AboutSue Mecham Expertise Best places to stay, eat, best roads to travel on activities. Idaho native for 45 years, travel is my number 1 hobby, I enjoy conversing with people via internet, and really enjoy helping others plan an enjoyable trip.
Question I used to live in Idaho when I was young. Now I would like to show my wife and three kids the places I loved while growing up there. I would like to fly from Missouri to Boise sometime around the end of May 2009 and visit Redfish Lake for several days. We would then proceed to Yellowstone National Park for several days before returning to Boise for a flight out the following Sunday. my question is would you recommend renting an RV of some type or staying at the Redfish lake lodge and some lodge in Yellowstone? If renting an RV, is there a place in Boise you would recommend? If we stay in a lodge, I know the lodge at Redfish Lake is excellent but where would you recommend in Yellowstone? Additionally, are there any other nearby attractions you would recommend? If I remember correctly, Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons are not to far from Yellowstone. Please advise and thank you for your help.
Answer I suggest the RV for a few reasons: the kids can get up and move around during the "boring" travel areas, and you always have a picnic table with you and a place to stay. It would be an adventure!
Drive north from Boise up through Horseshoe Bend - there's a great fruit stand or two there to stock up. At Banks, turn east to Lowman, then north on up to Stanley. It's a climb so don't hurry...there will be lots of scenery!
The camping area at Stanley for RV's is wonderful! It's a few feet to the shore of the lake and there are lots of activities at the lodge. If you decide to rent a car, get your reservations early at the lodge.
When it's time to go to Yellowstone, head east to Challis, then turn right to Arco and Idaho Falls. Stock up again on groceries, then head north to Ashton and Island Park. There will be places to park an RV at West Yellowstone, or if you are early enough you could stay IN the park: http://www.travelyellowstone.com/how-to-make-a-reservation-117.html
Phone: toll-free 1.866.GEYSERLAND (439-7375) or 307.344.7311
You can check on the requirements on this website - they handle ALL the reservations IN the park. You could stay a few nights at two or three and tour the area close to where you are staying.
When it's time to get back to Boise, head south through West Thumb - it takes you out the south entrance to Grand Teton National Park. Then there's Jackson, just south of the park. There's a stagecoach ride the kids can do around the center of town - by the big park in the SW corner. Let everyone walk on the boardwalks, then head south to Alpine, then right past Palisades Reservoir (picnic area) and on in to Idaho Falls. You can stay on the interstate from here south to Pocatello, and west to Boise.... or if you have time, go back to Arco and turn south to go through Craters of the Moon, then south to Twin Falls and west to Boise.
Give it some thought, then please ask any other questions so I can make your trip a pleasant visit to Idaho and Yellowstone!
