Glacier N.P. to Idaho Falls

Hi guys from cold England

I am planning a trip to the U.S. late Aug/Sep primarily to Yellowstone, but its getting longer whenever I look at a map. Im now looking to start in Denver, Rocky mountain NP, go to Glacier N.P and down to Idaho Falls, then Salt Lake City and Bryce, Arches, Aspen and Colorado Springs (well, why not).

Question is - how should I go south from Glacier - via Butte, or thro Idaho (guess Im asking the wrong group this question :) and where should I stop - Salmon? and should I go via Sun Valley, or cut across to Idaho Falls? Any suggestions welcome (we are 60s couple, like a bit of comfort)

Joe Atiyah

Glacier N.P. to Idaho Falls

If you want scenery take US93 from Glacier through Missoula, MT, south to Salmon, ID, south to Arco, ID, and cut over to Idaho Falls. I%26#39;m not sure Sun Valley is worth a side trip but going on over via State Highway 75 to Stanley and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area would be worth a trip, Sawtooth Mountains and Stanley area is one of the most beautiful areas in Idaho and there are motels/hotels in Stanley along with numerous campgrounds. Reaching Stanley from Glacier would be a long day%26#39;s drive, Salmon would make for a shorter days drive, Salmon is a little larger town then Stanley. You will find motels /hotels in Salmon. US93 is a very scenic drive via the Bitterroot Valley in Montana and the Salmon River in Idaho. If you want to get to Idaho Falls as fast as possible take US93 to Missoula and get on Intersate 90 to Butte then Interstate 15 to Idaho Falls, not very scenic but a fast drive.

Glacier N.P. to Idaho Falls

Thanks nidahodave - good input

I think we%26#39;ll stop in both Salmon and Stanley - we are going for the scenery after all. I don%26#39;t actually need Idaho Falls - it just seemed like an obvious place to stop on the way to SLC. Maybe it would be better to keep south to Twin Falls, and stop there before on to SLC?

If it was me and scenery is what I wanted I would go through Stanley to Sun Valley to Twin Falls and catch the Interstate at Twin Falls. Twin Falls is a nice town, lots of services and you would have the opportunity to see the Snake River Canyon.

Gotta agree with nidahodave on this one. I live in Idaho Falls, and, quite honestly, there%26#39;s not a whole ';scenic'; to offer. We%26#39;ve got a lot more hotels, restaurants and such - but if you%26#39;re looking for an outdoor experience I%26#39;d follow his advice and shoot for Salmon, Stanley, Sun Valley and down through Twin Falls.

Enjoy your travels!

Twin Falls has a scenic canyon which is worth the visit. Our restaurant selection is not too bad for a small town.

I second the idea of seeing the Stanley area. It%26#39;s some of the most beautiful country in Idaho. (I%26#39;d say in the world, but I%26#39;m not that well traveled. ) :)

Pug

thanks to all for your input - we will take your advice and stop at Twin Falls. Looking forward to it, but first we have to go to Tenerife, Morocco and France - sigh, its a hard life when you are retired.

I%26#39;m crossing my fingers that you%26#39;re not renting an R.V. The road from Stanley to Salmon is absolutely breathtaking, but it%26#39;s narrow and winding. People do it with campers and RVs, but I think it would be far more enjoyable w/o. :-)

If you plan to stay in Salmon, I think the Stagecoach Inn is the only game in town. We%26#39;ve gone there for baseball tournaments. You%26#39;re going late enough where the tournaments will be over. Request a river view. It%26#39;s a stone%26#39;s throw from the best restaurant in town, a steakhouse, but the name now escapes me. It%26#39;s two blocks away.

Hopefully, you%26#39;ll hit Sun Valley on a Sunday, encounter the Sun Valley Lodge brunch. It%26#39;s decadent.

What a beautiful trip you have planned. Can I come, too? :-)

Hi Joe. Yes it%26#39;s great to be retired I know!!! And make magnificent itineraries like this. We also stayed in Twin Falls, Stanley and Salmon and also at many more places in other states. I second all other posters, it%26#39;s a wonderful world up here. Please tell me, how long is your trip because you are visiting a lot of places and to do it properly it%26#39;ll take many weeks, and where do you want to fit in Yellowstone and Grand Teton NP?

Tet{:o)-

if you need any info on the Sun Valley area, just ask..the drive in the summer from Salmon to Stanley is very winding , but worth it for the view. Stanley Idaho is often the coldest spot in the nation. The views of the Sawtooths will take your breath away. If you have the time and want a short hike in the Sawtooths, let me know. There are also 3 lakes on the west side of the road, all worth a look. Just after leaving Stanley, there is Redfish Lake, the largest. There is a lodge for eating and a few cabins to rent for the night. That would be really fun if you had the time. There are hikes that leave from the lake and/or take the boat ride around the lake and it also drops you off at the end. They have service all day long. When we backpack, we ride the boat to the end and tell them what day and time we are coming back!!! Love to see the shuttle boat after a few days in the backcountry. Then a bit further down is Petit Lake. So quiet and beautiful and if you can afford it you can own a house on this lake, very special. Then the last is Alturas, all beautiful. We waterski on them also.

There is the Smiley Creek lodge and store to get a burger or the famous (expensive) milkshakes.

Then up the hill to Galena Lodge. It was the only structure between Stanley and Ketchum in the old days. The men would make there way to Galena, and then trudge on into Ketchum to gamble...that was big.

enjoy

Wow! Sounds like you%26#39;ve got a fab trip planned!

nidahodave has (as usual) given you great advice. The route suggested will absolutely take your breath away. Northern Idaho is one of my most favorite places (in the world!).

Enjoy your trip!