mesa falls

hecowemom

Before I came here on a jaunt to see waterfalls, I was sure it couldn't be that great because I had never heard of Mesa Falls. Huge, lovely, rainbow-y, micro-climate-y falls. SO worth the drive from Yellowstone.

ChrisMary825

Driving from Utah to Yellowstone included our side trip along the Mesa Scenic Byway. We selected several scenic byways during this drive (as many as we could fit in the itinerary). All were worth getting away from the highway and driving through the countryside. Check the travel sites for literature.Upper and Lower Mesa Falls were beautiful. The lower falls are viewed from across the chasm from higher elevation, but it is an easy walk to the overlook. And this was a clear, sunny September day. The upper falls are more impressive. You can walk down along paths and well built decks to near falls. If the sun shines, there will be a rainbow. Many angles along walkway for viewing and pictures. Easy visit and a small informative visitor cabin about the fauna, wildlife, history and geology.

LissaM635

Our Trouthunters guide pointed out the side road to the falls, and strongly recommended we take the time to see both falls. We were headed out this direction, so it wasn't much out of our way. I'm so glad we visited. When we got to the upper falls, they were closing down the visitor center for the season, so weren't collecting the $5 fee. We walked down the trail and stairways to the cliff, then along the cliff to the falls. There are interpretive signs everywhere, covering the animals and trees, some of the history, and the geology of the canyon. Well done. When we got to the overlook to the waterfall, there was a rainbow hovering just off the falls; gorgeous. The lower falls is also worth a look, but the viewpoint is high on the cliff opposite the falls, which are much lower in elevation. It's a different perspective, but completely beautiful. (catching up on reviews from a September/October 2014 road trip)

photohiker

After staying in West Yellowstone, we decided to drive to Jackson Hole via Teton Valley(west side of the Tetons). We stopped by Mesa Falls along the way. There is a upper & lower falls. Upper Falls is far more impressive. There is a fee of $5 per car. There are bathrooms and viewing platforms to get good pictures of the falls. The path from the parking area to the falls is paved(it is a short walk). There is also a campground nearby.

Carla4Cs

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway thru Ashton, Idaho, has a beautiful view of the Teton Mountains and the highlight is a visit to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. In my opinion, the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. NOTE: Waterfall area is only accessible in the winter by snowmobile. Hwy 47, east off of Interstate 20, thru Ashton provides a fabulous view of the Tetons - road is open year round. Stop at the Chocolate Moose in Ashton for coffee/pastries/gifts. This is a great scenic drive to Driggs, Idaho (Targhee Ski Resort) and over the Teton Pass to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

World-wander-woman

This scenic byway in Ashton Idaho is well worth the detour. you can visit both the upper & lower falls. one you can park and take a short wlak to view the falls and the other you go down a windy paved road and you have to pay $5.00 to hike to the othe fall. well worth the time to stop and see some great scenery and stretch your legs

holm67

Great views of Upper Falls. Worth the fee at the falls visitor station. Very good visitor centre with friendly rangers.

Frugalmama57

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byways leads one to the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. We visited the upper falls. We were impressed by the stairway leading down to an amazing viewpoint overhanging the river. There was a rainbow right beside the falls as the sun caught the spray. One can continue to walk down until you are right over the ledge where the water cascades over it. It is mesmerizing!

203KimG

Upper Mesa Falls has an awesome walking path with viewing platforms in various areas that allow you to really get a great view and perspective of these incredibly beautiful falls. We did not have to pay any fees as we visited outside their "season" dates, the only drawback about that is that the old inn, now a visitor center, was closed.

Lovephotography14

Stopped by Elk Mountain Digital Photo in West Yellowstone,MT. I needed to pick up a memory chip and the man working told me about the falls. We arrived to the upper falls around noon on a nice sunny day. The falls were beautiful. But there was also a rainbow effect in front of the falls. Apparently, it is there most days. I highly recommend the upper falls. The lower falls was really nice too!

RuthAnnW_11

This is a must see. Both upper and lower falls are beautiful and uniquely different. Upper Falls has the sheer drop off that is visible close up. The Lower Falls are seen from a distance with lots of turbulence and power. We tried to hike down to the Lower falls. We found a somewhat worn path but it seemed to far away from the falls. Therefore we stopped about 1/3 the way down, since we weren't sure it would pay off in the end.

ColoradoSunshine55

We visited Upper Mesa Falls and the setting was perfect. The water flow was enough that we could see the majesty of nature.

JudyH260

We were on a day trip from West Yellowstone to Idaho Falls. While stopping for a snack at a bar and grill, the owner gave us a map and told us about a scenic route back up to West Yellowstone. We followed the map and were amazed! What a beautiful route to follow, and then we came upon the stunning Mesa Falls. They are absolutely magnificent, and there are walkways that take you very close up. There is a small museum and gift shop, and there are several informational stops along the path to and from the falls. Truly magnificent and we are so glad we followed his advice and took this scenic byway.

56phillipn

A pretty easy walk at the lower falls takes you to a great view. While it is not as well known as the upper falls, it is worth the 10 to 20 minutes extra to see it. Then go to the lower falls. A little more walking offers excellent views of the falls. The osprey nest just above the falls provided even more enjoyment this year. If you start the drive in Idaho Falls, the Grand Tetons make a gorgeous backdrop to the east all along the way. The $10 parking fee is well worth it.

aberdeenangler

This feature is very off the beaten track but it well worth diverting to see if you are in the area. The falls and gorge below are stunning and pathways and viewing platforms have been cleverly constructed so you get the most from your visit. Highly commendable is the way that a disabled-friendly pathway and viewing point have bee created.The visitor centre, an old inn, is also a must-see. It costs $5 for a car to enter the parking area.We saw it in the early autumn/fall and the colouring of the trees in the area was marvellous. There was also a lovely rainbow created in the spray below the falls. Great spot for photographs.