West Yellowstone to Kemmerer Road Trip Guide

The drive from West Yellowstone, Montana to Kemmerer, Wyoming covers 320 miles via US-20, I-15, and US-30, taking roughly 5.5 hours without stops. This route crosses the Continental Divide at Teton Pass (elevation 8,431 feet), a pass that is often closed in winter due to heavy snow. The region is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of the largest intact temperate ecosystems in the world.

Fuel stations are plentiful in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, but sparse between those cities and Kemmerer, so plan to fill up before leaving I-15. Gas prices in Wyoming are typically lower than in Montana or Idaho by about 5-10 cents per gallon. The route includes stretches of two-lane highways, particularly US-30 through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where passing opportunities are limited.

• Road quality is generally good, but expect frost heaves and potholes in spring.
• Cell coverage is spotty in remote areas, especially in the mountains.
• There are no toll roads on this route.

Travel time varies with weather; winter storms can add 1-2 hours. The most scenic segment is US-20 through Teton Pass, which offers views of the Teton Range. For a more direct route, take I-15 south from Idaho Falls, but you'll miss the pass.

The landscapes shift from the volcanic plateau around West Yellowstone to the fertile Snake River Plain, then into the high desert of Wyoming. Along the way, you'll pass the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, a popular area for hiking and camping. Near the town of Alpine, the Snake River offers whitewater rafting opportunities. The region's geology includes the Yellowstone hotspot, which has shaped the landscape over millions of years.

For dining, Idaho Falls has a variety of local eateries, including the iconic Great Potato, a giant potato statue at a fast-food restaurant. In Kemmerer, try the J.C. Penney Mother Store, the original 1902 location of the retail chain, which now houses a museum and a diner. Local specialties include huckleberry shakes in West Yellowstone and trout dishes in Idaho Falls.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites near the route include Yellowstone National Park (just north of West Yellowstone) and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which are reachable as a detour. However, these are not directly on the route.

Winter driving requires chains or snow tires; check road conditions at 511 for Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms and occasional hail, so be prepared for sudden weather changes. For families, the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls offers interactive exhibits, and the Teton Geotourism Center in Driggs has educational displays about the region's geology.

Pet-friendly stops include the Snake River Landing in Idaho Falls, which has a dog park and riverfront walking trails. For rest, the Idaho Falls rest area on I-15 has picnic tables and vending machines, but no overnight camping. The town of Montpelier, Idaho, has a city park with a walking path that's a quiet place to stretch. To avoid fatigue, stop every 2 hours; good spots include the Stagecoach Inn in Alpine and the Kemmerer City Park.

Hidden off-route spots worth a short detour include the Sinks Canyon State Park near Lander, Wyoming, and the Fossil Butte National Monument near Kemmerer, which preserves fish fossils from 50 million years ago. For finding more hidden gems, use this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.