Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road is a 212 km journey that takes you through the towns of Victor, Ashton, and Mesa Falls. It is best experienced during the warmer months, when you can take in the stunning landscapes and enjoy the good road conditions. You'll be able to take in the beauty of the area, with Mesa Falls providing a particularly stunning panoramic view. The whole trip can be completed in one day, and is suitable for drivers of all skill levels. With a moderate budget, the Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road is a great way to experience the area and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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number of days
212 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Swan Valley
Distance 212 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: fast
63.6 kWh
Airports
IDA
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Swan Valley in the United States is an ideal starting point for the Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road road trip. With its stunning natural beauty, Swan Valley is the perfect place to kick off your journey. The valley features an abundance of outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and hiking.
The town of Swan Valley is home to some of the area's most breathtaking sights, such as the Palisades, a series of towering rock formations that stretch across the valley. Other attractions include the Big Springs National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to an array of wildlife, and the Arco National Fish Hatchery, which is the country's oldest fish hatchery.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), located about 40 miles from Swan Valley. At the airport, tourists can rent a car to begin their road trip.
Swan Valley is a great starting point for the Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road road trip. With its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, it is sure to provide you with a memorable experience.
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Swan Valley
- Victor
Distance 34 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
10.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Greetings, road-trippers! Are you up for a scenic drive from Swan Valley to Victor? This 21mi drive should take you less than an hour and you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views of the region.
Start your journey in Swan Valley, known for its abundance of outdoor activities and wildlife. Make sure to visit the nearby Palisades Reservoir, where you can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking.
Continue your drive to Victor, a small town with a rich history. Visit the historic Victor Emporium, the oldest operating business in the area. Don't forget to explore the nearby Teton Valley, known for its breathtaking mountain views.
This is just one of the many stages of an amazing tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your drive!
Victor - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Victor
- Ashton
Distance 76 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
22.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Victor to Ashton! This 47mi stretch of road will take you less than two hours to complete, and you will find plenty of interesting places to visit along the way.
In Victor, you can explore the Victor Valley Museum and the Victor Emporium. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the emporium is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts.
As you drive through the lovely countryside of Idaho, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
When you arrive in Ashton, you will find the Ashton Historical Museum, the Ashton City Park, and the Ashton Public Library. The Ashton Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the Ashton City Park is a great place to take a break and enjoy a picnic.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" section of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your journey from Victor to Ashton!
Ashton - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Ashton
- Mesa Falls
Distance 24 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
7.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an amazing road trip starting in Ashton, United States, and ending in Mesa Falls. Along the way, you can enjoy a 15mi drive, taking no more than 1 hour. Ashton offers plenty of attractions, such as the Ashton City Park, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area, as well as the Ashton Historical Museum, where you can learn more about the local history. After Ashton, you will reach Mesa Falls, a small village offering stunning views of the Snake River and the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. Here you can take a hike along the trails to get a better view of the falls, or take a dip in the river. There is also an observation platform, where you can take in the majestic views of the surrounding area. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Mesa Falls - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Mesa Falls
- Yellowstone N.P.
Distance 78 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
23.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the road trip stage between Mesa Falls and Yellowstone National Park! This stage of your journey is a short but sweet one, as it is only 49 miles and will take you less than an hour to drive.
First, you will pass through Mesa Falls, a beautiful natural area with a scenic waterfall and plenty of hiking trails. Enjoy the stunning views and take some time to explore the area.
Then, you will move on to the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. Here, you will find stunning geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife. Be sure to take a break and explore the park's many attractions and trails.
Finally, you will end your journey at the iconic Yellowstone National Park. Here, you can explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Old Faithful geyser, and the Mammoth Hot Springs.
We hope you enjoy your journey between Mesa Falls and Yellowstone National Park! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Yellowstone N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Yellowstone N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Good Free Photos
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Yellowstone N.P.
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After a long drive on the "Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road", you will come to the magnificent Yellowstone National Park. This is the world's first national park, and it's filled with natural wonders. From the towering geysers and majestic waterfalls to the abundant wildlife, every visitor can find something to marvel at.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Yellowstone is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and you can also explore the park by bike or horseback. Fishing and boating are available on Yellowstone Lake, while other popular activities include camping, wildlife watching, and snowshoeing.
Exploring the park by car is also an option. The Grand Loop Road is a popular route that takes you past some of the park's most famous attractions, including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The Tower Fall area is also a must-see, and you'll be rewarded with stunning views from the top of the nearby mountains.
For those flying in, the closest international airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). From there, it's about an hour and a half drive to the park.
No matter how you choose to explore it, Yellowstone National Park is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Yellowstone N.P. - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - National Park Service
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Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Swan Valley
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End:
Yellowstone N.P.
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Distance:
212 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 212 km drive along the Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road, which weaves through the charismatic towns of Victor and Ashton before leading to the natural wonder of Mesa Falls. This idyllic route is famed for its diverse landscapes ranging from rolling hills to striking waterfalls, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Teton and Snake River mountain ranges. Suitable for a day-long excursion, this Road Trip is perfect for drivers of all skill levels seeking an escape into nature's embrace.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Victor: Nestled in the Teton Valley, Victor offers a blend of outdoor recreation and small-town hospitality, with nearby hiking trails and artisan shops.
- Ashton: Steeped in agricultural history, Ashton is the gateway to fishing adventures on the Henry's Fork and a corridor to the majestic Yellowstone National Park.
- Mesa Falls: The star attraction, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, showcases the power and beauty of the Snake River with drops of 33 meters (110 feet) and 20 meters (65 feet) respectively, surrounded by lush forests and wildlife.
Best Time to Go:
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for this Road Trip, as the landscape is vibrant, water flows are at their peak, and Roads are generally clear of snow. Fall colors add an extra layer of allure in September and October.
Potential Risks:
Be cognizant of wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Varying weather conditions can present challenges, and it's wise to check for Road closures or construction updates.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Mesa Falls is one of the few major waterfalls in the region not used for hydroelectric projects, preserving its natural splendor.
- The Byway offers interpretive trails and overlooks, such as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway Visitor Center, housed in a historic railRoad depot.
- The route passes near the Grand Teton National Park, offering an opportunity to extend the journey to one of America's most iconic natural landmarks.
A good choice for:
As a tableau of Idaho's diverse ecosystems and rich history, the Mesa Falls & Swan Valley Panoramic Road stands out as an essential journey for those who cherish the open Road and the stories it tells. This drive promises not just a visual feast but also an intimate encounter with the untamed heart of the American West.