Spend a weekend sampling the best outdoor adventures in the Yellowstone Teton Territory. From skiing powder, to blue-ribbon fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and more, you’ll find just about everything an outdoor aficionado could dream of in the Yellowstone Teton Territory. Get ready for a jam-packed weekend with adventure after adventure with this active itinerary—or just pick your favorites and get ready for a deeper dive into Eastern Idaho adventures.
Day 1
St. Anthony (near Rexburg)
Start your day out by riding an ATV or dune buggy at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The dunes are 35 miles long and feature sandy dunes up to 400 feet high. Since they are sculpted by the wind, the dunes are ever-changing and you’ll find a new adventure every time you return. The dunes are located on Bureau of Land Management land, so be sure to abide by the rules and regulations, including area and seasonal closures. All vehicles are required to display a current ORV sticker and use a vehicle flag, and rentals are available nearby.
If you’re worn out from a day riding the sand dunes, it could be a good time to relax in one of the local hot springs—which are located not too far away. Green Canyon Hot Springs and Heise Hot Springs are each located about 30 minutes from Rexburg, offering a soothing place to relax and unwind while soaking away the day’s exertion.
Or, if you are looking for more action, save the hot springs for later and head on to Island Park for more outdoor adventure.
Island Park
Head straight to Island Park or, in spring, summer, or fall, opt to drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and be sure to make time to view both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. You’ll also encounter an abundance of stunning scenery along the way.
Island Park is an outdoor lover’s dream come true. Whether visiting in winter or summer, you’ll find plenty to do. Stop by Harriman State Park to indulge in outdoor adventure. In summer, go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and more, and in winter the trails open to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other activities. Be sure to keep an eye out for a whole range of wildlife.
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a favorite place to hike, camp, fish, bike, and enjoy hundreds of miles of Forest Service access roads that are open to ATVs. Elevations can be quite high, and snow often lasts late into the season, so check conditions before heading out. In summer and fall, fish for trophy trout at Henry’s Lake State Park which is located north of Island Park.
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities in the Island Park area, which boasts 500 miles of groomed trails. Popular local trails include Big Springs—a 10-mile loop families enjoy—Two Top, which has deeper snow and is for more advanced intermediate-expert riders, and Black Canyon, which has a variety of options for varying levels of expertise.
Day 2
Teton Valley
Head to Grand Targhee Resort for winter or summer fun. In winter, the resort is a bustling downhill ski and snowboarding paradise with over 500 inches of snow per year. Bring the kids on the beginner hills, head straight for expert terrain, cruise on intermediate corduroy groomers, or sign up for a cat skiing excursion. If you’re not a downhill skier or snowboarder, you’ll still find plenty to do at the resort, including cross-country skiing and fat biking.
In summer, Grand Targhee is a mountain bikers’ dream with plenty of downhill lift-accessed trails and more. There are also numerous trails to hike, horseback riding, and other activities. After getting your fill of adventure in the Tetons, head back to Idaho Falls for a relaxing afternoon outside.
Idaho Falls
Cool down with a relaxing walk, run, or bike ride along Idaho Falls’ Snake River Greenbelt. Keep an eye out for birds, check out the city’s namesake 600-foot-wide waterfall, and be sure to take a peek at the Japanese Pavilion and Friendship Garden. Stretch your legs a little further by taking a stroll around historic downtown Idaho Falls, and check out the many boutiques, galleries, shops, and restaurants along the way.
Other active outdoor winter options include cross-country skiing or fat biking on groomed trails in some of the city’s parks, sledding, or taking a spin on ice skates at Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena.
