Driving from Idaho Falls to Bozeman: which way is best?

Greetings all,

I am planning to drive from Idaho Falls to Bozeman in mid-to-late September. Which way would be best: I-15/I-90 via Butte or US20/US191 via West Yellowstone? Is going via West Yellowstone faster/more scenic or should I stick with the Interstate? Any help or suggestions would be grateful. Thank you very much for your time. I am looking forward to reading your responses.

Mac Maroon

Driving from Idaho Falls to Bozeman: which way is best?

Hi Mac Maroon,

We%26#39;ve done it both ways, and the Interstate via Butte is actually faster - not scenic, but faster. If you%26#39;re not in any particular hurry, I%26#39;d highly recommend Hwy20 to Hwy191. This is a much prettier drive, and there%26#39;re a couple of interesting towns along the way. Take the scenic cutoff at Ashton, ID and stop at Mesa Falls for a bit (Hwy47 will take you right back to Hwy20). West Yellowstone is good for lunch, and there are plenty of shops to wander around in for a bit and stretch your legs. The views along Hwy191 are fantastic as you drive through the forest up past Big Sky.

I hope you enjoy your time in Idaho Falls!

Driving from Idaho Falls to Bozeman: which way is best?

ParentsOf3,

Thank you for your reply and for your tip about Mesa Falls, I will have to check it out! Thanks again!

Mac Maroon

there is a third way to get to bozeman from IF You start like you are going up to 191 but about 10 miles So. of West Yellowstone go west towards Quake lake (an interesting site in its own) and over through the towns of Cameron, Enis and Noris on into bozeman. This is more open country ..';big sky'; than going down Galitin canyon (191) But awesom scenery none the less. This is usually a less stressfull way if there is ice and snow on 191 and less traffic. You can still take the ashton cutoff and check out mesa falls. Its a few miles farther but if there is a truck wreck in the canyon its much faster! Enjoy and keep one eye on the road.