Mesa Falls

Mesa Falls is one of Eastern Idaho’s best-kept secrets. These waterfalls along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in Idaho are worth stopping by on a trip to Yellowstone, or even just visiting on a day trip from Rexburg or Idaho Falls. Check out the visitors center and both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.

What is

Mesa Falls?

Mesa Falls is a broad area in Southeastern Idaho with multiple different parts to it. This article will serve as a basic guide to each portion in hopes that you can discover Mesa Falls and the beauty that comes with it! 

First, should you even spend the time (and let’s be honest, the gas??) to head slightly off the beaten path to Mesa Falls? Absolutely. If you’re heading north to Island Park or Yellowstone it’s almost a no-brainer to utilize this point on the map as a rest stop. You could easily justify a whole day or weekend trip there as well because of the camping and hiking that Mesa Falls provides.

How to get to Mesa Falls
  • From Idaho Falls- drive on Highway 20 for 50 miles
  • Turn right on Main St in Ashton – there is a scenic byway sign
  • Continue on this road for 16 miles
  • There is spot where the road curves left – follow the curve, don’t go straight.
  • You’ll have a great view of the Grand Teton to the southwest
  • You will reach Lower Mesa Falls first, where you can visit both Lower & Upper Mesa Falls.
When is Mesa Falls open?
  • The scenic byway is open from Spring- Winter
  • The byway is not plowed during the winter, so it will become inaccessible for automobiles after it snows enough. You can still access the Falls by snowmobile throughout the winter
  • The Big Falls Inn Visitors Center is open from 9 – 5:30 in the summer
  • It is also open some weekends in the winter for snowmobilers- but that is random and you won’t know if it is open until you visit.
What does it cost?
  • Upper Mesa Falls-
    • Vehicles: $5.00/day; motorcycles, bicycles, horses, and hikers: $1.00/day; tour buses: $25.00/day
  • Lower Mesa Falls
    • Free

Mesa Falls Continued

At Mesa Falls you’re going to find these different options:

 Mesa Falls Scenic Byway: This is a highway that brings you from Ashton to Island Park. This is a scenic byway meaning it offers multiple overlooks to different views of the surrounding natural area including the Tetons. The byway takes about 40 minutes to drive from beginning to end with no stops.

Lower Mesa Falls: A short walk to see a view of the falls. Completely stroller/ wheelchair friendly pathways. Kid and leashed dog friendly.
Cost: Free

Upper Mesa Falls: A longer, steeper walk to view the falls. This is mostly stroller/ wheelchair friendly, but eventually the pathways become steeper and turn to stairs, so you cannot access everything at this part of Mesa Falls in a stroller or wheelchair. Kid and leashed dog friendly. 

Cost: Vehicles: $5.00/day; motorcycles, bicycles, horses, and hikers: $1.00/day; tour buses: $25.00/day

Grandview Campground at Lower Mesa Falls: Camping is available near Lower Mesa Falls May-September. This is accessible for tents and camping trailers. Other amenities at the campground include picnic tables, toilets, and potable water. You can find more information about the Grandview Campground here.

Cost: Single Family Campsites- $20.00/day use or overnight

 Follow along!

For updates, insights, and more fun – follow us on social media!