Palisades Creek Trail / Lakes and Waterfall Canyon
Irwin, Idaho
4.4 miles E of Irwin, IdahoThe Palisades Creek Trail is one of the classic hikes and backpacking trips of the Swan Valley region, climbing a gorgeous glacier-carved canyon to a pair of mountain lakes on the edge of the Palisades Wilderness Study Area, about 50 miles southeast of Idaho Falls (and an hour west of Jackson, Wyoming). Following clear, tumbling Palisades Creek nearly the whole way, it's a well-maintained, moderately graded trail that rewards hikers with waterfalls, wildflowers, and some of the finest mountain scenery in eastern Idaho.
The trail begins at the well-signed Palisades Creek trailhead at the end of the county road above the little community of Irwin, where there's a parking area and a Forest Service trailhead. From there the path threads a dramatic canyon of towering rock walls, crossing the creek on sturdy bridges and passing several waterfalls that spill from the heights — scenery that makes even the day hike to the lower lake feel like a true mountain adventure. Because it's so scenic and so accessible, it's deservedly popular; there's no permit or fee to hike, but weekends draw a crowd, and backpackers should plan for company at the more sought-after campsites.
It's about 4.3 miles to Lower Palisades Lake, gaining a gentle thousand feet or so — an ideal day hike or first-time backpacking trip. Strong hikers and overnighters can push on another 2.5 miles to Upper Palisades Lake (around 14 miles round trip), leaving the main trail to turn up Waterfall Canyon, where the namesake cascades tumble down the walls. Both lakes were formed ages ago when massive landslides came down the canyon and dammed the creek. The upper lake generally offers better backcountry camping, since the closer sites at the lower lake fill up first.
The fishing is superb. Palisades Creek is a major spawning tributary for the famous South Fork of the Snake, and it and the lakes teem with native Yellowstone cutthroat trout — a wonderful place to cast a line or simply relax by the water. Wildlife is everywhere: hikers regularly see moose (often standing belly-deep in the lakes), along with elk, deer, waterfowl, and mountain goats on the high walls.
This is genuine bear country — both black bears and grizzlies range here — so carry bear spray, know how to use it, make noise on blind corners, and store all food properly, especially if you camp. Because the trail lies within a Wilderness Study Area, it's open to foot and horse travel only (no bikes or motors), which helps keep it wild and quiet.
Timing matters: early in the season the trail can run with snowmelt and the lakes can be muddy and high, so late summer into fall is often the sweetest window — drier trail, settled lakes, and golden hillsides. Bring bug protection for early summer, plenty of water, sturdy footwear for the creek crossings, and layers for fast-changing mountain weather, and you'll quickly understand why Palisades Creek is such a regional favorite.
Sheep Falls on Henry's Fork
Island Park, Idaho
15.6 miles S of Island Park, IdahoSheep Falls is a beautiful, lesser-known waterfall on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River near Island Park, Idaho, where the river squeezes through a narrow basalt chute and drops about 25 feet in a churn of whitewater. It may be shorter than the famous Upper and Lower Mesa Falls just across the way, but it's every bit as scenic — and far quieter, making it a wonderful reward for a short, easy hike.
The trail to Sheep Falls is a gentle stroll of roughly a mile each way on a relatively well-maintained path, suitable for the whole family and rarely crowded. The route sits on the opposite side of the river from Mesa Falls, off Highway 20: head north past Ashton, turn onto Sheep Falls Road, and follow it to the trailhead — though be warned, the final dirt road is rough and rocky, so a high-clearance vehicle is a good idea.
There are calmer pockets near the falls where people wade and swim on hot summer days, but the water here deserves real respect. The current above and around the chute is powerful and can sweep you off your feet and pull you toward the drop. Stay well back from the lip, keep a close eye on children, and only consider getting in where the water is clearly calm and you know it's safe — when in doubt, enjoy the falls from the bank.
The best season runs roughly May through October, when the road is passable and the river is at its most beautiful. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a camera, pack out everything you bring in, and you'll discover one of the Island Park area's most underrated natural treasures.
Pine Butte / The Caldera
St. Anthony, Idaho
21.7 miles N of St. Anthony, IdahoThis is about as close to an oasis as you can get in the deserts of Idaho. It's an old volcano in the middle of the sagebrush desert. As soon as you start down the path, you can feel the air change and the vegetation becomes that of a mountain forest. There are a ton of pine trees on the hillsides and a beautfiul meadow at the bottom surrounded by thick aspen trees. The bottom part of the sides nearly all the way around is covered with large boulders great for a little rock hiking if you care to explore. The path in is about as easy a hike as it gets. Maybe a little steep at points but it's only about a quarter mile down in. It's pretty small and there's a pretty established place for fires with plenty of dead wood scattered around.
40 Horse Cave
Firth, Idaho
11.9 miles E of Firth, Idaho40 Horse Cave is a fun, family-friendly cave tucked into the rocky walls of Wolverine Canyon, on public BLM land about 15 miles from Firth, Idaho. It's reached by a scenic drive up well-maintained Wolverine Road, with a parking area a couple of miles into the canyon, and there are no fees. The cave gets its colorful name from a pair of local legends — one tells of two men caught in a storm who ducked inside, one remarking that “this cave could hold about 40 horses”; another claims a thief once stashed 40 stolen horses here to avoid capture. Either way, the roomy opening makes the tall tale easy to believe.
The hike up to the cave is short but steep — only about 500 feet long with roughly 100 feet of climbing, yet it earns every step. There are two ways up: the shorter, more direct route is a loose shale scramble that's genuinely slippery (hikers and kids alike tend to slide around, even in good boots), while the slightly longer trail is still steep but holds much less shale and makes for a far easier descent. A common strategy is to grind up the short shale route and come down the gentler one.
Inside, the cave runs only about 25 to 50 feet deep, so a flashlight isn't strictly required — but a few nooks and back corners are more fun to poke around with a light, and kids can easily spend half an hour or more exploring. Keep an eye out for the rock chucks (yellow-bellied marmots) that sun themselves on the boulders around the canyon.
There's more to discover nearby. At the bottom of the trail, a culvert near the road becomes a fun place to splash around when the creek is running high. And if you follow the faint trail in the willows on the southeast side of the road for about 100 feet of easy walking, you'll find a smaller second cave worth a look.
Wolverine Canyon itself is worth the trip. Its rugged rock walls draw rock climbers, the creek and cottonwoods make for pleasant camping and picnicking, and the quiet canyon is good for wildlife watching — deer, raptors, and those ever-present marmots. Many families make a half-day of it, combining the cave with a creekside lunch and a wander among the canyon's formations.
A few practical notes: Wolverine Road is usually in good shape, but it can occasionally be closed to vehicle traffic, so it's worth checking conditions before a long drive. The canyon is a shared landscape of public land and working ranches, so respect any private property and livestock you encounter, leave gates as you find them, and pack out your trash. Bring water, sturdy shoes with good grip for the shale, and sun protection, and enjoy one of eastern Idaho's most enjoyable little cave adventures.
Fall Creek Falls
Swan Valley, Idaho
2.1 miles SW of Swan Valley, IdahoFall Creek Falls is one of eastern Idaho's most beloved and photographed waterfalls — a broad, 60-to-70-foot curtain of water that spills over mossy travertine ledges directly into the Snake River near Swan Valley. It's a genuinely unusual sight: most waterfalls tumble into a creek or pool, but this one pours straight into a major river, framed by the cottonwoods and canyon walls of the beautiful Swan Valley. It's especially glorious in autumn, when the riverside trees blaze gold and the whole scene lights up.
The best part for most visitors is how easy it is to reach. From Highway 26 just west of Swan Valley, turn onto gravel Fall Creek Road (Forest Road 058) and follow it along the Snake River to a small pull-out near the falls. From there it's more of a short walk than a hike — cross a small stream and stroll a couple of minutes to a flat perch right at the top of the falls, with sweeping views over the waterfall and the river beyond.
Adventurous visitors can scramble down for a closer look. A steep, sandy slide and a set of natural rock steps lead down toward the base, where you'll find a mossy grotto tucked behind and beneath the falls — a magical little chamber where you can stand in the cool mist and shade with the water curtaining down in front of you. The ceiling is low, so watch your head, and the rock steps kick up far less dust than the loose slide.
Be careful near the edges. The viewpoints at the top sit right above the falls, with abrupt, unrailed cliff drops of 10 to 15 feet in places, so keep well back from the lip and hold onto children — the rock can be slick near the water. The short scramble to the bottom is steep and can be slippery too.
The falls are a favorite of paddlers, too: because the water spills right into the Snake, kayakers and rafters floating this stretch below Palisades Dam can pull up close to the base for a view you can't get any other way. In winter the falls partially freeze into curtains and columns of ice, drawing photographers to the snowy canyon. However you come at it — on foot from the road above or by boat from the river below — it's a quick, high-reward stop between Idaho Falls and the Wyoming line.
The falls run year-round and reward a stop in any season, though flows are fullest with spring snowmelt and the color is best in fall. For photographers, midday sun is harsh out here; early morning or evening light is far kinder. Keep an eye on the river, too — boaters and rafters drift past below, and the area teems with wildlife, including the American white pelicans that cruise this stretch of the Snake. A Forest Service campground and public boat ramps sit nearby, making it easy to turn a quick stop into a longer stay. Bring water and sturdy shoes, and enjoy one of those “how have I never seen this before?” Idaho gems.
Packsaddle Lake
Tetonia, Idaho
9.3 miles W of Tetonia, IdahoPacksaddle Lake is a little-known gem tucked into the Big Hole Mountains west of Tetonia, Idaho — a small, cold, tree-ringed mountain lake with a rope swing, a hidden-away feel, and glimpses of the Tetons on the way in. It sees a fraction of the crowds of the more famous Teton-side lakes, which is a big part of its charm, but earning that solitude takes a rough drive and a steep little hike.
Getting there is the crux. The access road is genuinely rough — a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended, and drivers of cars and minivans report needing some creative maneuvering to pick their way up. About 0.4 miles below the trailhead the road takes a steep, washed-out turn, and there are good pull-offs where you can simply park and walk the rest. From the upper trailhead it's a short but steep descent of around 300 feet in under half a mile down to the water; you'll spot the lake from the top of the trail, and switchbacks make the grade manageable.
At the lake you'll find a small camp area on the eastern shore and a rope swing out over the water — swing out far enough, since the lake shallows and drops off quickly near the edge, and the water is bracingly cold. It's a fun spot to swim, float (bring an inflatable if you can), picnic, and cool off after the hike in. Mountain bikers can also reach the lake by a longer, climbing singletrack from the lower trailhead that serves up beautiful Teton views before dropping to the water.
A few seasonal notes: the mosquitoes can be fierce up top in early summer (they ease off down by the lake), so bring repellent, and water levels drop as the season goes on. Snow lingers on the high road into early summer and returns in fall — more than one group has gotten a vehicle stuck in an early- or late-season snow squall up here.
The Big Hole Mountains that cradle the lake are a quieter, lower range just west of the Tetons, laced with trails and dotted with small lakes — a locals' playground for hiking, mountain biking, and hunting that rarely feels crowded. Packsaddle is one of its little treasures: a place to swing off the rope, float away an afternoon, cast for the occasional trout, or pitch a tent for a low-key overnight under the stars. On the drive and hike in, the reward is those signature Teton views rising to the east over the intervening ridges.
Come prepared for backcountry conditions: there are no facilities, so carry plenty of water, sun protection, and everything you'll need, and pack out all your trash. For those willing to brave the road, Packsaddle Lake is a rewarding, off-the-radar escape in the quiet Big Hole Mountains.
Bear Creek Hot Springs
Irwin, Idaho
9.8 miles S of Irwin, IdahoBear Creek Hot Springs is one of eastern Idaho's most rewarding backcountry soaks — a natural rock pool hidden deep in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, reached only on foot, by bike, or on horseback up a long and beautiful canyon. It sits near Irwin, just south of Palisades Reservoir on the Idaho–Wyoming line, and it's the kind of place you have to earn: roughly 13 miles round trip, which is exactly why the people who make it tend to have the pool to themselves.
The good news is that most of that distance is gentle. From the trailhead the route follows Bear Creek up a green, forested canyon under lodgepole and aspen, rolling along at an easy grade with the water always close by. Wildflowers fill the meadows in early summer, and thanks to newer bridges and dry bench paths you can now keep your feet out of the water and skip the old creek crossings (in spring runoff those fords ran high, so the dry routes are a welcome upgrade). It's pretty, low-effort walking for miles.
Then comes the part everyone remembers. The final stretch climbs hard — close to a thousand feet in the last mile — so save your energy for that last push and fill your water bottles before you start up. The reward is immediate: a clear natural pool, roughly 10 by 20 feet, sitting at just about the perfect soaking temperature after all that trail. Tucked this far back in the wilderness, it's quiet, private, and worth every step. One honest heads-up before you bring the family: the soak is frequently clothing-optional.
This is true backcountry, and it's a favorite across the board — hikers and backpackers come for the soak, mountain bikers ride the intermediate singletrack with its fun, branching loop options, and horseback riders share the same trail. Many turn the trip into an overnight, camping in the backcountry to enjoy a quiet, starlit soak before hiking out in the morning.
Come prepared for a remote mountain trip: pack plenty of water and plan to filter from the creek, bring bug repellent in early summer, and carry bear spray, since this is bear country and sightings are common. The trailhead has a parking area and a restroom, but no services beyond that, and there's no cell coverage once you're in the canyon — so let someone know your plan and give yourself plenty of daylight for the round trip. The trail is at its best from late spring through fall, roughly March into October, when the canyon is green and the water is just right. Few places in the region pay you back like Bear Creek does.
Darby Wind Cave
Driggs, Idaho
7.6 miles E of Driggs, IdahoDarby Wind Cave is a beautiful hike full of waterfalls, wildflowers, streams, and mountainous views. The sites you see will depend on the time of year you visit but it will always be beautiful and just a little bit of a challenge.
The trail starts out relatively flat, following along close to where the old road used to run. There are a few creek crossings which will vary in difficulty depending on how much snow there was over the winter and how long it's been since things began to thaw. Late summer will usually find you crossing dry or nearly dry creek beds. If you hike when runoff is high, there are log bridges. You don't have to be highwire ready but one of the bridges will take a little bit of balance. The trail turns up South up into the canyon. About as soon as it starts to go up, you'll turn and begin a series of switchbacks (10 turns). These will take you up the East wall of the canyon.
The switchbacks are not incredibly steep but you'll gain elevation pretty quickly. After the switchback, the trail follows along a rim above the canyon where you can look across the canyon and see two beautiful waterfalls and mouth of the cave seemingly high overhead. At the South end of the canyon, you'll come across a rock overhang. It's fun at any time during the summer but earlier when the water is higher, you'll find a little waterfall and stream that the kids will love to play in and you'll be hard pressed not to soak your head and feet and cool off a bit yourself.
From the the overhang, the hike continues West along the South end of the canyon through some more forest and a beautiful meadow. Take a minute to look up from the trail to enjoy the view of Fossil Peak to the South. Just after the meadow, you'll begin another series of switchbacks up to the falls and cave. The first set (2 turns) will take you up to a dispersed campsite and monument. The next leg will take you to the creek where you can look up and get photos of the falls and cave. The next set puts you out just underneath a very large and beautiful waterfall that drops out over a ledge. The ledge itself is a popular repel accessible from above. You can walk all the way around these falls and even catch some spray on the downwind side. The next set of switchbacks are stairs cut out of the rock. Halfway will take you to an even better view of Fossil Peak and the remainder will take you to the mouth of the cave itself. To enter the cave, you'll have to cross one more creek which can be pretty scary and dangerous when the water is high. Entering the cave during high water can be just as scary.
Once you're in, the Wind Cave snakes through the Darby Formation, a thick layer of 350 million year-old dolomite. A flashlight for the cave is a definite must. Near the mouth, there's a series of ledges popular for bouldering. Just up about 100 yards, you'll come to a small hole you'll have to crouch to get through. You'll quickly realize why they're called the wind caves as you're blasted with wind from the caves coming out that hole. After about 200 yards, you'll want your climbing gear. The caves stretch for miles and if you go far enough, you'll enter the part known as the ice caves. Travel far enough, you'll come out the other side. Be careful though. The cave becomes pretty cavelike and it's really easy to get lost and, even in the busy season, it may be days until that nightmare ends with a rescue team.
The hike is about 3.1 miles from the South Fork Darby Canyon trailhead to the caves and is a 1,800 feet elevation gain. You'll find a lot of resources that claim the hike is a shorter distance. These sources either begin from the end of the old road or don't take into account one or both series of switchbacks. The cave itself sits at 8,940 feet above sea level.
Ashton to Tetonia Trail
Ashton, Idaho
0.7 miles NE of Ashton, IdahoThe Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation undertook the project to transform the old Teton Valley Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad from Ashton to Tetonia into a trail for bikes, ATVs, and snowmobiles, runners, cross-country skiers, and horses. The trail goes from Ashton to Tetonia and can be accessed via Ashton, Marysville, Bitch Creek, Felt, or Tetonia. Information can be found at kiosks in Marysville and at Bitch Creek.
Elevation Gain (Southbound): 787 ft
Length: 29.6 mi
Aldous Lake and Hancock Lake
Kilgore, Idaho
7.7 miles N of Kilgore, IdahoA pair of alpine lakes near Kilgore, Idaho. Good road all the way to the trailhead. Easy to moderate 1.5mi hike to the first lake (Aldous) and another mile of moderate hiking to Hancock. Beautiful scenery, but heavier traffic on weekends.
Little Elk Creek Trail
Irwin, Idaho
9.1 miles SE of Irwin, IdahoThe Little Elk Creek Trail is a demanding, lightly traveled route in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest above Irwin, Idaho, climbing into the Snake River Range in a corner of eastern Idaho better known for its neighbors than for itself. That anonymity is exactly its appeal: while Palisades Creek down the road draws crowds, Little Elk Creek offers stunning timber, big views and a real chance at solitude to anyone willing to work for it.
The trail runs roughly 7.3 miles out and back and is genuinely challenging, taking most hikers around five hours. This is not a casual stroll. Steep pitches and stretches of overgrown trail make it a route best suited to experienced hikers who are comfortable with rough tread and their own navigation. What you get in exchange is a quiet climb through beautiful forest, with the kind of views that come from working up out of a drainage.
The season generally runs March through October, though the shoulders of that window are governed by snow rather than the calendar, and the trail's steep aspects hold and shed snow unevenly. Birders do well here, and the mix of timber and open slope makes for good wildlife watching generally. Because traffic is light, hikers who come early or midweek can often have the drainage to themselves.
The two things that catch people out are water and the overgrowth. Reviewers consistently note the need to carry plenty of water rather than count on the creek, and stretches of encroaching brush can obscure the tread and slow progress well below normal hiking pace. Long pants earn their keep, and an early start buys both cooler temperatures and margin if the route takes longer than the mileage suggests.
Irwin sits along the Snake River near Palisades Reservoir, an easy drive from Idaho Falls and Jackson, and the surrounding Caribou-Targhee country is rich with options if this trail turns out to be more than you want, from the popular Palisades Creek lakes to the Sheep Creek traverse. The area is shared with horseback riders and mountain bikers on many of its trails, so basic trail courtesy goes a long way.
Come prepared for a serious mountain outing: more water than feels necessary, sturdy boots for steep and loose ground, long sleeves and pants for the brush, sun protection, layers for changeable mountain weather, and a map with the skills to use it, since cell coverage in these drainages is unreliable. Let someone know your plan. For hikers who measure a trail by what it asks and what it gives back, Little Elk Creek is a rewarding, honest, and refreshingly empty piece of eastern Idaho.
Box Canyon Trail
Island Park, Idaho
1.2 miles SW of Island Park, IdahoVarious species of tress and wildflowers can be seen on the trail, as well as songbirds, waterfowl and occasional wildlife. The trail is open for the following uses: Motorcycle Trail Riding, Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches wide. source: fs.usda.gov Courtesy of Singletracks.com
This is a very scenic singletrack that can be ridden in either direction. There is not a lot of climbing but you get to enjoy beautiful views of the river as you follow it for the majority of the trail. The first part of the trail has a few spots that are rocky and can be a little harder to navigate through but this ends after about the first mile or so.Courtesy of MTBProject.com
This trail is a fly-fisherman’s dream, providing access to the trout-filled waters of Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Beginning at the campground, the trail wanders south along Box Canyon’s rim for 3 miles, bringing hikers to the river after passing through a colorful wildflower landscape. Best months for hiking are June through September.Courtesy of ultimateidaho.com
Cave Falls of Yellowstone
Ashton, Idaho
22.9 miles E of Ashton, IdahoCave Falls is one of Yellowstone National Park's most distinctive waterfalls — not for its height, but for its sheer breadth. Spanning some 250 feet across (nearly the length of a football field) while dropping only about 20 feet, this wide curtain of whitewater on the Fall River is the widest waterfall in Yellowstone. Tucked into the park's remote southwest Bechler region near the Idaho-Wyoming border, it's a beautiful and refreshingly uncrowded corner of the park.
Best of all, Cave Falls is wonderfully easy to reach — the falls sit right at the end of the road, just steps from the parking area, making this a rare Yellowstone gem accessible to nearly everyone, families included. From the same spot, a short, scenic walk along the Fall and Bechler rivers leads to lovely Bechler Falls, an easy add-on for a little more adventure.
The area is the gateway to Yellowstone's waterfall-rich Cascade Corner. Right at the falls, the Cave Falls Campground (in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest) offers riverside sites with fire rings and picnic tables plus excellent fishing on the Fall River, while the Bechler Ranger Station — the only entrance to this corner of Yellowstone — sits a couple of miles away.
To get there, drive east from Ashton, Idaho on ID-47 and then Cave Falls Road for roughly 24 miles (the last dozen on gravel). Summer through early fall is the season, once the gravel road is clear of snow. This is bear country, so carry bear spray and store food properly, and as always, pack out everything you bring in. Easy, scenic, and off the beaten path, Cave Falls is a perfect introduction to Yellowstone's wild Bechler country.
Devil's Stairs
Driggs, Idaho
10.1 miles E of Driggs, IdahoJust to the West of Table Rock is this often overlooked trail less traveled by, full of beautiful meadows and beautiful views all its own. The trail begins from the same campsite as the Table Rock trailhead but instead heads South. The trail starts at the Teton Canyon Trail Head and follows the Alaska Basin Trail South for 2.9 miles through beautiful mountain meadows and thickets of trees surrounded on either side by majestic mountains. At the fork, you'll turn West up the mountain. You'll find the biggest test of your climb as you ascend 1000 feet in about 2 miles of switchback trails. At the top of the switchbacks there is a small ledge, as if it was the edge of a large stair. Above that, you'll find a gorgeous meadow filled with wildflowers, beautiful trees, and a babbling brook all against the monumental backdrop of a towering cliff.
Distance: ~8 miles (round trip)
Alaska Basin
Driggs, Idaho
10.0 miles E of Driggs, IdahoThe Alaska Basin Trail is a stunning trail through the Jedediah Wilderness near Driggs, Idaho and goes East into Wyoming, just outside of Grand Teton National Park. The trail is wide and has easy terrain for the feet, but it is long, so it's best suited for intermediate to advanced hikers. There are spots on the trail where river crossing is necessary, so be prepared to rock hop, cross logs, or just get your feet wet.
Because the trail is in a wilderness area, rather than a National Park, no overnight camping permits are required; however, open fires are not allowed, so plan on bringing a camping stove. Carry bear spray and, if you are camping, plan on bear proofing your food and waste.
The trail features a variety of landscapes such as lush vegetation and wildflowers (peak season is July to August), rushing rivers and streams, the majestic Teton Mountain Range, and of course, the serene Alaska Basin. There is plenty of wildlife; black bears and moose both have been spotted on the trail. Enjoy their beauty, but please use precaution and respect their territory.
Table Rock / Table Mountain
Driggs, Idaho
10.0 miles E of Driggs, IdahoAt roughly 11,100 feet, the flat-topped summit of Table Mountain serves up what many consider the single finest view of the Grand Teton anywhere — and one of the great day hikes on the quiet, western (Idaho) side of the range. From the broad mesa top you stand just far enough back to take in all three Teton peaks at once, yet close enough to pick out the detail on the Grand's sheer east face across the deep gulf of the canyon. It's a jaw-dropping payoff, and a hard-earned one.
The mountain holds a remarkable place in history. In 1872, pioneering survey photographer William Henry Jackson hauled his heavy glass-plate camera gear by mule to the top of Table Mountain and made the first photographs ever taken of the Grand Teton — images that helped introduce the range to the wider world and build support for protecting it. Jackson chose this peak precisely because its gentle western slopes could be reached without technical climbing, and that's still what makes the summit attainable for strong day hikers today.
The trailhead sits at the end of Teton Canyon Road outside Driggs and Alta, and nearly the entire route lies within the Jedediah Smith Wilderness of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. There are two main ways up, and both climb over 4,000 feet. The Face Trail is the steeper, shorter option (about 3.5 miles one way), skipping the switchbacks to head more or less straight up. The Huckleberry (North Fork) Trail is longer but far more gradual (about 6.5 miles one way), following and crossing the North Fork of Teton Creek — handy spots to filter water — through meadows and, in mid-to-late summer, ripe huckleberries for those who beat the crowds to the bushes. Many hikers link the two into a big loop of roughly 11–13 miles, and tough-but-knee-conscious hikers generally prefer to climb up the steep Face and come down the gentler Huckleberry, sparing their knees the pounding of a steep descent. The lower trail is a delight in its own right, tracing rushing Teton Creek past a string of waterfalls.
The wildflowers here are spectacular. As the snow recedes, Table Mountain's meadows erupt in color — sweeping displays of lupine, arrowleaf balsamroot, and Indian paintbrush, with columbine in the shadier pockets and delicate alpine blooms up high. In the Tetons the canyon meadows tend to peak from early-to-mid July, while the highest ground saves its show for late July into August; even when snow still blocks the upper trail, the lower meadows near the trailhead put on an easy, photogenic display. It's one of the finest wildflower hikes in the region.
This is high, exposed country, so plan accordingly. At over 11,000 feet the air is thin and the weather changes fast: afternoon thunderstorms build quickly over the peaks in summer, so start early and aim to be off the open summit by early afternoon. Table Mountain is enjoyed year-round — it's a popular snowshoe and backcountry-ski destination in the snowy months. If you're after dry summer hiking, though, know that you're likely to encounter snow on the upper mountain before mid-July: early-season snowfields often begin around 9,500 feet with larger patches up high, and the Huckleberry side can hold avalanche debris and downed trees until it melts out. It's frequently still passable with the right footwear — just come expecting it. Conditions are typically most reliably snow-free from about mid-July through September. It's also easy to lose the trail, especially on the descent, so pay attention to your route and carry a map or GPS. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too — moose are a common sight in the canyon, and the area is home to the occasional mountain lion.
Bring layers, sun protection, plenty of water (and a filter), and sturdy footwear for the long, steep grade. You can check current conditions on the webcams at tetoncam.com before you drive up. Backpackers sometimes camp in the meadows below the summit to catch the Grand at sunrise — an unforgettable sight — while following Leave No Trace and wilderness regulations. However you do it, Table Mountain earns its reputation: a leg-burning climb to a mesa in the sky, carpeted in wildflowers, with the Grand Teton filling the horizon just as it did for Jackson a century and a half ago.
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
18.3 miles E of Ashton, IdahoHorseshoe Lake is a tranquil, tucked-away gem hidden in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Ashton, in the Island Park country of eastern Idaho. Ringed by pines and dotted with lily pads, this peaceful little lake is a favorite for those who like their water quiet, clear, and free of the roar of motorboats — in fact, motorized boats aren't allowed, which keeps the whole place serene.
Getting there is easy: a well-maintained forest road leads to the lake, with plenty of pull-outs and parking once you arrive. The shoreline slopes in gradually, making it great for wading and easy for kids to splash around, while the middle deepens into water plenty deep enough for swimming, paddling, and a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. A youth camp maintains a floating dock out toward the center that's often open for anyone to use — a perfect launch pad for jumping into the cool water.
It's an ideal spot for paddling. Bring a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and you can glide across the glassy surface, weave among the lily pads, and explore the quiet coves at your own pace. Anglers do well here too, casting for trout in the calm water, and the surrounding forest offers dispersed camping for those who want to linger overnight under the stars.
Summer is the sweet spot, when the water warms up and the lily pads are in bloom. Pack a picnic, your paddle, and your swimsuit, and remember to pack out everything you bring in to keep this little lake as pristine as you found it.
Peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly uncrowded, Horseshoe Lake is the kind of hidden Idaho water that makes the search worthwhile.
Firth River Bottoms
Firth, Idaho
0.7 miles W of Firth, IdahoThe Firth river bottoms are the broad, cottonwood-lined lowlands where the Snake River winds past the small farming town of Firth in eastern Idaho, a stretch of quiet water, gravel bars and shady bank that has long served as a local playground between Idaho Falls and Blackfoot. This isn't a manicured park; it's working river country, where families come to fish, float, wade and cool off on a hot summer afternoon in the shade of the big cottonwoods. For locals it's simply where you go when you want the river.
Public access is the practical key here, and Idaho Fish and Game maintains two access sites right in town: the Firth Bridge access and the Firth City Park access, both providing parking and a way down to the water for anglers, floaters and swimmers. From Firth, the river runs about seven miles downstream to the Rose bridge, a well-known float and fishing stretch that makes for an easy half-day on the water with a shuttle set up at either end.
The fishing is genuinely good and pleasantly varied. This reach of the main Snake holds rainbow and brown trout along with smallmouth bass and an abundant carp population, so it rewards fly anglers, spin fishermen and kids with a worm alike. Local wisdom favors streamers for big browns in March and April and again in the fall, while summer brings warm, mellow water better suited to bass, carp and swimming than to trophy hunting. An Idaho fishing license is required.
The bottoms also draw waterfowl and wildlife into the cottonwood galleries and side channels, making for good, low-key birdwatching, and the flat riverside ground is pleasant for a walk or a picnic. It's an unpretentious, local kind of place rather than a destination with facilities and signage, which is a good part of its charm.
The Snake is a big river here, with current that runs stronger than its calm surface suggests, and levels swing substantially with irrigation demand and season, changing gravel bars and depths from one visit to the next. Spring runoff brings high, cold, pushy water; late summer settles into the friendliest conditions for wading and swimming. Much of the surrounding bottomland is private farm ground, so sticking to the public access sites and the river itself keeps everyone on good terms.
Come with water shoes for the rocky bottom, sun protection for the open river, insect repellent for the cottonwood shade, and a trash bag. Whether you're floating down to Rose, chasing browns at dusk, or just wading in on a July afternoon, the Firth bottoms are an honest, easygoing slice of the eastern Idaho Snake.
Sheep Bridge Trail
Driggs, Idaho
6.7 miles NE of Driggs, IdahoThis is a great easy trail for beginner hikers or mountain bikers. In the early summer, you'll find many beautiful wildflowers and large kaleidoscopes of butterflies to go with them. You may want to wear bright colors and walk slowly to entice the butterflies to land on you. There's often a wide variety so may even want a book to identify them all.
The new trailhead is just off Teton Canyon Road and has parking for 15-20 vehicles. From there, you'll follow the trail about 0.25 miles south to Teton Creek where you'll cross a bridge. After crossing the bridge, you'll find a short uphill but after that, the ascent is minimal. The trail is pretty easy to follow as long as you keep right and keep heading East. Just short of halfway, there's a nice little spot where the trail forks left and you can go down and take a break at the creek. The entire trail runs about 2.25 miles, running parallel to Teton Creek and ending at a creek just short of Treasure Mountain Scout Camp. If you're on a bike, that's where it gets fun. Turn that bike around and enjoy some easy but fun downhill singletrack.
Aspen Trail
Alta, Wyoming
2.3 miles S of Alta, WyomingAspen Trail (tr 034) is single track trail for 4.35 miles along 6,800 ft contour to Darby Canyon (tr 012). Spring Creek Trail (tr 032) is double track trail for 3.68 miles to end.
The trail starts up a doubletrack heading east out of the parking lot. 1/4 mile in, take the fork to the right. It's singletrack from here to the other end at Darby Canyon. Some sections are smooth and fast, others are rocky and boulder strewn. Probably not a trail for a first timer, but any intermediate can do it. It can be done as an out and back to Darby Canyon, or you can go west out of the Canyon to Stateline road, and take the road back to where you started. Courtesy of Singletracks.com
