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-   -   Most Interesting Driving Route - Jackson WY to West Yellowstone, MT (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/most-interesting-driving-route-jackson-wy-to-west-yellowstone-mt-425209/)

detraveler Apr 23rd, 2004 05:59 AM

Most Interesting Driving Route - Jackson WY to West Yellowstone, MT
 
I have a full day to drive from the Jackson airport to West Yellowstone to meet a group for a week of hiking in Yellowstone and the Tetons in late August.

Since we will be staying in the parks for a week I don't think I want to spend the whole day driving through the parks to get to West Yellowstone if there is something interesting to see in Eastern Idaho or elsewhere.

My map shows some roadways that are designated scenic in that area. Has anyone done the drive through Targhee Natl Forest? I suppose another option would be to drive through the parks and out the west entrance into Montana toward Big Sky. Is that a more interesting drive? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Photodog Apr 25th, 2004 04:02 AM

A place about 50 miles from West Yellowstone you might want to check out is Red Rock Lakes Natl Wildlife Refuge. When I was there had large numbers of trumpter swans (Madison River in Yellowstone also a good spot)and moose. Wildflowers were great and large variety of songbirds and raptors were present. Check out www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm=ID=1578 or google for Red Rock Lakes, ID.

Connie Apr 25th, 2004 12:20 PM

The usual way to go from Jackson to West Yellowstone is also very scenic.
Go west out of Jackson on 22 going across Teton Divide. After you cross the Idaho border, you will turn north at Victor, go through Driggs and Ashton. You will have a wonderful view of the west side of the Tetons, as you drive through potato farm area.

At Ashton, you can take a short side road that goes by Lower and Upper Mesa Falls. When we were there several years ago, they were planning to restore an old inn that once sat next to an entrance to Yellowstone that no longer exists.

Continue on 20 north to West Yellowstone.

detraveler Apr 29th, 2004 09:28 AM

Thank you for the suggestions.

Connie - When I checked Mapquest they show the fastest route as going through the parks but your note says the standard route is through Idaho. Do people avoid the park for distance travel because it is slow in season?

KE1TH Apr 29th, 2004 09:35 AM

One reason they probably avoid it because you have to pay a fee to enter the park..... $20.00 good for 7 days.


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