Victor to Driggs Rail Trail: The Complete 2026 Route Guide
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail is a 7.7-mile paved path built on a former Union Pacific railroad corridor connecting the towns of Victor and Driggs, Idaho, through the open farmland of Teton Valley. It runs flat, gently graded, and offers near-constant views of the Teton Range, making it one of the more approachable multi-use trails in eastern Idaho.
Key Takeaways
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail measures approximately 7.7 miles one way (roughly 15.4 miles round trip), according to Yellowstone Teton Tourism.
The paved surface sits on a former Union Pacific railroad bed abandoned in stages between 1981 and 1990, then paved in 1998 using an Idaho Transportation Department Transportation Enhancement grant.
The route is rated Moderate, with an estimated completion time of about 4 hours 39 minutes on foot.
The trail surface is asphalt, typically at least 6 feet wide, with an estimated grade of 3% or less.
Trailhead parking sits at the south end in Victor at the intersection of Cedron Road and S. 500 W.
The route passes near the Spud Drive-In in Driggs, a landmark theater screening films since 1953, and connects regionally toward the nearly 30-mile Ashton-Tetonia Trail about eight miles north.
If you're planning a Teton Valley trip in 2026 and searching for something between a serious mountain bike epic and a stroller-friendly stroll, the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail fills that gap. It's paved, it's flat, and it runs the length of the valley floor with the Teton Range stacked up on the horizon almost the entire way.
We manage Teton Basecamp, a 3-bedroom condo in Driggs, and guests ask us about this trail constantly, usually some version of "is it actually rideable with kids" or "how far is it, really." This guide answers both questions, plus the parking and connectivity details that most trail listings skip entirely.
What follows covers the exact route, the railroad history behind it, honest seasonal advice, and where the trail currently ends versus where planners want it to eventually go. We'll also flag the practical stuff: water access, road crossings, and what to do if you're riding with young kids or in a wheelchair.
How Far Is Driggs From Victor?
Driggs sits approximately 7.7 miles north of Victor along the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail, a distance confirmed by the Idaho Transportation Department's rail-trail conversion records. Riding or walking the full route out and back totals roughly 15.4 miles, per Yellowstone Teton Tourism's listing.
By car, the same trip along State Route 33 takes about 15 minutes, but the trail itself follows a straighter, quieter path parallel to the highway for most of its length. The route runs 25.1 kilometers round trip (the same 15.4 miles) and takes about 4 hours 39 minutes to complete on foot.
On a bike, most riders cover the one-way distance in 30 to 45 minutes at a relaxed pace, faster if you're training. The trail is flat enough that the time estimate barely changes between an out-and-back ride and a one-way point-to-point trip if you've arranged a shuttle or a second vehicle.
Is Victor or Driggs Better as a Base for the Trail?
Driggs is the stronger pick for most visitors. It has more lodging options and restaurants, and it sits closer to Grand Targhee Resort. Victor has a smaller downtown but sits closer to Teton Pass and the Jackson Hole side of the valley.
Victor's advantage is proximity to the pass. If your trip combines the rail trail with a day in Jackson, Wyoming, or riding Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, starting in Victor shaves a few minutes off that drive. The town itself is compact, with a handful of local shops and the south trailhead parking lot right at Cedron Road and S. 500 W.
Driggs, meanwhile, has more restaurants, a larger grocery store, and closer access to Grand Targhee Resort's ski terrain in winter. It also sits near the Spud Drive-In. For groups splitting time between the rail trail, hiking, and a day of skiing, Driggs functions as the more practical hub. Teton Basecamp sits in Driggs proper, which puts guests within easy reach of the trail's north end without needing to drive south first.
Choose Victor if Teton Pass access matters most to your itinerary. Choose Driggs if you want more dining variety and a shorter drive to Grand Targhee.
Trails: Driggs, ID
What Does the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail Route Actually Look Like?
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail is a paved, north-south multi-use path built directly on the abandoned Union Pacific railroad grade that once served Teton Valley's agricultural shippers. The surface is asphalt, generally at least 6 feet wide, with a gentle grade of 3% or less, making it accessible to cyclists and walkers, and to most mobility equipment.
Turn-by-Turn Route Details
Starting at the south trailhead in Victor, at the parking lot near Cedron Road and S. 500 W, the trail heads due north, running roughly parallel to State Route 33 for the entire 7.7 miles. The route crosses several public roads along the way, and none of these crossings are grade-separated, so riders and walkers need to watch for traffic at each one.
The corridor cuts through open farmland for most of its length, with the Teton Range visible to the east for nearly the entire ride. There's little tree cover, which matters more than it sounds like it should, both for sun exposure in summer and for wind on days when the valley kicks up a breeze.
As the trail approaches Driggs, it passes near the Spud Drive-In, a drive-in movie theater that has shown films since 1953. The screen's rear faces the trail and the adjacent State Route 33, and the marquee hangs from the screen's own support structure. A large potato displayed on a flatbed truck sits near the theater, a quirky, genuinely photogenic landmark that breaks up the ride. A summer detour to the Spud Drive-In is worth the short side trip.
The trail's current terminus on the Driggs side sits near Teton Creek, south of downtown, which is an important distinction covered in more detail below.
Trailhead Parking and Access Points
The main trailhead parking lot is at the south end in Victor, at the intersection of Cedron Road and S. 500 W. It's a small paved lot, and it's unclear whether it includes designated accessible parking spaces, so travelers with mobility needs should plan for a standard lot rather than assuming ADA-marked spots.
On the Driggs side, riders typically park in town and ride south to the trail's start near Teton Creek, since there isn't a dedicated large trailhead lot at that end the way there is in Victor.
Is There a Bike Path Over Teton Pass?
Teton Pass itself does not have a dedicated paved bike path connecting Idaho to Wyoming; cyclists share the highway shoulder on Teton Pass Highway (State Route 22/Wyoming 22), which involves steep grades and narrow sections that experienced road cyclists tackle but that differs entirely from the flat, separated Victor to Driggs Rail Trail.
This is a common point of confusion. The rail trail covered in this guide runs on the valley floor between Victor and Driggs and has nothing to do with the mountain pass. Teton Pass connects Victor, Idaho, to Wilson and Jackson, Wyoming, climbing over 8,400 feet in elevation with grades that regularly exceed 6% to 10%.
If you're looking for a flat, paved, low-stress ride, the rail trail is your answer. If you want the pass itself, expect a genuine road-cycling challenge with vehicle traffic, not a separated path. Some cyclists combine both in a single trip: an easy morning on the rail trail, followed by an afternoon climb up the pass for those training seriously. Conflating the two leads to a frustrating surprise for casual riders expecting pavement separation on the pass.
For regional context on the broader trail network's long-term vision, including how a Teton Pass connection might eventually fit in, the Greater Yellowstone Trail Concept Plan outlines corridor ambitions across the wider Teton Valley and Yellowstone region.
What Is the Railroad History Behind This Trail?
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail follows a railroad corridor originally built as part of a 45-mile Ashton-to-Victor branch line completed in 1913, according to the Greater Yellowstone Trail Concept Plan. The line carried both passengers and freight, including cattle and potatoes, serving the agricultural economy of Teton Valley for decades.
Union Pacific operated the corridor until the railroad was abandoned south of Tetonia in 1981, with the remainder fully abandoned by 1990. That thirty-year gap between partial and full abandonment reflects how gradually the valley's rail freight declined as trucking took over agricultural shipping.
The transformation from abandoned rail bed to recreational trail happened in 1998, when the Idaho Transportation Department paved the 7-mile Victor-to-Driggs segment using a Transportation Enhancement grant, a federal funding mechanism designed to convert unused transportation infrastructure into public trails. That project is why the trail today feels so purpose-built for cycling and walking: it inherited a railroad's naturally gentle grades, engineered originally to keep steam locomotives from struggling on hills.
This history explains the trail's most distinctive traits: straight sightlines, minimal elevation change, and road crossings without underpasses, all tracing back to how railroads were engineered a century ago rather than how modern recreational trails are typically designed from scratch.
Where Does the Trail Connect, and What's Still Being Planned?
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail currently ends near Teton Creek, south of downtown Driggs, and does not yet extend into the Huntsman Springs development or connect through town via a continuous shared-use path. This incomplete connection is one of the most overlooked details in trail planning discussions, and it matters for anyone expecting the trail to drop them directly downtown.
The Greater Yellowstone Trail Concept Plan identifies a proposed 1.1-mile Victor-to-Driggs Rail Trail Extension that would link the existing terminus at Teton Creek with a shared-use path running through the Huntsman Springs development near Bates Road. As of 2026, this extension remains a planning concept rather than a built segment, so riders reaching the current north end need to use surface streets to continue into downtown Driggs or reach specific destinations like the Spud Drive-In directly.
Practically, this means budgeting a few extra minutes of street riding at the Driggs end if your destination is downtown rather than the trail terminus itself. It's a minor inconvenience, but it's the kind of detail that surprises riders who assume the trail delivers them straight into town.
For regional trail resources and updates on extension progress, Teton Valley Trails and Pathways maintains local trail information and is a good resource to check before a visit, alongside the nearby Ashton-Tetonia Trail, which picks up about eight miles north of Driggs and stretches nearly 30 miles with countryside views and several historic railroad trestles.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Hiawatha Trail?
The Hiawatha Trail is a separate, well-known rail trail in northern Idaho near Wallace, distinct from the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail in Teton Valley, and typically takes riders 3 to 4 hours to complete depending on tunnel stops and shuttle timing. It is not connected to the Teton Valley trail system covered in this guide.
The confusion is understandable since both are rail-to-trail conversions in Idaho, but they sit in entirely different parts of the state, roughly a 6 to 7 hour drive apart. If you're specifically researching the Victor to Driggs route, plan for the shorter 4-hour, 39-minute estimate discussed earlier in this guide, not the Hiawatha's tunnel-heavy, shuttle-assisted itinerary.
Anyone building a broader Idaho rail-trail trip could reasonably combine both, but they require separate parking logistics and, in the Hiawatha's case, advance reservations for its bike and gear shuttle service. Teton Valley's rail trail requires none of that: just a car, a bike or good shoes, and a start point at either end.
What Should You Know About Riding This Trail Season by Season?
Trail conditions on the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail change significantly by season, with summer offering the most reliable riding and winter presenting snow and ice hazards that most casual visitors should avoid. Teton Valley sits at roughly 6,100 feet elevation, so weather swings faster and harder than lower-elevation Idaho trails.
Summer (June through September)
Summer is peak season and for good reason. Days are long, the pavement is dry, and temperatures in Teton Valley typically run comfortable in the 70s during the day with cool evenings. This is also when the Spud Drive-In detour makes the most sense, since it operates seasonally and pairs naturally with an evening ride finishing near dusk.
Wind is the main summer challenge. Afternoon thermals in the open valley can push a steady headwind, especially riding north toward Driggs. Morning starts, generally before 10 a.m., tend to be calmer.
Shoulder Seasons (April to May, October to November)
Spring and fall bring unpredictable surface conditions. Snowmelt can leave standing water or ice patches on shaded sections of pavement well into April, and early fall snow isn't unheard of by late October at this elevation. Check conditions before committing to a long ride during these windows, and dress in layers since temperature swings of 30 degrees or more between morning and afternoon are common.
Winter (December through March)
Winter riding is not recommended for most visitors. The trail is not consistently groomed for winter recreation the way dedicated Nordic trails are, and snow accumulation combined with ice underneath makes the pavement unpredictable. Local fat-bikers and cross-country skiers do use portions of the corridor, but this requires specific gear and local knowledge of current conditions that casual visitors typically lack. If you're visiting Teton Valley in winter, your time is better spent skiing at Grand Targhee Resort or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort rather than attempting this trail.
What Should Families Know Before Riding With Kids?
Families riding the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail with children should plan shorter out-and-back segments rather than attempting the full 15.4-mile round trip, and should treat every road crossing as a mandatory full stop regardless of trail width or visibility.
A practical family plan: start at either trailhead, ride 2 to 3 miles, stop for a snack or a look at the Teton Range, then turn back. This keeps total distance manageable for younger legs while still delivering the scenery that makes the trail worthwhile. The Driggs-side approach toward the Spud Drive-In works especially well as a turnaround point since kids get a landmark payoff, the giant potato display near the theater, rather than just an arbitrary stopping spot on an open path.
Restrooms and drinking water are not consistently available along the corridor itself, so plan to start with full water bottles and use restrooms in Victor or Driggs before setting out. There's no reliable mid-trail facility to count on. Pack snacks and sun protection given the minimal tree cover, and bring a basic first aid kit if you're riding with a family group spread across bike types and skill levels.
Road crossings deserve extra caution with kids. Several crossings are uncontrolled, and that applies doubly to families, since drivers on rural Teton Valley roads don't always expect trail traffic. Teach kids to stop completely at every crossing, not just slow down, and cross as a group rather than trickling across individually.
Is the Trail Accessible for Wheelchairs and Mobility Equipment?
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail is likely navigable for most wheelchair users, people using mobility equipment, and strollers, based on its consistently paved surface, typical width of at least 6 feet, and gentle grade estimated at 3% or less.
That said, verified accessibility details remain thinner than they should be for a trail this widely traveled. It's unclear whether the small Cedron Road parking lot in Victor includes designated accessible parking spaces, meaning wheelchair users should plan for a standard gravel-adjacent paved lot rather than assuming marked accessible spots and curb cuts.
The road crossings present the same challenge for mobility equipment users as for cyclists and families: none are grade-separated, and drivers may not anticipate trail crossings on Teton Valley's rural roads. Curb cuts at these crossings aren't independently documented by any current source, so travelers with specific accessibility needs should call ahead to Teton Valley Trails and Pathways or Teton County for current, on-the-ground details before planning a trip built around this trail.
Bench intervals, shade coverage, and rest area availability also aren't formally documented along the route. Practically, expect minimal shade given the open agricultural setting, and don't count on benches at regular intervals. Riders and walkers with endurance limitations should plan realistic turnaround distances rather than assuming rest infrastructure will be there when needed.
Where Should You Stay to Ride the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail?
Driggs makes the most practical base for riding the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail, since it sits at the trail's north end and puts you within a short drive of Grand Targhee Resort, Jackson Hole, and Grand Teton National Park for the rest of the trip. Teton Basecamp is our top choice for this exact reason.
Teton Basecamp is a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo spanning more than 1,530 square feet, comfortably sleeping up to 6 guests. The open-concept living area, fully stocked kitchen, and two private decks make it an easy home base for a group splitting time between the rail trail, hiking, and exploring the rest of Teton Valley. After a long ride, the ski racks double as bike storage, and the shared complex amenities give kids a playground, basketball court, and soccer field to burn off energy on while adults recover.
The condo's location in Driggs puts you roughly 60 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and about 90 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, according to the property's own location data, making it a genuine middle-ground base for a multi-park trip. Downtown Driggs is a short drive away, and Victor's south trailhead is easily reachable by car for a full 7.7-mile point-to-point ride.
Book directly and check availability at Teton Basecamp rather than routing through a third-party platform. Booking direct with The Peak Properties saves guests up to 15% compared to typical third-party platform fees, a meaningful difference on a multi-night Teton Valley stay.
Guests planning a broader park itinerary might also want to browse our guide to where to stay near Grand Teton National Park for additional context on the wider region, or explore the full The Peak Properties portfolio across Idaho, Montana, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.
What Gear and Rentals Do You Need for the Ride?
Riding the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail requires only a basic hybrid or road bike given the paved, flat surface, though you can rent bikes locally in Teton Valley rather than transporting equipment. A helmet, water, and a basic repair kit cover the essentials for the full 7.7-mile one-way trip.
Local shops in the valley, including Peaked Sports and Wheel Wranglers, rent bikes suited to the rail trail's easy grade. Because the surface stays paved and consistent for the entire distance, even a basic cruiser or hybrid bike handles the ride comfortably, unlike Teton Valley's mountain bike trails, which demand more specialized equipment.
If you're staying at Teton Basecamp, the property's ski racks work equally well for storing bikes between rides, and the two free parking spaces make loading gear straightforward before heading to either trailhead. For anyone combining the rail trail with mountain biking on the valley's more technical trail network, local shops can advise on which routes suit which skill level, since the rail trail and Teton Valley's singletrack trails are entirely different experiences.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Ride
A few planning decisions make the difference between a smooth ride and a frustrating one on this trail. Consider these before you head out:
Start early in summer. Riding before 10 a.m. avoids the worst of the valley's afternoon wind and midday heat, especially with minimal tree shade along most of the corridor.
Bring all your own water. There is no consistent drinking water access along the 7.7-mile route, so fill up in Victor or Driggs before starting.
Treat every road crossing as a full stop. Several crossings are uncontrolled, and drivers on rural Teton Valley roads don't always expect trail traffic.
Time a Spud Drive-In stop for summer evenings. This detour works best paired with a ride that finishes near dusk when the theater is most active.
Check conditions in shoulder seasons. Snowmelt and early snow can leave ice or standing water on shaded pavement sections well into spring and starting again in late fall.
Plan the Driggs-end street connection. Since the trail currently terminates near Teton Creek rather than downtown, budget a few extra minutes of street riding to reach restaurants or the Spud Drive-In directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Driggs from Jackson Hole, Wyoming?
Driggs sits roughly 40 to 45 minutes from Jackson, Wyoming, by car via Teton Pass, depending on conditions. The drive climbs over the pass at more than 8,400 feet, so winter travel can take longer and occasionally requires chains or specific tire requirements during storms.
How far is Driggs, Idaho, from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming?
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village is approximately 45 to 50 minutes from Driggs via Teton Pass, making it a feasible day-trip ski destination from a Teton Valley base. Many visitors ski Grand Targhee Resort on the Idaho side for convenience and split time with Jackson Hole for variety.
How far is Driggs from Grand Teton National Park?
Grand Teton National Park's entrances are roughly 60 minutes from Driggs by car, making it a genuine middle-ground base for visitors also wanting to reach Yellowstone National Park, about 90 minutes away. This dual proximity is a big part of why Teton Basecamp works well for multi-park itineraries.
What is the elevation of Driggs, Idaho?
Driggs sits at approximately 6,100 feet elevation on the floor of Teton Valley. That elevation contributes to cooler evenings than lower-altitude Idaho towns, faster sunburn risk on clear days, and occasional lightheadedness for visitors arriving from sea level who jump straight into strenuous activity.
What is there to do in Driggs, Idaho, besides the rail trail?
Driggs offers access to Grand Targhee Resort for skiing and summer mountain biking, downtown restaurants and breweries, and the Spud Drive-In theater. It's also a short drive to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and a jumping-off point for fly fishing, hiking, and rafting throughout Teton Valley.
Can I ride the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail with a road bike, or do I need a mountain bike?
A standard road, hybrid, or cruiser bike handles the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail comfortably since the entire route is paved asphalt with a grade of roughly 3% or less. A mountain bike is unnecessary here, though it's the right choice for Teton Valley's separate singletrack trail network if you plan to ride both.
Is the Victor to Driggs Rail Trail open year-round?
The trail is physically open year-round, but riding conditions vary significantly by season. Summer offers the most reliable pavement, while winter brings snow and ice that make casual riding or walking difficult without specific gear like a fat bike or cross-country skis.
Does the trail connect all the way into downtown Driggs?
Not yet. The current Victor to Driggs Rail Trail ends near Teton Creek south of downtown Driggs. A proposed 1.1-mile extension would connect that terminus to a shared-use path through the Huntsman Springs development, but as of 2026 this remains a planning concept rather than a completed segment.
The Victor to Driggs Rail Trail delivers exactly what a flat, paved, 7.7-mile corridor through Teton Valley should: reliable footing, constant Teton Range views, and a genuinely family-friendly pace, with the honest caveats of open-valley wind, uncontrolled road crossings, and a Driggs-side terminus that doesn't quite reach downtown yet. Whether you ride the full 15.4-mile round trip or a shorter family segment toward the Spud Drive-In, this remains one of the most approachable trails in eastern Idaho heading into 2026.
Pair a ride here with a stay that puts you close to both trailheads and the rest of the valley's attractions. Teton Basecamp in Driggs keeps you within a short drive of Victor's south trailhead, Grand Targhee Resort, and the national parks that make this region worth the trip.
If the rail trail is the centerpiece of your Teton Valley trip, Teton Basecamp puts you a short drive from both trailheads with room for the whole group to spread out after a long ride. See pricing and photos here.
Written by Michael Leonard, Owner & Manager at The Peak Properties
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