Whether you prefer a hard-charging adventure or a relaxing time outside, there’s something for everyone who loves the outdoors to appreciate in Eastern Idaho. Cast a rod in blue-ribbon waters, don your mountaineering gear to climb a peak, ski or snowboard through incredible powder, or grab your snowmobile for an unforgettable adventure. Whatever type of outdoor adventure you crave, the Yellowstone Teton Territory can provide it. Read on to learn about ways to enjoy the outdoors all year long.
Winter
A winter visit is the perfect time to get outside and explore. Dress for the weather, check the forecast and road conditions (and avalanche conditions, if applicable), and spend your winter days outside. Glittering snow, gleaming snowcapped peaks, and crisp winter air are the perfect accompaniment to a frosty winter day, followed by a cozy evening by the fire. Visit for a long weekend (or even a week) to get just a small taste of the many winter opportunities in the YTT.
Day 1:
Snowmobile enthusiasts will find endless places to play and explore in Eastern Idaho. Check out Yellowstone Teton Territory’s snowmobile guide to find the perfect adventure for your crew. After a day out on the trail, go to one of the region’s hot springs to warm up, relax, and wind down. Head up to Heise Hot Springs or Green Canyon Hot Springs for a relaxing and rejuvenating soak.
Day 2:
Strap on some skis or grab your snowboard and get ready for a day out on the slopes. Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is just 40 minutes from Idaho Falls, and Grand Targhee Resort is around 90 minutes from the city. Both resorts offer skiing and snowboarding, as well as trails for fat-tire snow bikes, cross-country skiing, and other winter fun.
Day 3:
After a good night’s rest, lace up your skates and go for a spin at Idaho Falls’ ice rink. Then, if you still have some energy left, try out the cross-country skiing and fat-biking trails at Freeman and Tautphaus parks. Combine these outdoor adventures with a cozy lunch, a stroll around town, and some shopping in the Yellowstone Teton Territory’s largest hub, Idaho Falls.
Day 4:
Get ready to spot some wildlife. Bring your binoculars—as well as your outdoor gear—and take on some of Harriman State Park’s 24 miles of winter trails. Traverse trails on snowshoes, cross-country skis, or fat bikes, and keep an eye out for Trumpeter swans, moose, and other wildlife. Head on to Island Park for more wildlife viewing opportunities along the way, and if the timing is right, stop by Island Park’s Winterfest, which is typically held in January. This fun annual festival is packed with snowmobile fun—including a torch-lit snowmobile parade—as well as kids’ activities, fireworks, and more.
Summer
Summer is the perfect time to explore the Yellowstone Teton Territory, with summer activities for every possible outdoor interest. Remember bears are out and about during the summer, so be sure to take all necessary bear safety precautions while you enjoy your trip.
Day 1:
Try your hand at fishing along one of the Yellowstone Teton Territory’s blue-ribbon locations. Fish the Snake River, Henry’s Fork, Harriman State Park, and beyond. Check out YTT’s fishing guide for everything you need to know, and consider hiring a guide to find the best spots and learn all the tricks.
Day 2:
Make it a waterfall day, and explore the flowing wonders of the Yellowstone Teton Territory. Check out Upper and Lower Mesa Falls and explore the scenic byway. Upper Mesa Falls’ 114-foot drop, along with Lower Mesa Falls’ 65-foot plunge, are captivating and popular with photographers. Stroll the paths nearby, and keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife.
Travel toward Swan Valley to check out Fall Creek Falls, which offers great views and even more opportunities for wildlife viewing. This waterfall is also near Falls Campground, if camping is on your to-do list.
Day 3 (and beyond):
Plan a day, a weekend, or a week to check out some of North America’s most iconic wildlife. Bring your binoculars and journey into Harriman State Park, which is sometimes known as “Little Yellowstone” because of its rich wildlife viewing opportunities. Take some time to enjoy the scenery and get some fresh air, go for a hike, mountain bike ride, horseback ride, or try another round of fishing.
The nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers virtually endless opportunities for outdoor fun, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, camping, and backpacking. Spend an hour or a week enjoying this incredible national forest, and then head on to one of the gems of the national park system: Yellowstone.
Yellowstone National Park is one of the world’s most beloved national parks, and it is home to majestic wildlife like bears, wolves, elk, bison, moose, and antelope, as well as fascinating geothermal features like geysers and bubbling pots of mud. Go camping, hiking, or just enjoy the drive. Whatever outdoor adventure you seek, the Yellowstone Teton Territory is the place to find it.
