Mesa Falls Scenic Byway — A Complete Driving Guide from Island Park

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway: Island Park's Best Drive

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is a 28-mile paved loop off US-20 near Ashton, Idaho — about 30 minutes south of Island Park. The byway passes through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and features two powerful waterfalls on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River that rival anything inside Yellowstone, with a fraction of the crowds.

Upper Mesa Falls (114 Feet)

Upper Mesa Falls is the star attraction — a 114-foot cascade that ranks among the most impressive waterfalls in Idaho and one of the last major undammed falls in the Columbia River system. A short paved trail (approximately 0.3 miles) leads from the parking area to a series of overlook platforms with direct views of the falls.

What makes it special: Unlike most waterfall overlooks that offer a single viewing angle, Upper Mesa Falls has multiple platforms at different elevations, letting you experience the falls from above, at eye level, and from a lower vantage that captures the spray and power of the full drop. The basalt column formations framing the falls add geological drama.

Best time to visit: The falls are most dramatic in June when snowmelt swells the Henry's Fork to peak flow. By August, flow decreases but the falls remain impressive. Morning light hits the falls directly and produces rainbows in the spray.

Access fee: A small day-use fee ($5 as of 2026) applies at the Upper Mesa Falls parking area. Interagency passes (America the Beautiful) are accepted.

Lower Mesa Falls (65 Feet)

Lower Mesa Falls drops 65 feet through a narrow basalt canyon about 1.5 miles downstream from Upper Mesa Falls. The overlook is accessible via a short unpaved trail from the Lower Mesa Falls pullout on the byway. The canyon framing and darker rock create a more dramatic, intimate viewing experience compared to the open grandeur of Upper Mesa Falls.

Photography tip: The confined canyon creates deep shadows that contrast with bright water. Visit mid-morning for the best balance of light and shadow. A polarizing filter eliminates spray glare and deepens the basalt colors.

Driving the Byway

| Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Start point | Turn east off US-20 near Ashton onto Highway 47 | | Distance | 28-mile loop returning to US-20 | | Drive time | 1.5–2 hours with photo stops | | Road surface | Fully paved, suitable for all vehicles including RVs | | Best light | Early morning or late afternoon | | Season | Typically open late May through October (snow-dependent) |

Additional Stops Along the Byway

Grandview Overlook: Approximately halfway through the loop, this pullout offers a sweeping view of the Henry's Fork canyon and surrounding Caribou-Targhee National Forest. On clear days, the Teton Range is visible to the southeast.

Big Springs: While not on the byway itself, Big Springs is a 15-minute detour from the northern end. One of the largest natural springs in the world (flowing 120 million gallons daily), Big Springs features a boardwalk loop where you can watch enormous rainbow trout in crystal-clear, constant-temperature water.

Combining Mesa Falls with an ATV Tour

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway pairs perfectly with a morning guided ATV tour from Island Park:

• Morning (8:00–11:00): Guided ATV tour with Nomad Yellowstone — backcountry ridgelines, alpine meadows, Continental Divide viewpoints
• Lunch: Picnic at the Upper Mesa Falls day-use area or grab food in Ashton
• Afternoon (1:00–3:30): Drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway with waterfall stops

The two activities showcase completely different sides of the Island Park landscape — rugged alpine ridgelines versus dramatic volcanic river canyons. Together, they make a complete day that rivals any itinerary inside the park.

Getting There from Island Park and West Yellowstone

• From Island Park (Mack's Inn area): 30 minutes south on US-20 to the Ashton turnoff
• From West Yellowstone: 50 minutes south via US-20 through Island Park to Ashton
• From the Henry's Lake area: 45 minutes south — combine with a Henry's Lake fishing stop on the way

More Island Park travel tips → Things to Do in Island Park, Idaho · Best ATV Trails Near West Yellowstone · Hidden Gems of Island Park

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