Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Part 1

With a longer than expected stay in Idaho Falls due to our broken window replacement we decided to go on a sightseeing trip that is longer than we normally do. We have gotten into the habit of half day trips not day trips and the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway was a full day trip. We will break our adventure into two parts so as not to be too long or boring. Part 1 deals with our drive there and Lower Mesa Falls and Upper Mesa Falls. Part 2 will deal with the Inn at Upper Mesa Falls and the Harriman State Park and a great place to eat which you have to try.


We had previously mentioned how cold and rainy and windy it was in Idaho Falls. Turns out we were lucky as the area north of Idaho Falls where we were heading, including the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, got snow over the Memorial Day weekend. Here is how the Grand Tetons looked along our drive along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway with a fresh coat of snow. It felt so strange to see snow capped mountains and wearing shorts and t-shirts.

We next came across the Lower Mesa Falls, a viewpoint that is accessible a short walk from the parking lot.

We then came across the hit of the drive, the Upper Mesa Falls, about 1 mile from the Lower Mesa Falls. What is neat about the Upper Mesa Falls is that the walkway is right next to the Henrys Fork of the Snake River before it cascades over the falls.

Continuing on the walkway you arrive at the top of the falls.

There was so much water flowing over the 114 feet high, 200 feet wide falls that a rainbow was always present while we were there.

Further down the walkway you get a better view of the falls which is the second largest undisturbed falls in the Columbia River System.

We are so lucky to live this lifestyle and be able to see just how great and beautiful this country is. We owe our freedom to those we honored on Memorial Day as we are the land of the free because of the brave. We should honor them everyday, not just on Memorial Day.


Till next time,


Bob and Jo