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Yellowstone/Tetons area:

If you like caves, the Lewis and Clark Caverns SP about a half hour west of Bozeman is quite good, fairly undiscovered.

South Pass, where all the pioneer trails crossed the continental divide (Oregon, California, Mormon Trails) is right on your way from I-80 to the Tetons. You would think this major site would be easily accessible but you will have to drive on dirt tracks a few miles, no signage to follow, and then a short hike. The ruts of the trails are visible. I’ve never done it but could be a good experience. You will have to plan ahead and print out aerial photos and sketch out a way there from hwy 28. It’s not really a pass in the sense that mountains are close by.

South Pass

We will be going to Twin Falls to see the water falls, Tetons, and spend 2 to 3 days each in those areas. Then Yellowstone. Hotel in west yellowstone 3 nights and Gardiner for 3 night. Head home from east entrance. Any ideas on itinerary?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelson (Post 17027534)

We did exactly what janisj suggested a few years ago: after getting off the train in Sacramento we stayed downtown for a couple nights. Then rented a car from a downtown office, they picked us up at the hotel. Two weeks later or so, after Yosemite and Gold rush towns, we returned the car at the Sacramento airport. It think that was only a $15 drop off fee. Worked perfectly. No dog.

For anyone who wants to drop a car in downtown Sacramento and then fly from SMF, you can ride the Yolo bus #42B (counterclockwise route) from 5th & Capitol Mall out to the airport. The bus leaves at 8 minutes after the hour from 6:08AM to 10:08 PM. It arrives at the airport about 21 minutes after the hour. After January 5, 2020, the Sacramento Transit Authority will be running buses at about 20 to 30 minute intervals during peak hours. If you want to spend a night or two in Sacramento, my favorite is the HI Hostel which is a Victorian mansion at 10th & H.
Twin Falls Idaho is not that much of a thrill to me (an hour at most). If you can get lodging inside Yellowstone (Old Faithful or Mammoth) do it.

I wouldn't spend 2-3 days in Twin Falls if that's what you meant. I wouldn't actually detour to Twin Falls at all if you're coming from Iowa. If you have an extra 2-3 days to spend in addition to 2-3 days in the Tetons, maybe look at Flaming Gorge and Dinosaur National Monument.

Pets are accepted in cabins (but not hotel rooms) in Yellowstone in park lodging. I think Gardiner is fine for the northern part of Yellowstone. It's about a 15 minute drive between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs. For the next 2 years, the road from Tower to Canyon will be closed for construction https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm