📷 Photo by Judy Beth Morris on UnsplashMesa 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
- approx. 441 km (274 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 53 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 9
- States
- ID, MT, WY
- Best time to go
- May–June and September
- Tolls and vignettes
- None expected
- Updated
- July 6, 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. Best time to go: May–June and September. No toll roads expected for a car.
More road trips in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Photos along the route
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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.
Which stops are on the route from Idaho Falls to Cody?
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
How do you drive the route from Idaho Falls to Cody in 5 days?
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Idaho Falls → Upper Mesa Falls · 71 mi · 1 h 17 minOvernight nearby, for example: Warm River Campground (5 mi); Grandview Campground (1 mi).
- Day 2: Upper Mesa Falls → West Yellowstone · 49 mi · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Harriman State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park (< 1 km); Upper Coffeepot Campground (17 mi).
- Day 3: West Yellowstone → Hayden Valley · 43 mi · 0 h 47 minOn the way: Norris Geyser Basin, Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.Overnight nearby, for example: Canyon Campground (6 mi); Bridge Bay Campground (8 mi).
- Day 4: Hayden Valley → West Thumb Geyser Basin · 20 mi · 0 h 21 minOvernight nearby, for example: Grant Village Campground (1 mi); Bridge Bay Campground (11 mi).
- Day 5: West Thumb Geyser Basin → Cody · 90 mi · 1 h 37 minOvernight nearby, for example: Ponderosa Campground (1 mi); Absaroka Bay RV Park (1 mi).
When is the best time for the route from Idaho Falls to Cody?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
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.
Where can you camp along Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody?
OpenStreetMap lists 69 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Warm River Campground, Buffalo Campground and Buttermilk Campground.
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