Yellowstone National Park
What can we tell you about the oldest and most iconic national park that you probably haven’t already read or seen? Whether it’s the wildlife, the scenery, or the geological formations, Yellowstone has it all. Idaho Falls to the West Yellowstone Entrance is a little less than a two hour drive.
Island Park
On the way to West Yellowstone you’ll find the beautiful are of Island Park. Here you will find amazing summer and winter attractions. With World class snowmobiling and an amazing lake and river it makes the perfect daytrip for Idaho Falls or a great stop along the way to Yellowstone. If you are a fisherman or fisherwoman we recommend stopping at the Drift Lodge and Fly Shop (driftlodge.com)
Jackson Hole/The Grand Tetons
A vacation destination like no other… Skiing, rafting, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and more. The Jackson Hole area has it all. The real gem of this area is the Grand Tetons, where you will see breathtaking views of one the most iconic mountains in the United States.
The Palisades/Swan Valley
About an hour away from Idaho Falls, heading toward Jackson Hole you will find Swan Valley and Palisades region. During this drive you will see beautiful canyons and will be following the Snake River. This area is known for it’s great fishing and lodges. Just a little bit further and you’ll experience The Palisade, which is on the Idaho-Wyoming Border. Here you’ll find breathtaking scenery and may even some wildlife like moose and elk.
Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs offers a little bit of everything from relaxing hot pools to a fun water park if you are traveling with kids. Only a little over an hour away from Idaho Falls, it makes a perfect day trip!
Mesa Falls
If you are headed up north to Yellowstone we highly recommend taking this 45 minute detour. Mesa Falls has two different waterfalls you can see. The Upper Mesa Falls has a path that gets you extremely close to this water falls that is taller than a 10 story building. The Lower Mesa Falls you can see from a distance, but the views are to die for.
Driggs/ Victor/ Grand Targhee
If you want to avoid some of the craziness of Jackson Hole, we think this is a great alternative. The Grand Targhee ski resort is nearby as well. During the summer you can take the ski lift to the top of the mountains and have breathtaking views of the Grand Teton and it offers hiking trails and bike trails.
Shoshone-Bannock Casino
45 minutes south on i-15 you will find the Shoshone Bannock Casino. This Casino offers a newly built casino along with live entertainment, great restaurants, and an amazing spa for if you are looking to relax.
Cascade Corner of Yellowstone
This is truly one of the hidden gems of the Greater Yellowstone region. The Cascade Corner is located in the southwest corner of Yellowstone and the only Idaho entrance to Yellowstone. Once you get into the park there is parking lot where you can park your RV or vehicle and from there it is all hiking trails. There are multiple water falls that you can hike to and you could even spend a day or two in the region. We do recommend bringing both mosquito and bear spray if you are planning on spending time in this area!
Saint Anthony Sand Dunes
With 10,600 acres of white quartz sand blown into 400 foot high dunes, this is the ultimate playground for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Today the St. Anthony Sand Dunes are home to a Wilderness Study Area and one of the largest herds of wintering elk in the United States. The dunes are about a 45 minute drive from Idaho Falls.
Frank Church Wilderness
One of the most remote locations in the lower 48, the Frank Church Wilderness is a 2-3 hour drive from Idaho Falls. This area was established with no roads going through, so to experience it you’ll need to do it through hiking, horseback riding, or our personal favorite rafting. The Salmon River offers world class white water rafting and views that you would have to see to believe. If you are looking for an amazing river experience we recommend Helfrich River Outfitters.
Craters of the Moon
130 miles west of Idaho Falls you will find Craters of the Moon. Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. At times you will feel like you are not walking on this planet. We invite you to explore this “weird and scenic landscape” where yesterday’s volcanic events are likely to continue tomorrow.
