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Road trip plan

Rexburg to Arco Route 20 Weekend

Plan a two-day Idaho Route 20 trip from Rexburg through Idaho Falls to Arco and Craters of the Moon country.

Bounded route plan Usable starting point

Rexburg to Arco Route 20 Weekend

This one-night, two-day trip pairs eastern Idaho’s strongest city stop with the volcanic and atomic-history landscape around Arco. Give Idaho Falls the first day, stay in Idaho Falls or Arco according to the next morning’s priority, and treat Craters of the Moon as a planned destination rather than an extra stop on the way west.

Printable companion: Download the seven-page Rexburg to Arco weekend companion PDF. Use the printable to choose the overnight, give Idaho Falls and volcanic country separate roles, and keep Craters of the Moon from becoming an afterthought.

Uses these segments

The honest trip shape

  • Best version: two days with one night in Idaho Falls or Arco
  • Shorter version: one long day with an Idaho Falls river walk and a brief Arco stop; skip a full park visit
  • Slower version: add a second night so Craters of the Moon and Arco history do not compete

Day 1: Rexburg and Idaho Falls

Leave Rexburg after a simple park, garden, or breakfast stop. Save regional dunes and waterfall outings for another day so Idaho Falls has room to function as more than a fuel stop.

In Idaho Falls, start with the Snake River and the falls. Add the Japanese Friendship Garden for a compact outdoor visit, or choose the Museum of Idaho when one indoor attraction should carry the afternoon. The zoo is a longer, seasonal commitment and works best as the main family activity.

Stay in Idaho Falls for the broadest lodging and meal choices. Stay in Arco when an early start at Craters of the Moon matters more than a city evening.

Day 2: Arco and volcanic country

Drive west only after settling fuel, food, water, and offline directions. Arco supplies the small-town base and the story of the first city powered by nuclear-generated electricity. EBR-I, south of the Route 20 corridor, is a separate historic-site visit whose access should be checked in advance.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is the major outdoor anchor. Choose a visitor-center orientation, a scenic loop, or a manageable trail plan based on current conditions. Cave access, permits, water availability, snow, heat, smoke, and road status can materially change the visit, so check National Park Service guidance before departure.

If Craters of the Moon fills the day, end in Arco. Continue toward Carey only when the park visit was intentionally short and the driver has enough daylight and attention for the open road.

Fuel, food, and conditions

Idaho Falls is the strongest resupply point. Arco has essential traveler services, but options become more dispersed beyond it. Check Idaho road conditions and park alerts, carry water, and do not depend on cell service inside the monument.

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