Jackson Hole, WY → Branson, MO

The 1,350-mile drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Branson, Missouri is a substantial cross-country journey that will take you approximately 22 hours and 38 minutes of driving time. Your route primarily follows US-26 southeast from Jackson Hole through the high country of Wyoming, eventually merging onto I-80 as you head toward Nebraska. From there, you'll pick up I-35 south through Kansas and Oklahoma before transitioning to US-65 and the final stretch into the Ozark region of Missouri. This combination of interstates and highways provides a relatively direct path while balancing driving efficiency with opportunities to experience the American heartland.

The landscape transforms dramatically as you progress eastward, beginning with the dramatic mountain terrain of western Wyoming and the Teton Range views near Jackson Hole. You'll descend from the high elevation of the Rockies—Jackson sits at nearly 6,300 feet—and gradually move into the rolling plains of Nebraska and Kansas, where endless horizons and agricultural lands dominate the scenery. As you enter Oklahoma and approach Missouri, the terrain becomes increasingly hilly and forested, and you'll notice the emergence of vegetation that signals your entry into the Ozark plateau region surrounding Branson.

Along this route, you'll pass through or near several notable cities including Casper, Wyoming; North Platte, Nebraska; Kansas City, Kansas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, each offering convenient stops for fuel, food, and rest. The drive includes significant elevation changes, particularly in the first 200 miles and again as you approach the Ozarks, so be mindful of engine strain if towing or driving a less powerful vehicle. The majority of your journey traverses rural stretches with long, straight sections through the Great Plains—ideal for maintaining steady speeds—though you'll encounter urban congestion around the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The most pleasant time for this drive is late spring through early fall, when mountain passes are clear and weather is predictable. Winter can present challenges, particularly through Wyoming and the high plains, with potential for snow and ice affecting visibility and road conditions. If you're considering this route during shoulder seasons, plan for variable conditions and allow extra time for safety.

The 1350-mile drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Branson, Missouri 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 Jackson Hole to Branson

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 Jackson Hole to Branson 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