Forum Discussion

DRKMinWA's avatar
DRKMinWA
Explorer
Apr 15, 2018

US 26 East from Idaho Falls

Thinking about west to east crossing of Wyoming on US 26 instead of I80 in late May. Looking for more scenery than I80. Is that still a bit early in the season? Would I80 be better at that time of the year?

Happy Travels.
  • 26 is a good choice. no passes between Idaho Falls and Alpine WY.
    one pass between Moran Junction and Dubois WY...nothing scary.
    from there on, it's just a good way to see the old Oregon Trail route across WY.
    Fuel available in Dubois, Riverton and Casper. walmarts in Riverton and Casper.
    Once you get into NE, the road gets a little busier, passing through farming country.
  • US 26 is a good two lane for much of way. Several good sized passes with steep climbs and down-hill runs. One near Idaho/Wyoming border and other east of Jackson.
    May should be good for weather. Could have slight chance of quick snow.
    Great scenery on passes, Jackson area for new born animals.
    Refuel in Jackson as it is fairly long haul to east.
  • On the map it looks like US26 follows the Snake River all the way to the Jackson basin.

    ID33/WY22 Teton Pass is the road with steep grades on the ID/WY border.
  • Hwy 26 is an easy, beautiful route for any size RV. The end of May should be o.k. but check the weather for coming out of Grand Teton NP to Dubois, WY. That would be the only area with possible weather issues unless a freak storm in that whole area. You'll see the Tetons with lots of snow so it would be a gorgeous drive.
  • We would highly recommend route 26 from Idaho Falls all the way across WY and on to Ogalalla NE. Great scenery with no major grades.

    Near the top of Togwotee Pass between Moran and Dubois - May 30, 2014


    Snowfield at the top of Togwotee Pass - May 30, 2014


    A visit to Sinks Canyon just outside of Lander is worth considering. We also like route 287 from Lander to Muddy Gap and then route 220 to Casper. This route passes Oregon Trail sites including Split Rock, Devils Gate and Independence Rock. In southeast WY route 26 passes through Guernsey where the Trail Ruts and Register Cliff are a don't miss.




    A few miles further east on route 26 is Fort Laramie


    From Ogalalla we take route 30 across NE as far a Grand Island to avoid the heavy truck traffic on I80.

    Enjoy your trip!
  • This is a great route. Last July we picked it up West of Arco and ran it to Route 59 north enroute to the Devils Tower. We stayed at the KOA in Dubois. A good campground and in walking distance to the town. Good food, some interesting shops. I bought my first ever, real thing, cowboy hat at the Olson's Western Store and Trading Post there. The scenery heading east out of town is just beautiful too.
  • We went to Yellowstone in mid May 2016 and used 26. No problem.It can snow but at that time of year it won't last long.
  • Many thanks to all who replied. Good info and pictures. I think it's our route.