Driving from Jackson to Alpine (rentals, live in, prices)

[jolish]

I was hoping someone could enlighten me regarding the drive from Jackson to Alpine. Is it difficult in the winter? Closes frequently? Time it takes to drive. Thanks to anyone who can help!

[paintersspouse]

It takes under an hour. The road may close once a winter. it may not.

The pass over to Idaho closes alot.

[ElkHunter]

It's 37 miles with only a couple wide spots in the road to get assistance should you break down. Can't tell you about the weather, I've driven it but it was in the summer.

[MRVphotog]

Your driving thru the "the Grand Canyon of the Snake" which has dicey conditions often in the winter. Steep canyon walls in some places which can slide. Lots of people drive it everyday but you should have a proper vehicle.

With the unavailability and prices of rentals in Jackson many workabees drive the canyon or drive over Teton Pass from Idaho. I wouldn't do it but like I said many do.

[paintersspouse]

As someone who has driven the canyon daily, it is really no more of a problem then any other road in Wyoming during winter.

Really no different than any of the mountain roads that thousands drive every day all over the western states. Some days its great and some days it is crappy.

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by paintersspouse

As someone who has driven the canyon daily, it is really no more of a problem then any other road in Wyoming during winter.

Really no different than any of the mountain roads that thousands drive every day all over the western states. Some days its great and some days it is crappy.

In a general sense what your saying is true but saying that a windy two lane state road thru a steep river canyon is the same as driving a 6 lane I70 thru the mountains is not really true.

Sure, I70 can be dangerous but it's just not the same environment. Your so much more on your own driving thru a place like the canyon, or over the Bighorns, than a busy major road thru the mountains in many western states.

[paintersspouse]

"Sure, I70 can be dangerous but it's just not the same environment. Your so much more on your own driving thru a place like the canyon, or over the Bighorns, than a busy major road thru the mountains in many western states. "

That statement tells me that you have no recent experience driving this road. The traffic starts at 6am and continues through the day. It is major commuter road and has been upgraded greatly over the last 10 years.

I have never made the drive during the day without seeing a highway patrol and usely during commuting times there are 2 -3. In fact most o Jackson's police force live in Star valley and commte daily.

[MRVphotog]

Originally Posted by paintersspouse

"Sure, I70 can be dangerous but it's just not the same environment. Your so much more on your own driving thru a place like the canyon, or over the Bighorns, than a busy major road thru the mountains in many western states. "

That statement tells me that you have no recent experience driving this road. The traffic starts at 6am and continues through the day. It is major commuter road and has been upgraded greatly over the last 10 years.

I have never made the drive during the day without seeing a highway patrol and usely during commuting times there are 2 -3. In fact most o Jackson's police force live in Star valley and commte daily.

Yup, they have improved the road but it doesn't change the environment and if your driving during the day it's safer but sometimes people have a job where they are driving back at night.

The OP is not familiar with the road so I thinks it's prudent to mention the bad as well as the good.

[paintersspouse]

Nothing wrong with all sides of the story, I just believe that the information should be based on current conditions.

OP, I drive a front wheel vehicle and have no problem with 99% of the road conditions. There is also commuter bus service to and from Jackson.
The road was widened and resurfaced from Jackson to Alpine over the last several years. It is a much better road. They do a great job of plowing.

If I remember correctly( from other posts) you are from or have lived in Wyoming. The Jackson to Alpine route is better maintained than most roads. I would be more scared driving the I80 during a winter storm than than HWY 89.

My husband and most of my neighbors make the daily commute. The road is not plowed during the night so a 4 wheel drive vehicle is recomended if you need to to travel in the wee hours.

Hope that helps.

[ElkHunter]

We, in Wyoming, aren't really picky. Give us pavement, two lanes is enough, and about 50 feet of visibility and we're happy. We're making a trip we can tell our grandkids about.

I remember the time, Shirley basin wanted to kick my butt, we had to ..........