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Idaho Forum: Mesa Falls

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IlliniTrav
Illinois
316 forum posts
“ Mesa Falls ”
Jul 12, 2009, 2:48 PM

We will be in GTNP and YNP next month for six nights. Our final night will be in West Yellowstone, and we will need to drive to Jackson, Wyoming on our final day for a late afternoon flight. Would it be a good idea to drive to Jackson via eastern Idaho so that we can visit Mesa Falls, or is the scenery in the parks worth another drive through? Other than the falls, are there any other worthwhile stops on the eastern Idaho route?

If we go through Idaho, what is the best route? Mapquest is showing one route directly from Ashton to Driggs via Route 32. Another routing goes southwest through St. Anthony and Teton via Routes 20 and 33. Is one way easier?

Thanks for any help!

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ParentsOf3
Tomah...
316 forum posts
1. Re: Mesa Falls
Jul 13, 2009, 9:44 AM
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Idaho Falls

Hi IlliniTrav,

Wow, this is a toughie. Yes, Mesa Falls are way cool - and if you were travelling to YNP from Idaho Falls, then I'd definitely take the small detour and check out Mesa Falls on your way. I don't know that I'd make a special trip just to see them (especially after several days in YNP where you will have seen lots of beautiful waterfalls), but if it's on your route, then by all means take an hour and check them out on your way.

Take Hwy 20 south from West Yellowstone, and cut over onto Hwy 47 to go past Mesa Falls. After Mesa, keep heading south to Ashton and stop for lunch at the Trailside or Big Judds (it's a very small town - you'll find them). From Ashton take Hwy 32 to Hwy 33 to Victor, and then up over the pass (Hwy 22) to Moose and Jackson. Stop at the summit for some fantastic views - this will (literally) be the high point of your trip. Watch your brakes coming back down the mountain on the Wyoming side (I'm serious, put it in low gear and don't ride the brakes or you'll burn them out).

This would be a great way to finish your vacation. Enjoy!

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IlliniTrav
Illinois
316 forum posts
2. Re: Mesa Falls
Jul 18, 2009, 11:05 PM

Parentof3, Thanks for your post. I think we will play it by ear in deciding whether we’ll visit Mesa Falls. You make a good point – by the last day of our vacation, our sons may be rolling their eyes at the thought of yet another waterfall. Thanks for the tip about the brakes and putting the car in low gear.

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