This 440-mile segment of the Oregon Trail road trip connects Casper, WY to Pocatello, ID through scenic southern Wyoming and southeastern Idaho. Highlights include Wyoming’s Boysen Reservoir and Sinks Canyon near Lander, as well as Idaho’s Snake River landscapes and Lava Hot Springs. We recommend 3–4 days to explore campgrounds and side routes along the way. For more on the full journey, see our complete Oregon Trail road trip overview.
Route Overview
This route starts on Wyoming’s high desert, dips south through the Wind River Range, and drops into Idaho’s Snake River basin. Travelers will encounter winding two-lane highways, ranchland, and mountain passes. Key waypoints are Lander (gateway to Sinks Canyon SP) and Dubois, WY. Summer travel is best (roads are clear), while winter can bring icy highways and chain requirements. Cell service is reliable in towns but limited in wilderness. Drivers should prepare for long stretches without services.
Quick Stats
| Total Distance | ≈ 440 miles |
|---|---|
| Drive Time | ~7½ hours (no stops) |
| States | Wyoming, Idaho |
| Primary Routes | US-20, US-26, US-287, I-15 |
| Suggested Days | 3–4 days |
| Cell Service | Good near towns; spotty in canyons |
| Fuel 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 fuel. In Shoshoni, visit Boysen State Park on Boysen Reservoir – great for picnics and easy lakeside walks. Continue southwest on US-26/287 into Lander. In late afternoon, take the Sinks Canyon spur (7 mi south on WY-131) to see where the Popo Agie River “sinks” underground and enjoy the short waterfall trail. Then return to Lander for the night.
Day 2: Lander, WY to Dubois, WY
Distance: ~80 miles; ~1½ hours driving. Head north on US-287 from Lander along the Wind River. The road winds through ranching country and canyon vistas. Plan a stop near Crowheart Butte (mile ~40) – a short trail leads to a hilltop viewpoint. Continue past Diversion Dam to Dubois by early afternoon. The town offers a pioneer museum and riverfront parks. Spend the evening in Dubois, where you’ll find groceries, gas, and a few local restaurants.
Day 3: Dubois, WY to Pocatello, ID
Distance: ~300 miles; ~5–6 hours with stops. Take US-26 west from Dubois into Idaho. First highlight: Craters of the Moon – allow 1–2 hours to walk among the lava fields and cinder cones. Next, drive into Idaho Falls. Stretch your legs on the Snake River Greenbelt and enjoy lunch by the river. In the afternoon, you may detour 30 mi south to relax in the natural pools at Lava Hot Springs. Finally, head south on I-15 to Pocatello for the night.
Campgrounds to Consider
Sinks Canyon Campground – Rustic riverside campground north of Lander, WY. Vault toilets and fire rings at each site. Backcountry trails start here. Sites are first-come (~$20/night) with no hookups.
Popo Agie Campground – Also in Sinks Canyon (32 sites). Picnic tables and vault toilets in a pine setting along the river. Three rentable yurts are also available. The quiet loop is just a few miles north of Lander, making it a good base for canyon hikes.
Tough Creek Campground (Boysen State Park) – Shaded campground on Boysen Reservoir near Shoshoni. Picnic tables, vault toilets, and a boat ramp. Sunrises over the lake are popular with campers. (No reservations; arrive early on busy summer days.)
Lake Side Campground (Boysen State Park) – Lakeside campground on Boysen Reservoir with 18 sites (8 pull-throughs, several with electricity). Shady trees and water views make it pleasant. Amenities include a water spigot and pit toilets.
Dubois Campground – Private RV park in Dubois, WY. Full hookups, showers, and cabins available. Very clean and family-friendly. Convenient to town (gas, stores, restaurants nearby). Good cell signal here.
Pocatello KOA – Full-service campground in Pocatello, ID (off I-15). Tent and RV sites (with hookups), cabins, and teepees. Amenities include a playground and mini-golf. It’s near exits for Pocatello’s attractions and dining. A convenient final stop.
Top Activities & Attractions
Natural Highlights
- Sinks Canyon State Park – Deep limestone gorge with a waterfall. Hike easy trails to see the Popo Agie River vanish into the “Sinks”. Bighorn sheep often graze on the cliffs above.
- Boysen Reservoir & Cliffs – Large reservoir with boating and trout fishing. Towering red cliffs line the north shore. West Boysen State Park offers boat ramps and picnic areas for a lakeside break.
- Craters of the Moon NM – Alien-like lava-formed landscape. Walk short loops (e.g. Devil’s Orchard) to see cinder cones and lava molds. The visitor center’s displays explain the geology. Allow about an hour to explore.
- Cultural & Historic
- Massacre Rocks State Park (ID) – Oregon Trail landmark with jagged lava outcroppings. A 0.5-mile trail leads past a small museum to overlooks over the Snake River. It was the site 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 tools. A quick stop to appreciate local history.
Unique Experience
- Lava Hot Springs – Quaint Idaho town known for its naturally heated pools. Soak in the Olympic-size outdoor pool or the indoor grotto. Afterwards, browse downtown shops or walk the nearby river trail. It’s a fun, relaxing break from driving.
Travel Tips
Fuel & Food: Services are sparse. Top off in Lander or Dubois before heading west. Groceries in Lander, Dubois, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello; pack snacks for the road. Carry water for hikes.
Weather & Roads: Afternoon storms are common in summer; fall nights turn cold. Snow can close high passes (check WYDOT/Idaho 511). Main highways are paved.
Cell Coverage: Limited outside towns. Expect service in Casper, Lander, Dubois, and Pocatello, but none in most canyons or on long rural stretches. Download offline maps ahead of time.
Wildlife: Watch for deer, pronghorn, and elk on roadsides. In Sinks Canyon and reserves, yield to bighorn sheep. Never feed wildlife; secure your food and trash.
Fees & Permits: State parks charge camping fees (Wyoming self-pay envelopes). Craters of the Moon charges $10 per vehicle. No permits needed for day hikes. Camp only in designated sites and practice Leave No Trace.
Additional Resources
This segment is one part of the Oregon Trail road trip. For the complete itinerary, see our full Oregon Trail road trip itinerary. Other segment guides cover the remaining legs of the journey. Plan your campsites with The Dyrt PRO and review official Leave No Trace guidelines. Safe travels!
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