This will probably be my only chance to see Idaho. Is it worth taking the roads through Idaho instead of directly through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, which I will be doing on the way back?
Bozeman to Jackson via Idaho
Hi carrolljd. Yes, I%26#39;d absolutely recommend a side trip through Idaho if this will be your one-and-only chance to see this part of the country. It%26#39;s really not that much out of your way, and there are a couple of interesting towns and sights to enjoy. Basically you%26#39;re getting a look at the other side of the mountains that you%26#39;ll enjoy on your way back up through GTNP.
If you take Hwy191 down from Bozeman to West Yellowstone, then Hwy20 from West Yellowstone to Idaho Falls you%26#39;ll go right by Henry%26#39;s Lake (famous for fly fishing), Island Park, ID (home to the longest Main Street in the U.S.). Take a side route on ID47 to check out Mesa Falls (you%26#39;ll get back on Hwy20 at Ashton, ID where dogsled races are held every winter). There are hot springs in Heise (just north of Idaho Falls) if you want to stop and soak for a bit. There%26#39;s also a dinner theater in Ririe, ID with horse drawn wagons (right next to Heise Hot Springs) that take you to the dining hall. Bear World (between Rexburg and Idaho Falls) is an outdoor wild animal park that%26#39;s worth a visit.
Idaho Falls itself has lots of hotels and restaurants, but nothing particularly ';touristy'; to offer. Craters of The Moon National Park is about an hour and a half west of town, and the world%26#39;s first nuclear reactor (now de-commissioned) sits in the desert between here and Arco, ID.
From Idaho Falls, head east on Hwy26 to Swan Valley (stop for a square ice cream cone at the general store), and then Hwy31 over to Victor (stunning views of the Tetons along the way). From Victor, ID Hwy33 takes you over the mountain pass (really, really steep - and awesome views from the top) and on into Jackson, WY.
Just to be fair: from St. Anthony, ID to Idaho Falls; and from Idaho Falls to Swan Valley - isn%26#39;t very scenic (lots of desert and sage brush). This is WIDE open country compared to Maryland. But the rest of the drive is really very pretty and I think you%26#39;ll enjoy it.
Have a fun time whichever way you decide to go!
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