Hi there!
It’s easy to add a drive along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway as a part of your road trip if you will be going to Yellowstone and Craters of the Moon!
This is one of the many scenic byways in Idaho.
Driving the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway also means that you will be driving through Targhee National Forest.
The US Forest Service calls the waterfalls along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway “two of the last undisturbed waterfalls in the West.”
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According to the US Forest Service:
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway takes you to two of the last undisturbed waterfalls in the West.
Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls are the last major falls in Idaho that have not been used for irrigation or hydroelectric projects.
They offer spectacular views in a beautiful forest setting.
The upper waterfall has been developed with paths and viewing areas and is easily accessible to all.
The best view is from Grandview Campground and Overlook.
You can make your route from Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon so that you go through Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.
There are a couple stops with relatively low effort that you can make along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to see views of waterfalls.
And then if you want to spend a little bit extra time in Targhee National Forest, then you can hike to see waterfalls too!
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How to do Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
Driving directly from West Yellowstone MT to Craters of the Moon is around 3 hours and 15 minutes. (map)
If you make a slight detour by driving the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, driving from West Yellowstone MT to Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to Craters of the Moon, then the drive time will be around 3.5 hours. (map)
And then, you’ll need to add in some extra time to actually get out and see the waterfalls. There are 2 parking areas for different views of waterfalls.
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Upper Mesa Falls overlook (and Lower Mesa Falls hike trailhead parking)
When driving in the direction of Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, first you’ll come across the Upper Falls parking area.
There is a national forest fee of about $5 here.
If you have an annual national park pass, that is accepted here and it will be free for you.
You can see Mesa Falls by walking a boardwalk trail maybe 10-20 minutes round trip.
Then from the Upper Falls parking lot, you can also start the hiking trail to Lower Falls by hiking in the forest.
As you near the waterfalls, there is a steep trail and then you’ll be walking across big rocks.
This would be around a 2 mile round trip hike.
Lower Mesa Falls overlook
Then, you can keep driving along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and you will come to the Lower Falls parking area.
These are waterfalls that you can see with a short walk of 1 minute or so, but this is a quite distant view.
There is no fee for this Mesa Falls overlook.
“Big” town to stay in kind of near Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
If you’re looking for a city to stay at along the way from Yellowstone to Craters of the Moon, there is Idaho Falls ID.
The town of Idaho Falls has chain hotels and a Walmart.
This is around an hour drive from Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.
West Yellowstone MT to Idaho Falls ID is around a 2 hour drive.
Idaho Falls ID to Craters of the Moon is around a 1.5 hour drive.
And that’s a bit about a quick drive along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway!
I did the drive along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in October 2021. Your experience may vary!
See more for planning your Idaho road trip and beyond:
- Things to do in Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Best Craters of the Moon caves
- Things to do in Yellowstone National Park
- Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming
- Grand Teton scenic loop drive
- National forest cabins in Wyoming
HAPPY DRIVING THE MESA FALLS SCENIC BYWAY!
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