See the total street journey right here
This 440-mile phase of the Oregon Path street journey connects Casper, WY to Pocatello, ID by way of scenic southern Wyoming and southeastern Idaho. Highlights embrace Wyoming’s Boysen Reservoir and Sinks Canyon close to Lander, in addition to Idaho’s Snake River landscapes and Lava Scorching Springs. We suggest 3–4 days to discover campgrounds and facet routes alongside the best way. For extra on the total journey, see our full Oregon Path street journey overview.
Route Overview
This route begins on Wyoming’s excessive desert, dips south by way of the Wind River Vary, and drops into Idaho’s Snake River basin. Vacationers will encounter winding two-lane highways, ranchland, and mountain passes. Key waypoints are Lander (gateway to Sinks Canyon SP) and Dubois, WY. Summer season journey is finest (roads are clear), whereas winter can deliver icy highways and chain necessities. Cell service is dependable in cities however restricted in wilderness. Drivers ought to put together for lengthy stretches with out companies.
Fast Stats
| Complete Distance | ≈ 440 miles |
|---|---|
| Drive Time | ~7½ hours (no stops) |
| States | Wyoming, Idaho |
| Major Routes | US-20, US-26, US-287, I-15 |
| Instructed Days | 3–4 days |
| Cell Service | Good close to cities; spotty in canyons |
| Gas Stops | Casper, Shoshoni, Riverton, Lander, Dubois, Idaho Falls |
Day 1: Casper, WY to Lander, WY
Distance: ~150 miles; ~2½ hours driving. From Casper, take US-20 W to Shoshoni, then to Riverton for lunch and gas. In Shoshoni, go to Boysen State Park on Boysen Reservoir – nice for picnics and straightforward lakeside walks. Proceed southwest on US-26/287 into Lander. In late afternoon, take the Sinks Canyon spur (7 mi south on WY-131) to see the place the Popo Agie River “sinks” underground and benefit from the brief waterfall path. Then return to Lander for the evening.
Day 2: Lander, WY to Dubois, WY
Distance: ~80 miles; ~1½ hours driving. Head north on US-287 from Lander alongside the Wind River. The street winds by way of ranching nation and canyon vistas. Plan a cease close to Crowheart Butte (mile ~40) – a brief path results in a hilltop viewpoint. Proceed previous Diversion Dam to Dubois by early afternoon. The city affords a pioneer museum and riverfront parks. Spend the night in Dubois, the place you’ll discover groceries, fuel, and some native eating places.
Day 3: Dubois, WY to Pocatello, ID
Distance: ~300 miles; ~5–6 hours with stops. Take US-26 west from Dubois into Idaho. First spotlight: Craters of the Moon – permit 1–2 hours to stroll among the many lava fields and cinder cones. Subsequent, drive into Idaho Falls. Stretch your legs on the Snake River Greenbelt and revel in lunch by the river. Within the afternoon, you could detour 30 mi south to chill out within the pure swimming pools at Lava Scorching Springs. Lastly, head south on I-15 to Pocatello for the evening.
Campgrounds to Think about
Sinks Canyon Campground – Rustic riverside campground north of Lander, WY. Vault bogs and fireplace rings at every web site. Backcountry trails begin right here. Websites are first-come (~$20/evening) with no hookups.
Popo Agie Campground – Additionally in Sinks Canyon (32 websites). Picnic tables and vault bogs in a pine setting alongside the river. Three rentable yurts are additionally obtainable. The quiet loop is just some miles north of Lander, making it a great base for canyon hikes.
Powerful Creek Campground (Boysen State Park) – Shaded campground on Boysen Reservoir close to Shoshoni. Picnic tables, vault bogs, and a ship ramp. Sunrises over the lake are standard with campers. (No reservations; arrive early on busy summer season days.)
Lake Aspect Campground (Boysen State Park) – Lakeside campground on Boysen Reservoir with 18 websites (8 pull-throughs, a number of with electrical energy). Shady timber and water views make it nice. Facilities embrace a water spigot and pit bogs.
Dubois Campground – Non-public RV park in Dubois, WY. Full hookups, showers, and cabins obtainable. Very clear and family-friendly. Handy to city (fuel, shops, eating places close by). Good cell sign right here.
Pocatello KOA – Full-service campground in Pocatello, ID (off I-15). Tent and RV websites (with hookups), cabins, and teepees. Facilities embrace a playground and mini-golf. It’s close to exits for Pocatello’s points of interest and eating. A handy ultimate cease.
Prime Actions & Sights
Pure Highlights
- Sinks Canyon State Park – Deep limestone gorge with a waterfall. Hike straightforward trails to see the Popo Agie River vanish into the “Sinks”. Bighorn sheep typically graze on the cliffs above.
- Boysen Reservoir & Cliffs – Massive reservoir with boating and trout fishing. Towering crimson cliffs line the north shore. West Boysen State Park affords boat ramps and picnic areas for a lakeside break.
- Craters of the Moon NM – Alien-like lava-formed panorama. Stroll brief loops (e.g. Satan’s Orchard) to see cinder cones and lava molds. The customer middle’s shows clarify the geology. Enable about an hour to discover.
- Cultural & Historic
- Bloodbath Rocks State Park (ID) – Oregon Path landmark with jagged lava outcroppings. A 0.5-mile path leads previous a small museum to overlooks over the Snake River. It was the location of an 1862 emigrant skirmish, making it an intriguing detour off I-86.
- Pioneer Museum (Dubois) – Small log-cabin museum with Native Shoshone artifacts and pioneer ranching instruments. A fast cease to understand native historical past.
Distinctive Expertise
- Lava Scorching Springs – Quaint Idaho city identified for its naturally heated swimming pools. Soak within the Olympic-size outside pool or the indoor grotto. Afterwards, browse downtown outlets or stroll the close by river path. It’s a enjoyable, enjoyable break from driving.
Journey Suggestions
Gas & Meals: Companies are sparse. Prime off in Lander or Dubois earlier than heading west. Groceries in Lander, Dubois, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello; pack snacks for the street. Carry water for hikes.
Climate & Roads: Afternoon storms are widespread in summer season; fall nights flip chilly. Snow can shut excessive passes (examine WYDOT/Idaho 511). Principal highways are paved.
Cell Protection: Restricted outdoors cities. Anticipate service in Casper, Lander, Dubois, and Pocatello, however none in most canyons or on lengthy rural stretches. Obtain offline maps forward of time.
Wildlife: Look ahead to deer, pronghorn, and elk on roadsides. In Sinks Canyon and reserves, yield to bighorn sheep. By no means feed wildlife; safe your meals and trash.
Charges & Permits: State parks cost tenting charges (Wyoming self-pay envelopes). Craters of the Moon expenses $10 per car. No permits wanted for day hikes. Camp solely in designated websites and observe Go away No Hint.
Further Assets
This phase is one a part of the Oregon Path street journey. For the whole itinerary, see our full Oregon Path street journey itinerary. Different phase guides cowl the remaining legs of the journey. Plan your campsites with The Dyrt PRO and evaluation official Go away No Hint pointers. Protected travels!
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