hailey to idaho falls (Pocatello, Twin Falls: rent, service, art)

[parteira]

can anyone tell me what kind of terrain and drive this is?
is this a drive that would be complicated by winter weather?
thanks!

[cleosmom]

It can be a drive complicated by winter weather with blowing and drifting snow.

[Idaho mom]

You would go south to Twin Falls, over to Pocatello, and up !-15 to Idaho Falls. Or, you could cut down to Arco and go across the desert to Idaho Falls. That's more of a two-lane highway. To Twin and Pocatello is mostly highway and dry right now. We have driven all over that area this last winter and you should check road conditions before you leave, but we only had one time where the road was bad. All in all a decent drive.

[parteira]

thanks! any idea what the driving times would be for the highway route through twin falls and pocatello versus the arco route?

[twinprism]

Arco route is less miles but can have much worse weather/roads.

I've driven both ways and I think it is about a toss up in driving time from Pocatello.

I think it would be about 1 hour less driving time through Arco from Idaho Falls to Hailey on good roads.

Google maps says...
Through Arco. 144 mi – about 2 hours 45 mins
Through Burley/Twin Falls. 227 mi – about 3 hours 50 mins

Also on the Arco Route be aware of the "Gannett cut off" A few miles past the town of Picabo, take a right on a road that is labeled Gannett. Ends in Bellevue and saves 5 miles, though slower speed limits so pick your poison.

from:idaho falls to:gannett, idaho to:hailey idaho - Google Maps

[parteira]

thank you!

[Mtn. States Resident]

The new Horizon Flight, between Idaho Falls and Sun Valley, or vice versa, should make this easier. I believe the planes have 78 seats. The service doesn't start, though, until the Idaho Falls Regional Airport has been resurfaced/repaved in Sept. So I think it is mid-Oct.

It will be sweet to have Sun Valley access to Idaho Falls and then directly to Seattle. Different ski experiences for many to experience.