• Toll roads: none
• Road surfaces: excellent paved highways

Cell coverage is solid except for a 15-mile stretch between Swan Valley and Hoback Junction. Download offline maps for that segment.

Safety is paramount on this route. Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn/dusk between Hoback Junction and Pinedale where moose, elk, and deer frequently cross. Speed limit is 65-70 mph on US-20, but reduce to 55 near curves in the Teton Pass area. Rest zones: Rest areas at milepost 28 near Idaho Falls and at Summit Rest Area near Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 ft).

• Family stops: Teton County Fairgrounds in Jackson (summer events)
• Kid-friendly dining: The Bunnery Bakery & Café in Jackson
• Fatigue tips: Stop every 2 hours; stretch at Heise Bridge over the Snake

Pet-friendly framework: Most motels in Jackson accept pets; Pinedale's Best Western has a $20 fee. The Jackson Town Square is dog-friendly. Off-leash area at Phil Baux Park in Pinedale. Winter travel requires snow tires or chains from November to April on Teton Pass.

From Sun Valley's sagebrush valleys, you climb through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, with views of the Snake River and Teton Range. The landscape transitions from volcanic plains to alpine forests and finally the Wyoming high desert. A must-stop is Mesa Falls Scenic Byway near Ashton, ID — a 30-minute detour to see Lower Mesa Falls, a 114-foot cascade viewed from a boardwalk.

• Grand Teton National Park: Enter via Moose Junction, $35/vehicle
• National Elk Refuge: Near Jackson, winter sleigh rides (Nov-Apr)
• Local produce: Hatch's in Jackson sells huckleberry jam
• Art galleries: Jackson's town square has 20+ galleries

UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby include Yellowstone National Park (80 min north of Jackson) and the newly designated Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (not on route but reachable). The route's cultural heart is Jackson's Western frontier vibe, with boardwalks and cowboy bars. In Pinedale, the Museum of the Mountain Man offers a deep dive into fur trade history.