THE INFO: Yellowstone National Park. It is a legend. From its out of the world scenic features, to its hikes, to its lake, to its wildlife. There is no other place that really measures up. I went to Yellowstone for the first time about three years ago and fell madly in love. I have heard of many people saying that Yellowstone is not a day trip place, which can be true. But I have done it several times in one day just because I know the best places to see and take advantage of in a short period of time. I'm going to write this post as if you have never been and you only have one day. 

WHAT TO DO: Prepare to make your trip around or after Memorial day. Trust me if you go earlier you will see all four seasons of weather and a lot of places are still closed. 

Though a one day trip can seem short when it comes to crossing three state borders and seeing the best of Yellowstone National Park, but let me tell you it can be done. Like I have mentioned in other posts go with a group of three or more, because bears. Plan on leaving early around 7am and make the 2 hour drive towards west yellowstone. Also be prepared and know that you will spend a lot of your day in the car, however you can rarely tell with how many stops you will be making. During my trip around the park I always start with Norris geyser, drive past mammoth ( I haven't had the best experiences here - but it is really interesting if its warm enough for the water to flow ), next check out the town of mammoth, it really has got to be one of the coolest national park towns, you will then begin a long drive to tower falls, atwerards stop and have a picnic at one of the camping sites, next drive towards yellowstone canyon falls ( this isn't the easiest of hikes but it is so worth it, the view is absolutely incredible ), take a look at the most perfect lake known to mankind ( yellowstone lake ), and lastly if you have a few hours to wait go check out old faithful, it takes up to 80 minutes for the geyser to blow, so be prepared. Well I will finish there because that was the longest sentence ever. When you drive home from Yellowstone stop in Ashton at Frostop Drive In - the best drive in - get the huckleberry milkshake. 

HINT: Go to the playmill located in West Yellowstone, at the end of your trip, I have never been but have heard some great things. 

THE ADDRESS: West Yellowstone, MT

upper mesa falls - outside ashton, id

THE INFO: Mesa Falls is one of the most breathtaking sites in eastern Idaho. I have spent many hours exploring its vastness and fall in love with its beauty over and over again. Mesa Falls has a lower and upper falls. I would recommend seeing both and spending time exploring around and taking in the grandness of the never ending ever greens. The falls themselves are only open for cars in the summer time- starting in May. Prepare for an eight mile (hard) hike if its snowy season because the roads are not maintained. 

WHAT TO DO: My favorite time to go a few hours before sunset, most of the tourist have diminished and you have the whole place to yourself. Hike down to the river and have a picnic with friends. However prepare for mosquitos, I mean a ton of mosquitos. Also go in a group and watch out for bears, I have seen some from the comfort of my car, but do not let your guard down. 

THE ADDRESS: Upper Mesa Falls Targhee National Forest, Idaho

grand teton national park - outside jackson, wyoming

THE INFO: Whether you have lived in Rexburg your whole life or this is your first week, you have heard about the Tetons. They are the majestic mountain rage that play as the backyard for BYU-Idaho. While the view of these mountains is great on the Idaho side, it can really be a life changing moment seeing them from the Wyoming side and the drive is probably the most scenic one of your life, well worth it. This trip to the Grand Teton National Park was actually a mistake after a part of Yellowstone was closed and we were forced to drive down through the park. I happily obliged to get a Wyoming view of our beloved mountains and it was one of the best choices I could have made. 

WHAT TO DO: My favorite thing to do in the area is just snap some out of the world photos and this location works great for engagements and portraits. However if you really want the best experience I suggest bringing lots of friends for a hike down towards the snake river. Memorial weekend is the perfect time and weather to really get out and explore this region. The snow will all be melted and its the ultimate spring time experiences. In the summertime you have the option to do several different activities that will really bring you closer to the Tetons. However like I have mentioned and reminded in my other posts, please be prepared to see bears and other wild animals. The valley is covered in them and you need to be cautious  so always hike with 3 or more people along with bring bear spray and know how to use it effectively. 

THE ADDRESS: Grand Teton National Park, WY

karie anne's - rexburg, id

THE INFO: Karie Anne's Desserts is not only the best place in Rexburg, but the best place to get gelati; a layered heaven of Italian ice and custard. The first summer they were open I used up a whole punch card and had hour long conversations with colleagues about how good it is. Karie Anne's is open in the summer and offers really afordable treats and even has weekly specials that include Monday - Family Night 7:00-9:00 pm All smalls 25 cents off! Wednesday - Happy Hour 12:00-1:00 pm All Gelati's 25 cents off! Thursday - Date Night 8:00-10:00 pm Buy one get one 1/2 off! If you try one place in Rexburg make it Karie Anne's.

WHAT I GOT: I love their flavors of the week and am partial to black cherry gelati. But I'm a serious lover of strawberry and double custard. 

THE ADDRESS: 328 North 2nd East, Rexburg, ID

THE CONTACT: Find more information check out their website and Facebook. 

r mountain - rexburg, id

THE INFO: R Mountain is one of the best hikes in Rexburg. There are two main hiking sides; the south (facing rexburg) and the north (facing the endless shrubs and desert). I always have preferred the south side just because the mountain is covered in cool caves and its a bit more of casual hike. 

WHAT TO DO: Go up right before sunset on the south side. In the summer 7pm is a great time to start cause it has finally cooled off and you get to watch an awesome sunset. Bring a blanket and get ready for some star gazing. 

THE ADDRESS: 1098 N 3600 E, Menan, ID 83434

snoasis - rexburg, id

THE INFO: Snoasis opens every year in the spring time and offers a variety of snow cones. Open from 11:00 am -11:00 pm. Their snow cones will have you coming back again and again. Prepare to wait in a long- but worth it line, and definitely bring a whole group of friends.

WHAT I GOT: Coke & Coconut with Creme- Always get the creme- no matter what.

THE ADDRESS: Main Street - Rexburg, ID

THE CONTACT: Find more about their deals on their Facebook.

apple orchard - rexburg, id

THE INFO: This place is seriously so pretty and right on campus. I go there when I just need a break or if want to get my apple picking on. One of the best kept secrets on campus. (along with the green houses)

WHAT TO DO: Bring your own bag and pick all the apples you could ever need. They have a shed that offers a self service station, so going in and out is such an easy process.  

THE ADDRESS: Next to the Ricks building at BYU-Idaho 

canyon creek - driggs, id

        

THE INFO: One of my favorite places to go is Driggs. It has the charm of a mountain town and some of the best views of the Tetons. The drive to Driggs also features an awesome canyon. Keep your eye open and you may be able to spot its glory and explore around. 

WHAT TO DO: The must is to stop at the best restaurant in eastern Idaho after a day of exploring the town. I recommend Teton Thai. The interior and exterior of this place is jaw dropping and so unique for Idaho. This may be Eastern Idaho's best kept secret. go. 

THE ADDRESS: Driggs, ID