Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody
From eastern Idaho past Mesa Falls to West Yellowstone, then through Yellowstone’s geysers, canyon and lake to exit east toward Cody.
- Distance
- 441 km (274 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 53 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 9
- States
- ID, MT, WY
- Updated
- May 14, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 441 km (274 mi) with 9 stops, from Idaho Falls to Cody. About 4 h 53 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Route description
Leave Idaho Falls north on US-20 to Ashton, about 80 km away, and turn onto ID-47, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. The road passes through forest to Lower and Upper Mesa Falls on the Henrys Fork. Upper Mesa Falls has boardwalks to the brink. The byway then rejoins US-20 a short drive south of Harriman State Park, a wildlife refuge with trumpeter swans and moose along the river.
US-20 continues north through Island Park to West Yellowstone, a busy gateway town with fuel, RV parks and supplies. Yellowstone’s main roads are generally open from late April to early November. From the West Entrance, follow the Madison River to Madison Junction, then turn north to Norris Geyser Basin, where Steamboat Geyser occasionally erupts. Old Faithful lies the other way, 25 km south of Madison.
From Norris, it is 19 km east to Canyon Village and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Drive the South Rim Drive to Artist Point and the North Rim Drive to the Brink of the Lower Falls. Canyon Campground takes reservations, and it is a good base for exploring the area. South of Canyon, the road runs through Hayden Valley, where bison often cross the road.
Past Mud Volcano, the road reaches Yellowstone Lake at Fishing Bridge, where the RV park only takes hard-sided vehicles because of bears. Continue along the shore to West Thumb Geyser Basin, then return to Fishing Bridge and take the East Entrance road over Sylvan Pass. It descends through the Wapiti Valley past Buffalo Bill Dam to Cody, about 160 km from West Thumb.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Idaho Falls
ID - 2115 km
Upper Mesa Falls
NatureAshton, IDA 34 m waterfall on the Henrys Fork seen from boardwalks, on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (ID-47). Small day fee; the byway is closed in winter.
- 322 km
Harriman State Park
NatureIsland Park, IDA former railroad-family ranch on the Henrys Fork, now a wildlife refuge with trumpeter swans, moose and historic ranch buildings. Day-use fee; trails for walking and cycling.
- 457 km
West Yellowstone
MT - 539 km
Norris Geyser Basin
NatureYellowstone, WYThe hottest and most changeable geyser basin in Yellowstone, home to Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, and boardwalks through the milky Porcelain Basin. The parking lot fills by mid-morning in summer.
- 621 km
Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
ViewsYellowstone, WYThe classic view of the 94 m Lower Falls framed by yellow and pink canyon walls, at the end of South Rim Drive. The paved viewpoint is a short walk from a large lot; morning light is best.
- 710 km
Hayden Valley
NatureYellowstone, WYOpen valley of the Yellowstone River with bison herds, elk and waterfowl; bison jams are common. Pull out fully and stay in your vehicle near wildlife.
- 832 km
West Thumb Geyser Basin
NatureYellowstone, WYHot springs and pools spilling into Yellowstone Lake, with a boardwalk loop that passes the Fishing Cone and the deep blue Abyss Pool. The large parking lot suits RVs, and the loop takes about 45 minutes.
- 9145 km
Cody
WY
FAQs
How long is Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody?
5-day road trip of about 441 km (274 mi) with 9 stops, from Idaho Falls to Cody. About 4 h 53 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody?
We suggest 5 days: about 4 h 53 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody start and end?
It starts in Idaho Falls and ends in Cody.
Which states does Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody pass through?
Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
