Travel advice - quick cross country trip
Hi everyone, Next month Sally and I are making a quick (3 week) cross country journey from Tennessee to Washington State. I've worked out a route to see the things I am really interested in - will ...
Forum Discussion
Sounds like a very interesting trip and lots of fun. I have a hard time with crowds and you will already be in the thick of them while in Jackson/Yellowstone. Yellowstone is tough to see in two days but if you are truly sight-seeing from the vehicle you will hit the high points (Jenny Lake, Tetons, geysers, paint pots, etc.). I am always amazed at how folks pass by Central Idaho by taking I-90 or I-86/84.
If scenery is what you are after consider taking US 20 out of West Yellowstone, through Idaho Falls, bearing west (still on US 20) while crossing the high desert to Arco, ID. There is an interesting nuclear reactor landmark that is open after Memorial Day just before Arco. It is the first breeder reactor and the first reactor to power a community. The tour is brief, worth it and free. A bit farther down this road past Arco is Craters of the Moon N.M. Craters is like being in the middle of the lava fields of Hawaii without the heat. The lava beds are endless and stretch beyond the horizon. If you are into geology you will dig it ; ) if not, it won't take long and you'll be on your way. Backtrack 20 miles to Arco.
At Arco go north onto US 93 and make the run up the valley. There are stunning views of Idaho's highest peaks and plenty of places to camp or boondock. Just after McKay (pronounced mackee) there is an outstanding RV campground on the reservoir and it is clean, new, BLM and inexpensive with great views. Weekdays always have empty spots and the surrounding landscape is surreal. This would be a fantastic halfway point between Yellowstone and Glacier.
At Challis, ID you can take a short 45 mile detour west to visit Stanley and see the Sawtooths (they rival the Tetons IMO). There are so many opportunities to camp along the Salmon River you are literally only five miles away from a riverside spot to spend the night. Go north through through the quaint town of Salmon and continue into Montana accessing I-90 once more and hitting Glacier if you want. I know Glacier is a serious draw but the vehicle tour there is pretty compressed -- it is best appreciated on foot and you won't have the time for that. Going to the Sun Road is hair raising fun to drive but it is over too soon and the chance of being clouded out is high. Not that I don't love Glacier but multiple days in a vehicle?
Most folks want to save time after spending it in Yellowstone, but if you want variety and outstanding scenery this route will pay big dividends. If you tire of the crush of people in Yellowstone get out early and find the solitude you want in Central Idaho. Oh, I almost forgot... there is a restored Victorian era mansion in Hamilton, MT that is fun to tour, just off 93. I forget the name but all you'd have to do is stop and ask about it and you'll get pointed in the right direction.
I know that going this route is a longshot but maybe someone else reading this will be tempted and try it. In any case, go to it and have a great time!
If scenery is what you are after consider taking US 20 out of West Yellowstone, through Idaho Falls, bearing west (still on US 20) while crossing the high desert to Arco, ID. There is an interesting nuclear reactor landmark that is open after Memorial Day just before Arco. It is the first breeder reactor and the first reactor to power a community. The tour is brief, worth it and free. A bit farther down this road past Arco is Craters of the Moon N.M. Craters is like being in the middle of the lava fields of Hawaii without the heat. The lava beds are endless and stretch beyond the horizon. If you are into geology you will dig it ; ) if not, it won't take long and you'll be on your way. Backtrack 20 miles to Arco.
At Arco go north onto US 93 and make the run up the valley. There are stunning views of Idaho's highest peaks and plenty of places to camp or boondock. Just after McKay (pronounced mackee) there is an outstanding RV campground on the reservoir and it is clean, new, BLM and inexpensive with great views. Weekdays always have empty spots and the surrounding landscape is surreal. This would be a fantastic halfway point between Yellowstone and Glacier.
At Challis, ID you can take a short 45 mile detour west to visit Stanley and see the Sawtooths (they rival the Tetons IMO). There are so many opportunities to camp along the Salmon River you are literally only five miles away from a riverside spot to spend the night. Go north through through the quaint town of Salmon and continue into Montana accessing I-90 once more and hitting Glacier if you want. I know Glacier is a serious draw but the vehicle tour there is pretty compressed -- it is best appreciated on foot and you won't have the time for that. Going to the Sun Road is hair raising fun to drive but it is over too soon and the chance of being clouded out is high. Not that I don't love Glacier but multiple days in a vehicle?
Most folks want to save time after spending it in Yellowstone, but if you want variety and outstanding scenery this route will pay big dividends. If you tire of the crush of people in Yellowstone get out early and find the solitude you want in Central Idaho. Oh, I almost forgot... there is a restored Victorian era mansion in Hamilton, MT that is fun to tour, just off 93. I forget the name but all you'd have to do is stop and ask about it and you'll get pointed in the right direction.
I know that going this route is a longshot but maybe someone else reading this will be tempted and try it. In any case, go to it and have a great time!
