Next summer wife and I are planning a trip from Reno to Yellowstone area. My question is mostly for you Idaho folks. What is a pretty way to go from the southwest part of Idaho to the Northeast to get into the yellowstone area.
Thanks for any advise.

 

The one problem you will encounter is the Bitterroot Range. West to East in Idaho is not too friendly. Here's 2 routes that are beautiful:

(1) From the Boise area: NE on 21 to Stanley. NE on 75 to the 93 S to Arco. East on 33 to Rexburg. North on 20 to Ashton. Take the 47 loop and check out lower & upper Mesa Falls...it's really nice through there. Continue north on 20 to West Yellowstone.

(2) Now this is the REALLY pretty way: I'm not sure where you mean by "southwest Idaho," but I'm guessing Boise or Twin Falls. From either of those places, make your way over to Pocatello and Soda Springs (US-30). You'll pass by Lava Hot Springs, which has some amazing therapeutic hot pools...I highly recommend a stop! From Soda Springs, take 34 N/E til you "T" at US-89. 89N about 14 miles and fork left onto 26N. You'll pass Palisades Reservoir and enter the Swan Valley, home to some of the best fly fishing in the lower 48 states! At the north end of Swan Valley, turn right on 31 towards Victor. You'll climb pretty fast and go over the pass into Victor. Turn left in Victor onto 33 towards Driggs. These are two really cool little mountain towns. In Driggs, take a ride up to Grand Targhee resort. It's about a 10 mile road (it dead ends) of twisties, hairpins and very scenic. From Driggs, stay on 33 north to Tetonia. Watch out for the turn-off to 32 North...it will sneak up on you! 32 takes you into Ashton. When you come to the stop sign at the end of 32, a left will take you to Ashton. A right will take you on the 47 loop to Mesa Falls. Either way, you'll end up on US-20. Head north to Island Park and West Yellowstone. Island Park is a great place to stay. Lots of cabins and stuff like that for rent. My advice is to stay here vs. West Yellowstone. It's only about 20 miles from the West Entrance to Yellowstone NP.

Hope that helps you out!

PS - Take route #2!!

 

Thanks
That is exactly the kind of trip I was planning. You missed your calling dude. you should be a tour guide. If time allows I also want to come out the top end of the state and check out the Coeur d' Alene area a little bit then back to Reno. I really appreciate the help.
Santa