Ashton, Idaho

Overview

Ashton, ID is known as the seed potato capital of the world, but it’s much more than that. A picturesque town set among wide-open spaces and rolling hills, Ashton abounds with recreational activities all year long, while still maintaining its hometown atmosphere.

Location

Ashton is west of Yellowstone National Park, about an hour south of the west entrance on Highway 20.

Services/Amenities

If you like home cooked meals, you’ll love dining in Ashton. Delicious food awaits you in any of the western style eateries. You’ll find a few restaurants and fast food establishments in this small town. Order some food to go so you can take it with you on your day’s adventures.

Lodging

The lodging options are limited but range from guest ranches and bed and breakfasts to motels and rustic cabins. Find your ideal place to come back to every evening after a day of outdoor fun. There are also campgrounds for those who want to sleep under the stars.

Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ashton, Idaho area because there are never ending options for recreation.

• Fly-Fishing
  With four rivers all within 10 miles of Ashton, you will find outstanding fishing around this town. You have Henry’s Fork of the Snake River (some of the best fly-fishing anywhere), the Teton River, Fall River and Warm River to choose from. There are three waterfalls nearby, where above and below you’ll get some great trout catches.
• Hiking
  A multitude of trails will invite you out into the wilderness. Traveling 24 miles east of Ashton, you can take a day hike in Bechler Meadows. This takes you into the southwest part of Yellowstone National Park on an easy to moderate hike of 11 miles. If you enjoy seeing rivers and waterfalls, this is the place to go. Around the Mesa Falls area there are many hiking trails, including a short one between Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls.
• Biking
  If you want to take in the scenery, try mountain biking the Warm River trail. This two-hour ride might lengthen as you stop at the scenic overlooks to get a view.
• Sightseeing
  Use Ashton for your home base as you move around to some of the greatest sights in America, including Yellowstone National Park with its famous geysers and hot springs and Grand Teton National Park with its breathtaking scenery.
• Scenic Driving
  Ashton lies at the junction of two wonderful scenic drives, Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and Teton Scenic Byway. The Mesa Falls Scenic Loop takes you 28 miles through Targhee National Forest and along Henry’s Fork. View the many lakes, rivers and mountains while you put on whatever music tickles your fancy as you move along in your own vehicle.
• Winter Sports
  Wintertime is magical in Ashton, with all the winter activities you can enjoy, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The landscape is something out of a fairy tale.

Attractions

• Nearby attractions will lure you with their promise of fun. Harriman State Park is close where you can have a picnic, hike the trails or visit a working cattle ranch. Visit Ashton Reservoir or the Ashton Visitor’s Center.
• There are plenty of community events that are of interest. These include the Mountain Man Rendezvous, American Dog Derby and the Mesa Falls Marathon.

Getting Here

To get to West Yellowstone from Ashton, Idaho, get on US 20 heading north. It’s a drive of 55.5 miles or a 57-minute trip through a beautiful landscape.