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Grand Teton Nation Park must see while staying in Island Park Idaho

Note about Grand Teton National Park Must See Areas: It is possible to spend all your time in Yellowstone National Park, but if you have the time, checking out Grand Teton National Park is highly recommended. It is possible to get from the cabin to GTNP by going through YNP, but I only recommend this if you leave early in the morning and watch the sun rise in YNP. It is a long day if you plan to make a loop of it and stop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on the way back. You can go the opposite way by turning at Ashton, Idaho, and cutting across to Driggs and Victor (the Idaho side of the Tetons) then over the Teton Pass to Jackson. From Jackson, you’d head toward GTNP and return through YNP. I don’t recommend going to Jackson first as coming through the park late in the day can cause delays due to bison, bear, and elk jams anywhere along your route while in both parks. There is also the risk of hitting wildlife while traveling the roads of YNP after dark. You can always just skip going through YNP and just do the beautiful two hour drive to Jackson through Teton twice and return the same way… either way is stellar.

Drive the 42-mile Scenic Loop

This drive takes you through the heart of Grand Teton National Park. You will drive down the length of the Teton Mountain range along Jenny and Jackson Lakes and past numerous scenic overlooks. Along the way, you can take the option to detour to Signal Mountain, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, and numerous hiking trails in the park.
  

Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls
Hidden Falls is a waterfall located in the Teton Range next to Jenny Lake. Inspiration Point is a viewpoint over Jenny Lake. Both spots are located on the same hiking trail, it is easy to combine both into one very scenic hike.

Hidden Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in GTNP.

There is a shuttle boat on the western side of Jenny Lake which cuts down on the walk to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. If you are short on time, this is the fastest way to see both sights. The boat runs every 15 minutes.

Expect big crowds from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the summer months.
 

Mormon Row Historic District

In 1890, Mormons from Salt Lake City settled here, establishing 27 homesteads. Mormon Row was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

This is one of the best sunrise spots in GTNP. An iconic shot of the historic barn with the Tetons in the background attracts photographers from around the world.

Chapel of the Transfiguration

This is another historic site in GTNP and is a short ride from Mormon Row. This small log chapel was built in 1925. During the summer season, St. John’s Episcopal Church offers services on Sunday mornings.

Schwabacher Landing

For one of the most scenic views of the Teton mountain range, don’t miss Schwabacher Landing. This is a great place to capture the reflection of the mountain range in the Snake River.

You can walk from the parking lot to the river and snap a photo, or you can continue further down the trail for a slightly different view of the Teton range.

Snake River Overlook

Channel your inner Ansel Adams and photograph the Tetons from the lookout. This photography location was made famous when Ansel Adams snapped a photograph in 1942, while working for the United States government.

Oxbow Bend of the Snake River

This is the place to get the iconic view of Mt. Moran’s reflection in the Snake River. Sunrise is the most popular time to visit Oxbow Bend, not only to capture the Teton range but to photographic wildlife in the area.

Taggart Lake

This relatively short, easy trail is one of the most popular hikes in GTNP. Once you reach Taggart Lake, you get amazing view of the Tetons in this beautiful clear lake.

It is a three-mile round trip hike. Be alert for bear. You can continue further to Bradley Lake, but this adds another 2.5 miles to the total distance. The trailhead is located on Teton Park Road south of Jenny Lake.

Rockefeller Preserve and Visitor Center

The Rockefeller family played a huge role in preserving the land of GTNP. This reserve is an 1,100-acre refuge located within GTNP and was donated by the Rockefeller family in 2001.

The visitor center was built on this parcel of land. It is a beautiful property and is a LEED certified building for it’s environmentally friendly building practices.

Drive Moose Wilson Road

Moose Wilson Road is an 8-mile paved and dirt road that connects Jackson with GTNP. Rough and narrow in some spots, it is acceptable for cars but having an SUV or 4x4 makes the drive easier. Expect lots of potholes and slow speeds for the portion that is unpaved. Along the way you have a good chance of seeing moose and other wildlife. The road is closed from November 1 to mid-May. RVs and trailers are not permitted. It is also subject to closure for grizzly bear activity.

Airports Close to Island Park ... and some awesome suggestions for the ride on the way

Written by Sandy Briggs - a long time resident of Island Park, Idaho

Note about Area Airports, best routes, and things to see along the way. There are a few options for flying into areas that are closest to Yellowstone National Park and near Island Park.  The furthest airport, but usually the one with the best airfares, is Salt Lake City, Utah. There is also Bozeman, Montana, West Yellowstone, Montana, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Below is information on distances, things to know, and some things to stop and see along the way. Keep in mind that driving times in Idaho are not normally in miles, but actual time/hours spent traveling.

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Salt Lake City, Utah 

The international airport in SLC is a nice airport outside of town that is easy to get around and navigate. This is usually the cheapest airport to find flights and is a hub for Delta Airlines.

SLC is 5 hours from the cabin on nice roads. There will be the potential for some traffic until you are north of Ogden, Utah, when the road goes from many lanes down to two in your direction. The fastest route is SLC, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Island Park. There are many fast-food restaurants along the first part of the route, but they thin out considerably after Ogden. You won’t find a Starbucks unless you stop in Layton or Ogden and the next one isn’t until you reach Pocatello. If you are hungry, my favorite stop is Crown Burgers in Layton. They have surprisingly good Greek food, but they are known for their burgers. It is an easy on and off from the freeway.

There are Costco stores in Ogden, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls.

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Bozeman, Montana - Route One
through Ennis

Bozeman Airport is a little outside of Bozeman in Belgrade. It’s a small airport and extremely easy to navigate. From Bozeman you have the choice of three routes, this is the fastest and will take you about 2-hours to get to Island Park depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Drive from Bozeman to Ennis, then turn toward Island Park and Idaho Falls on US-20. If you decide to take this route, at Four-Corners in Bozeman (where you turn right to go to Ennis) there is a restaurant called Best Burger. Stop if you are hungry, they have great burgers, fries, and huckleberry shakes. If you haven’t heard of a huckleberry, they are wild berries that can’t be domesticated and grow wild in the forest. They can be picked in late July or early August depending on weather and snowpack. They are great in milkshakes, pancakes, and just about anything. They are like a blueberry but smaller, tastier, and wild.

This route will take you along the Madison River which is beautiful, and you will begin to see why Montana is called the “Big Sky” state. The mountains from Ennis to the state border with Idaho are incredible. Along this route, about 30 minutes from Bozeman is Norris Hot Springs. It’s a great place to stop and stretch with a hot soak before continuing down the road. They have surprisingly good food, beer and wine that is served poolside while you soak the travel stiffness from your body. Look at their website for hours and days they are open, it varies.

Another 30 minutes down the road is Ennis. It’s a quaint little western town with a great Main Street that has been featured in many westerns over the years. If you like Bailey’s with your morning coffee, stop in at Willie’s Distillery for some Willie’s Coffee Cream or Huckleberry Cream. They are both awesome. Before you make the turn into Ennis, Deemo’s Meat is on your right. If you want some good meat or homemade beef jerky, this is the place to stop. They also have a surprising assortment of Italian food items and good take and bake pizza and frozen pies. Pick up some good steaks to grill at the cabin. There is also a little market that you could pick up some groceries on the right about a quarter mile before you get to the stop sign at Deemo’s. The Sugar High is a great place for a huckleberry shake or ice cream treat and they are close to Deemo’s.

Any of the bars in Ennis are good places for burgers and bar fare but if you wanted a nice sit-down dinner, the Alley Bistro is the best in town. They have great soups and entrées. Oh, and they have pizza, too, right next to a cute little six lane bowling alley.

There isn’t much after Ennis, except the Grizzly Bar, which is great, until you get to Island Park. The Grizzly Bar is on the right-hand side about 20 more minutes down the road from Ennis. You can’t miss it because of the pine shaped cell tower looming over the place. It is on the banks of the Madison River. We recently discovered this place and have been back many times it has been that good, and the prices are reasonable, too.

 Note: Cell reception isn’t good on this route. You will be lucky to have reception half of your trip, but that just gives you time to look out the window and enjoy the views.

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Bozeman, Montana - Route Two
through Big Sky and West Yellowstone

Bozeman Airport is a little outside of Bozeman in Belgrade. It’s a small airport and extremely easy to navigate. From Bozeman you have the choice of three routes, this is the second choice and will take you about three-hours depending on traffic.

Drive from Bozeman to Big Sky, then continue through a small corner of YNP to West Yellowstone, then to Island Park. If you decide to take this route, at Four-Corners (where you go straight to Big Sky) there is a place called Best Burger on your left. Stop if you are hungry, they have great burgers, fries, and huckleberry shakes.

After four-corners, a couple of miles on the right, you will see Bozeman Hot Springs. This is a great place to stop for an outdoor soak in their newly renovated pools. Go through the indoor pools, plunges, and steam room to the outdoor pools first. They are wonderful.

Bozeman hot springs at night

After you exit the Bozeman valley, you will drive through a winding canyon along the banks of the Gallatin River until you reach the Big Sky turnoff stoplight. Keep going straight and a few miles down the road on the right, you will see Buck’s T4. A little more down the road and you will see Riverhouse Grill on the left. Both are excellent. Buck’s is upscale and will take longer to be served, but it is an old-time local favorite. I recommend eating in the bar as it is faster than the dining room. River House Grill BBQ is quicker, and I highly recommend their broasted chicken. We usually call in an order when we leave Bozeman (before the canyon when we still have cell service) and pick it up on the way by.

Note: Both restaurants open between 4:00 and 5:00 pm so it depends on what time you are passing through. They both can get crowded, so plan to arrive near opening or order in advance.

Once you leave the Big Sky area your next stop will be West Yellowstone. From here to West Yellowstone, it will be winding curves along the Gallatin River. The roads will open up and the speed will change to 55 mph as you enter Yellowstone National Park. This section of the park isn’t as spectacular as the rest of the park, but bear, moose, and other animals can be spotted if you keep an eye out. There is no toll booth at this entrance because you don’t have to pay to drive through this small section of the park. Watch for the Welcome to Yellowstone National Park sign on the right side of the road for a photo opportunity.

 The Gallatin River is great fishing, but if you are fishing it inside the park, you need a park license. Fishing the Gallatin outside the park will require a Montana fishing license. Both can be purchased online. Check the license rates, it may be cheaper to get a season pass to fish YNP if you are planning on fishing more than a couple of days. The same applies to Montana licenses.

From here, you will continue to West Yellowstone. Please see options for dining in the “West Yellowstone Places to Eat” section. Then on to Island Park which is about 30-minutes away.

Note: Cell reception isn’t good on this route. You will be lucky to have reception half of your trip, but that just gives you time to look out the window and enjoy the views.

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Bozeman, Montana
Route three through Livingston, Gardiner, YNP at Mammoth, Norris, Madison, West Yellowstone to Island Park

Bozeman Airport is a little outside of Bozeman in Belgrade. It’s a small airport and extremely easy to navigate. From Bozeman you have the choice of three routes, this is the third choice and will take you five hours depending on park traffic. I would not take this route if you will be traveling at night. It is too beautiful to miss, and you will likely travel most of this route sometime during your stay if you plan on visiting the park.

From the airport you can get on the freeway heading to Livingston easily, but if you wanted to stop in Bozeman to eat, there are a couple of places I’d recommend. If you are there at breakfast or lunch time, check out the Western Café in downtown Bozeman. It is an iconic place with amazing home-cooked food. The Western isn’t open for dinner. There is also Ted’s which is Ted Turner’s bison restaurant. They serve more than bison, but that is what it is known for. They have lunch and dinner, and both are excellent. I recommend trying their fresh fried potato chips with dip, they are amazing.

Bozeman has the closest Costco to Island Park and Montana doesn’t have sales tax, so this is a great stop to stock up for your trip and fill up your rental car’s gas tank before returning it to the rental agency on your way out of Bozeman.

Livingston is about 30 minutes out of Bozeman. You exit at Livingston for Gardiner and YNP so if you wanted a good meal, go to the Rib and Chop House. They have take-out as well. Try one of their huckleberry drinks. Note: Bars in Montana can make alcoholic drinks to go – bonus!

Once you leave Livingston, there are two possible stops for hot springs. One is Chico and the other is Yellowstone Hot Springs. Both are amazing. Chico is a few miles off the road in beautiful Paradise Valley and Yellowstone is right off the road on the banks of the mighty Yellowstone River. Chico does have an amazing dining room and superb food, but you’ll need to make reservations early, it does fill up and they are only open for dinner. They have a grill poolside that has your standard American fare that is open around noon. They also have a poolside bar.

Once you get to Gardiner you are poised to enter the North Entrance of YNP. For places to eat, please see the Yellowstone Entrances document which details the best options for Gardiner and the North Park Entrance. This is also where you can take photos of the Roosevelt Arch and will pay to enter the park. Talk to the ranger in the booth for your best option for a pass depending on how many days you plan to visit. I believe it is also possible to buy entry into the park online but buying it at the window gives you a chance to ask questions. Also, don’t forget to check with the ranger to see if Boiling River is open (photo above). It is just a few more miles up the road when you cross the Gardiner River. Park on either side, but the trail is to your left. There are changing rooms there. Wear water shoes, as it has rocks you need to walk across to get to the right spot (where the cold and hot water meet for your perfect temperature). It is normally closed until after July 15th, but the last two years it hasn’t been opened at all.

Once in the park you will go by Mammoth Hot Springs, to Norris, Madison, West Yellowstone and to Island Park.

Note: Cell reception isn’t good on this route. You will be lucky to have reception half of your trip, but that just gives you time to look out the window and enjoy the views.

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Idaho Falls, Idaho to Rexburg, St. Anthony, Ashton, and Island Park

Idaho Falls Airport is only 1.5 hours from the cabin, but it is usually expensive to fly there because of the Idaho National Laboratory. The airlines charge high rates for flights knowing the government will support the costs. For this reason, I’d recommend avoiding this airport unless you can find a cheap rate. To get to Idaho Falls it usually requires connecting flights and there is always the chance you will miss your connection and be stuck in Salt Lake City because you are unable to get into Idaho Falls. For some reason, their connection times are only 30-45 minutes in SLC. If you have a delay, it makes it very difficult when the connection time is so short and unfortunately, they don’t often hold planes.

There is a Costco in Idaho Falls. If you are coming up from Salt Lake City, or landing in Idaho Falls, this is the closest one to the cabin.

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Jackson, Wilson, Driggs, Ashton, Island Park

Jackson’s airport is on the north side of Jackson Hole and about two hours from the cabin. There isn’t an easy way to go around the city of Jackson Hole to get to Jackson Pass, so expect some traffic as you go right through the middle of town. Honestly, if I was going to fly into Jackson, I’d stay for a couple of days and see Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Both are fun and worth the trip and if you are already there, no reason to go back, except to catch a plane, right?

If you want dinner and other information about Jackson Hole, please see the “Must-See Grand Teton National Park (GTNP)” section.

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West Yellowstone, Montana – Island Park

The West Yellowstone Airport is on the north side of town. There are limited flights in and out of the airport. Ocasionally, you can get a pretty decent rate into the airport, but it may be difficult to arrange for a rental car if you need one.

The airport is only 30-minutes from the cabin. West Yellowstone does have a couple of grocery stores if you wanted to stock up before coming to the cabin. The selection at these two stores is much better than Robin’s Roost in Island Park, but they charge premium prices.

If you wanted restaurant information look in the “West Yellowstone Places to Eat” section.

If you are looking for the best places to stay while you are here look no more. Visit Island Park Idaho has cabins of all sizes to fit your vacation group perfectly. Check out our accommodations here

Locals' Guide: Airports Close to Yellowstone

Island Park is a beautiful road trip for its many visitors from neighboring states, as well as within the state of Idaho. But for many, flying is the best option. Some of the most common questions travelers have is about airports. What is the best airport in the area? Which one is closest to Yellowstone National Park? We want to make your trip to Island Park and West Yellowstone as enjoyable and effortless as possible. Here’s a guide to all of your airport questions in the Greater Yellowstone area.

Airports Close to West Yellowstone and Island Park, Idaho (in order of proximity from nearest to farthest to Island Park):

Yellowstone Airport (WYS), approx. 30 minutes  

Idaho Falls Regional Airport 75 minutes

Pocatello Regional Airport  120 minutes

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, just 120 minutes

Jackson Hole Airport, just over 120 minutes

Bert Mooney Airport, 150 minutes

Salt Lake City International Airport, 5 hours

Boise Airport, 5 hours

Best Overall Airports Near Yellowstone

If you want to get to Island Park and the Greater Yellowstone area in the quickest time possible, the best choice is Yellowstone (WYS) airport. But if you want to experience a bit of a scenic road trip or want some better options (cheaper, non-stop flights), the winner is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. A beautiful scenic drive through the Gallatin Range, just over two hours from Island Park.

What do the locals say?

Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
A favorite for many locals. Closest to Yellowstone and Island Park, getting more flights, and flights to connectors in SLC may be cheaper. Is often pricier than Idaho Falls or Bozeman. Not ideal if you’re wanting a direct flight.

Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located at West Yellowstone, Montana just two miles from Yellowstone National Park and close to Big Sky, Island Park, Gallatin and Madison Rivers, Ennis, and Virginia City. From the site: “Numerous airlines transfer in Salt Lake City to Delta Airlines flights. This means you can leave home in the morning and be catching fish or watching Old Faithful Geyser by early afternoon!” 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport
Close to Island Park and Yellowstone, great deals through United. 

Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho this airport is the second closest to Island Park just an hour and a half away from the gateway to Yellowstone.

Pocatello Regional Airport
Flights are usually cheaper than Idaho Falls and it’s only 45 minutes farther. Free parking is a plus.

According to the site, the Pocatello airport is “fast, friendly, and convenient” and locals tend to agree. It’s only an extra half hour from Idaho Falls airport, and close to Lava Hot Springs (approx. 40 min.) if you have time for a fun and relaxing day trip.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Cheaper fares, nonstop flights, and a beautiful two hour drive to Island Park and Yellowstone through the Gallatin Valley.

This beautiful Montana airport is a local favorite, providing the only year-round service for two Yellowstone National Park entrances. According to the site: “Located in the heart of beautiful Gallatin Valley, we provide non-stop flights to 30 markets in the United States with connections all over the world.”

Jackson Hole
Some say the cheapest fares are here. And love that it’s only two hours from Island Park.

And if you have time to stop in the Grand Teton national park- we recommend it. maybe even add on a couple of nights to your stay so you can enjoy it a couple of days. image COURTESY of Teara Galbraith

The site says it best: “The Jackson Hole Airport is located at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Located entirely within Grand Teton National Park, flying into the Jackson Hole Airport is an amazing way to begin your journey to Jackson Hole.” And being only two hours from Island Park (2 and ½ to West Yellowstone), it’s a great way to begin your journey into the Greater Yellowstone. And you get a bonus visit to Grand Teton National Park!

Bert Mooney Airport
Free parking, but not typically recommended.

“Located in the heart of Southwest Montana, Bert Mooney Airport is your gateway to adventure. Whether you are departing on that trip of a lifetime or arriving for that much needed retreat, departing to the trip of a lifetime, Bert Mooney Airport can help you reach your travel destination with ease,” according to the site. Possibly because it’s smaller, and farther than Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Yellowstone, and Bozeman, this airport is not heavily used by visitors to Island Park and Yellowstone.

Salt Lake International Airport
Cheap fares and nonstop flights, and a five hours drive. But, it could be a fun day trip on the road through Salt Lake to Ogden and southern Idaho if you have the time.

The Salt Lake City airport just completed phase one of a $4 billion redevelopment project, making it one of the most beautiful and enjoyable airports for travel.

Boise Airport
Most locals use Salt Lake City airport over Boise airport, but out-of-state visitors will enjoy the city of Boise and the five hour road trip with a little extra time to spare.

Nonstop flights and in one of Idaho’s most bustling and beautiful cities, this may be worth the five hour drive to Island Park.

Further reading about Yellowstone-area airports:

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/airports-near-clarksville-tennessee-55462.html
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/airports/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k2303100-Closest_airport_to_Yellowstone-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html

Now that you’re on flight to Island Park, the gateway to West Yellowstone, be sure to book your stay with Visit Island Park Idaho Cabin Rentals!
Our luxury short-term accommodations in Island Park, Idaho.

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