The Great Drive From Boulder, Colorado to Pocatello, Idaho

Planning a road trip from Boulder, Colorado to Pocatello, Idaho? The first question that comes to mind is, what’s the fastest way to get there, and how long will it take? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will discuss the different routes available to you, the distance of the route, traffic patterns, and estimated driving times.

Fastest Route: Via I-25 and I-80 West

The fastest route to get to Pocatello from Boulder is via I-25 and I-80 West. This route will take you through Wyoming and is approximately 600 miles long. We recommend taking this route as it has less traffic compared to other routes. You can expect to reach Pocatello within 9 hours.

During peak traffic hours, the route may take longer than expected. We recommend avoiding peak traffic hours, especially in Wyoming as it has been known to cause traffic bottlenecks. If you happen to get stuck in traffic, make sure to take a break and stretch your legs.

The Scenic Route: Via US-287 North and US-191 North

If you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, take the US-287 North and US-191 North route. This route takes you through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and ends in Idaho. This route is approximately 700 miles long and can take approximately 12 hours to reach Pocatello.

This drive is beautiful as it takes you through the Rocky Mountains. However, it is recommended to avoid this route during the winter months as the roads can become treacherous, and you may experience delays.

Slow But Scenic Route: Via I-70 West and I-80 West

If you have time to spare and want to take a longer scenic route, take the I-70 West and I-80 West route. This route will take you through Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and ends in Idaho. This route is approximately 830 miles long and can take up to 14 hours to reach Pocatello.

This route is longer than the others, but it has some great pit stops along the way, such as Arches National Park in Utah. This route also has some beautiful scenery during the drive, such as the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.

Travel Times: Peak Traffic vs. Low Traffic

The time it takes to drive from Boulder to Pocatello heavily depends on traffic patterns. During low traffic hours, the I-25 and I-80 West route can take up to 8 hours to reach Pocatello. However, during peak traffic hours, such as during holidays, the same route can take up to 12 hours.

Similarly, during low traffic hours, the US-287 North and US-191 North route can take up to 11 hours to reach Pocatello. During peak traffic hours, it can take up to 14 hours. It is also important to note that the I-70 West and I-80 West route can take up to 13 hours during peak traffic hours and 11 hours during low traffic hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the fastest route from Boulder to Pocatello is via I-25 and I-80 West. However, if you have time to spare, we highly recommend taking the scenic routes. It is always important to plan ahead, take breaks during the drive, and avoid driving during peak traffic hours. Safe travels!