Branson, MO → Jackson Hole, WY

The drive from Branson, Missouri to Jackson Hole, Wyoming spans approximately 1,350 miles and will consume roughly 22 to 23 hours of driving time, making this a journey best tackled over two or three days. You'll begin by heading northwest from Branson on US-65, climbing out of the Ozark plateau region before connecting to I-44 toward Springfield. From there, you'll merge onto I-49 northbound, which eventually feeds into US-54 as you push through Kansas and into Colorado. The bulk of your mileage unfolds on I-70 as you cross the high plains of eastern Colorado, then US-287 takes you north through the mountainous terrain of central Colorado before I-25 carries you into Wyoming. The final stretch utilizes US-26 northeast from the Laramie area, delivering you to Jackson Hole as elevation steadily climbs.

Your landscape transforms dramatically as you progress westward. The rolling Ozark hills give way to the flatter plains of Kansas and eastern Colorado, where you'll notice the horizon stretching endlessly in every direction. As you approach the Rocky Mountains near Denver, the terrain rises noticeably, and the Continental Divide crossing into Wyoming marks a significant elevation transition. The final approach to Jackson Hole takes you through increasingly dramatic alpine scenery, with the Teton Range announcing itself long before you arrive at your destination.

You'll pass through or near several notable communities that offer excellent break points: Springfield, Missouri; Kansas City's outer regions; Denver, Colorado; Fort Collins; and Laramie, Wyoming. The Denver metropolitan area represents your longest urban stretch, though traffic is generally manageable if you avoid rush hours. Beyond that, much of your route traverses sparsely populated country, particularly across the Kansas plains and northern Colorado.

Spring through early fall represents the optimal window for this drive, as winter conditions in the Wyoming mountains and across the high passes can be treacherous and unpredictable. The elevation gain is substantial—you'll climb from roughly 900 feet in Branson to over 6,300 feet in Jackson Hole—so allow yourself ample rest time, especially if you're unaccustomed to higher elevations. Plan fuel stops strategically in rural sections, and ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound before

The 1350-mile drive from Branson, Missouri to Jackson Hole, Wyoming takes approximately 22h 37m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

• Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
• Black ice on mountain passes and bridges

Seasonal Driving Considerations

Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.

Best Time to Drive Branson to Jackson Hole

For long drives like this 1350-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.

Driving Strategy

Covering 1350 miles from Branson to Jackson Hole is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.

Frequently Asked Questions