Travel Blog 41
Grand Teton National Park
Livingston, Jackson, Idaho Falls
Sep 2025
Livingston, Montana

Livingston is known as the historic gateway to Yellowstone National Park being only 55 miles from the National Park's North Entrance. Livingston's historic downtown is lined with amazingly preserved structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town was established in 1882 by the Northern Pacific Railroad and the original Train Depot is now The Livingston Depot Center Museum. The Yellowstone River is all around and absolutely beautiful. The Town's unique mix of old-west charm and modern attractions is lined with boutique shops including handmade cowboy hats, art galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants. With a population of approximately 8,500 residents, I found Livingston to be much more inviting than Bozeman which was packed on both of my trips over there. Granted, much of that is Montana State University but still, Livingston felt like a home. There are a number of potential day trips from Livingston including, Yellowstone National Park (55 miles), Bridger Bowl Ski Area (45 miles), Chico Hot Springs (35 miles), Bozeman (20 miles) and Pine Creek Falls (15 miles). I can't wait to return to Livingston!
Website

 

Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River

Livingston Montana
Livingston Montana

Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River

Historic Livingston Depot Center
Historic Livingston Depot Center

Livingston Montana
Livingston Montana

Livingston Montana
Livingston Montana

Livingston Montana
Livingston Montana

Livingston Montana
Livingston Montana

Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River

Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River

Bobcat Stadium Bozeman MT
Bobcat Stadium Bozeman MT

Bozeman Montana
Bozeman Montana

Bozeman Montana
Bozeman Montana


Sep 2025
Osens RV Park
Livingston, Montana

I booked 4 nights at Osens RV Park as my only stop in Montana because of my interest in Livingston and Bozeman. The staff was very friendly, there was a large off-leash dog park, modern laundry room which I used, and bath and shower facilities I did not use. I noticed some of the sites were a bit tight but I had site A2 which honestly was the nicest in the park. It was coupled with the open area near the entrance way which made it seem huge, and that apple tree! There are community seating areas with fire pits and a large playground for the little ones. Osens is very close to the must see historic downtown area of Livingston. There were no resort style amenities so the $70 per night fee seemed a little high but I really have no complaints at all.
Website
Campground Map

 

Osens RV Park
Osens RV Park

Osens RV Park
Osens RV Park

Osens RV Park
Osens Dog Park


Oct 2025
Grand Teton National Park

Although I have seen photos my entire life, this was my first trip to Grand Teton National Park. Although it was sunny on the Idaho side of the mountain range, the clouds were low in the National Park and many of the Teton Peaks rose above the cloud layer. It was still Absolutely Stunning! The Moose entrance to the park is only 5 miles north of Jackson and I took the scenic drive about 20 miles to the Jackson Lake Dam adding a turnout loop along Jenny Lake. The park's namesake, Grand Teton, is the highest peak at 13,775 feet above sea level and 7,000 feet above the valley floor, although I had no chance of seeing that peak on this day. The Grand Teton National Park was first designated on February 26, 1929 protecting 96,000 acres of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. Today, the park spans 310,000 acres. Grand Teton National Park is home to up to 11 small active glaciers and several were visible from the scenic drive. I visited the park on October 1st just 12 hours after the Government shutdown and the Moose Entrance Booth had no attendant; just a sign that said Proceed. I will most certainly return to Jackson and Grand Teton again hopefully on a clear day.
Website

 

Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Signal Mountain Lodge
Signal Mountain Lodge

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park


Oct 2025
Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson is a real gem in the center of Jackson Hole Valley just 5 miles from the Moose Entrance of Grand Teton National Park. In the town's center lays the town square with the iconic elk antler arches leading to a beautiful park. Surrounding the park is everything a tourist trap is supposed to be including Shops with a Western flair, the historic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, Restaurants, Bars, and the Five & Dime General Store which has everything. Imagine Gatlinburg in the Teton Range. The town of Jackson sprouted in 1884 after the fur trade fizzled and was officially incorporated in 1914. The center of town is walkable with hotels, motels, and Inns in walking distance. This is one of those places that has a set of attractions for summer and shoulder seasons as well as Winter sports including world class Skiing. As I see it, there are 13 RV parks within 30 miles of downtown Jackson, WY. The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is located inside Grand Teton National Park, making it the only commercial airport in the US located inside a national park. Really nice place and I'm sure I'll return some day and maybe stay a little closer to town. Website

 

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Jackson Wyoming

Jackson Wyoming
Snake River - Ririe, ID


Oct 2025
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls sits on the upper reaches of the Snake River which has shaped the town's layout, parks, and riverfront development including The River Walk. The city has about 70,000 residents and was originally settled as Eagle Rock in the 1860s, changing the town name to Idaho Falls in 1891. The River Walk and Snake River is amazing and undoubtedly the number one attraction in the city. Like most cities this size there is a historic walkable downtown district. Another landmark that can be seen from many parts of the city is The Idaho Falls Temple which was the first LDS temple built in Idaho and completed in 1945. Idaho Falls is also home to The Museum of Idaho. Although I was able to find much of what I needed for my stay in the area in Rigby, Idaho Falls is only 17 miles away and has most everything.
Website

 

Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho

The Idaho Falls Temple
The Idaho Falls Temple

Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls, Idaho


Oct 2025
Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Rigby, Idaho

I booked 6 nights at The Jefferson County Lake & Campground in Rigby Idaho due to the location and the number of great day trips that could be launched from this location. What a wonderful surprise this place is. The lake is really nice with a 1.2 mile walking/biking trail around the lake. The trail runs right by the rear of my campsite and Barron loved walking the trail. The beach area has canoe rentals although I didn't use it. There is also a fast flowing river just behind my campsite. Each site has water and electric but no sewer. I suspect this is why you are limited to 6 night stays. Less than a half mile from the park entrance is Yellowstone Lakeside RV Park which has a dump station for $5. Easy in and out.
Website
Campground Map

 

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground

Jefferson County Lake & Campground
Jefferson County Lake & Campground