5 Bucket List by mckinley2018
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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.
Mr. Bubbles Hot Spring
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
24.0 miles SW of Old Faithful, Yellowstone National ParkMr. Bubbles is one of the very few places in Yellowstone National Park where you can legally and safely soak in naturally heated water — a rare treat in a park where hot springs are usually deadly rather than inviting. It sits deep in the Bechler region in Yellowstone's remote southwest corner, an area known as “Cascade Corner” and one of the park's best-kept secrets: far from the paved roads, boardwalks, tour buses, and gift shops, reached only by miles of backcountry trail.
The soak itself is a natural mixing pool. A hot spring wells up into the cold Ferris Fork of the Bechler River, and where the scalding spring water blends with the cold river it reaches a blissfully soakable temperature — while gas bubbling up from below gives the spot its playful name. That mixing is also the key to why soaking here is allowed: getting into Yellowstone's thermal features is strictly forbidden, but the Park Service permits soaking where hot water has already blended with a river or stream. Enjoy the warm water where it mixes, and stay well clear of the undiluted hot source.
You'll find it roughly halfway between the Bechler Ranger Station and Old Faithful along the Bechler River Trail. This is genuine backcountry — most visitors reach it on a multi-day backpacking trip, walking singletrack dirt trails past waterfalls and meadows and seeing wildlife well outside the safety of a car. Be bear-aware and give bears, moose, and bison plenty of space. To camp along the way you'll need a backcountry permit, reserved through the park's backcountry office.
The journey is a huge part of the reward. The Bechler is nicknamed Cascade Corner because it holds more waterfalls than anywhere else in Yellowstone — the trail near Mr. Bubbles strings together beauties like Colonnade, Iris, and Ouzel Falls, and nearby Union Falls is one of the park's most spectacular. For backpackers, a soak at Mr. Bubbles makes the perfect midpoint of a waterfall-studded wilderness traverse.
A few life-or-death cautions. Thermal water temperatures here change without warning and are not always safe — the National Park Service advises checking with a ranger station on current conditions before you plan a trip. And never hike through Yellowstone's thermal areas at night: even experienced hikers have broken through thin crust and been scalded to death in unexpected hot ground. Always review the park's swimming-and-soaking guidance for current closures, regulations, and conditions before you go.
Timing matters in the Bechler. It's the wettest corner of Yellowstone, with numerous river fords that run dangerously high during spring and early-summer snowmelt, so the backcountry here is generally best from late summer into early fall, once the water drops. Come prepared for remoteness, river crossings, mosquitoes, and sudden mountain weather — and you'll be rewarded with a genuinely wild Yellowstone soak that few visitors ever experience.
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.
Grand Teton
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
17.6 miles N of Jackson Hole, WyomingAt 13,770 feet above sea level, the Grand Teton towers majestic over Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming, making it a life goal of many amateur climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The more popular routes all begin at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and continue up through Garnet Canyon and The Meadows before splitting North. Most routes require rock climbing equipment and are only for skilled climbers. A guide is highly encouraged on any route. With 3k feet of exposure, falling from multiple segments of the trail would mean certain death.
Trailhead altitude: 6,732 ft
Summit altitude: 13,770 ft
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.
Amphitheater Lake
Alta, Wyoming
12.6 miles E of Alta, WyomingAmphitheater Lake is one of Grand Teton National Park's most rewarding alpine destinations — a sparkling cirque lake cradled in granite high above the treeline, beneath the soaring peaks of the Tetons. Reaching it means earning it, but the payoff is spectacular: turquoise water, white boulders, and grassy slopes set against some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America.
This is a strenuous day hike. From the Lupine Meadows Trailhead, the trail climbs relentlessly through forest, switchbacking up the mountainside for about five miles to Surprise Lake, with Amphitheater Lake just a quarter-mile beyond — roughly 9.5 to 10 miles round trip with about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It's a real workout, with steep grades and rocky, rooty sections, but the ever-expanding views over Jackson Hole make every step worthwhile.
At nearly 9,700 feet, the lake sits in a stunning amphitheater of rock that gives it its name — a perfect spot to rest, soak in the scenery, and (for the hardy) take a bracingly cold dip.
Come prepared for high-country hiking: start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, carry plenty of water and snacks, bring layers (weather changes fast up high) and sun protection, and pace yourself for the altitude. This is grizzly and black bear country, so carry bear spray, make noise, and store food properly. The season runs roughly July through September, once snow has melted from the upper trail. Bring sturdy boots and your sense of adventure, pack out everything, and Amphitheater Lake will reward you with an unforgettable taste of the high Tetons.
Green Canyon
Smithfield, Utah
6.2 miles SE of Smithfield, UtahGreen Canyon is the most popular route up Mount Jardine. The elevation gain is gradual even though it is a long canyon. Its name originates from the healthy growth of green vegetation that is located in the canyon. The trail through the canyon is in good condtion to about 8,500 feet. Then is begins to fade away. At the junction that is located between Mount Elmer and Mount Jardine you will have to leave the trail and climb up the ridge between the two peaks.
Bloomington Canyon Yurt
Bloomington, Idaho
1.6 miles W of Bloomington, IdahoBloomington Canyon Yurt in beautiful Bear Lake Idaho is offered by the WSU Outdoor Program. The yurt rental program is available to WSU students and the general public. Renting the yurt requires, route finding, experience in backcountry travel, and the ability to read a map and or GPS. The Bloomington Canyon Yurt opens up some of the best ski and snowmobile terrain Idaho has to offer.
Ghost Falls Trail
Sandy, Utah
5.0 miles S of Sandy, UtahGhost Falls is located in the corner canyon riding area of Draper, Utah and one of the first mountain bike routes in the canyon. It's a family-friendly hike, named for the trail's ability to disappear in winter seasons due to snow. The trail is mixed with a sandy rocky slope on the lower mountain and dirt higher up the mountain and the trail starts near trees along a dry creek bed, with views focused at Corner Canyon. After a few miles, the trail splits to the east along the old lower Corner Canyon road; this is where it can be confusing as there are several trails that split off the road. But, these diverging trails do continue to lead hikers east towards the upper canyon where the actual Ghost Falls trail north and south loops begin.
Most hikers stay on the road and then go off to the south along the Canyon Hollow Trail; which will lead to the intersection of the north/south Ghost Falls loop trail. There are signs that point which direction to go and which trail to stay on, so make sure to pay attention to the signs if you get lost. You can take different routes in order for the journey to be easier or a more challenging but fun opportunity to enjoy.
Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
Draper, Utah
1.6 miles E of Draper, UtahThe Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge is a 185ft bridge that connects the Bear Canyon to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The bridge was built and completed in 2015 thanks to donations from residents and Ralph Wadsworth. It is about a 4.5 mile roundtrip trail, and is a moderate hike. The overall trail offers views of the Salt Lake Valley and is a very popular hike for families. There's a cage that stretches throughout the bridge so kids can run and play while being protected from falling off.
To get to the bridge, start on the Orson Smith trail; before you get on the trail, there are restrooms in case you want to go to the bathroom. There is a map on the trail continuing on the trail to the bridge so that you can stay on the path. During the trail, you'll be crossing the Aqueduct Trail and intersecting the Bonneville Shoreline Trail several times; follow the sign that says "bridge loop" but either direction will take you to the bridge. During the hike, you will see homes, go on steep climbs and eventually to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, this is where you can take either way (the bonneville trail is flat and easier.) Continue on until you see the bridge.
Many people go on the trail for hiking or trail running. Besides the trail to the suspension bridge, there are many other trails that can be explored, taking hikers further up the mountain or to various other views of the valley.
The trail can be hiked in the winter, though it may have a lot of snow on the trail. Best times to hike are usually spring through fall.
Rendezvous Beach
Laketown, Utah
2.2 miles NW of Laketown, UtahRendezvous Beach is the premier swimming and beach destination on the famous turquoise waters of Bear Lake, on the lake's sunny south shore near Laketown, Utah. Part of Bear Lake State Park, this long, wide, gently sloping sand beach — lapped by water so vividly blue-green it's nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Rockies” — is the heart of summer fun at one of the West's most beautiful lakes.
The beach is made for a classic lake day. The sandy bottom slopes so gradually that you can wade out a long way in the warm, shallow water, making it wonderful for families and kids, while the big open lake draws swimmers, sailors, water-skiers, paddleboarders, and even scuba divers. An on-site concession rents boats, personal watercraft, and non-motorized craft, and there's a small grill for snacks, so it's easy to make a full day (or weekend) of it.
Several campgrounds right at Rendezvous Beach make for an easy overnight, with restrooms, hot showers, and even full-hookup RV sites, plus a reservable group pavilion for gatherings. The entrance gates are open from early morning to late evening, and there's a state-park day-use or camping fee. (Note that dogs are welcome in the campgrounds but not on the swimming beach.)
Summer is unquestionably the season here, when the water warms up and the beach buzzes with sun-seekers (weekends get busy, so arrive early). Bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and beach gear, watch kids in the open water, and pack out your trash. With its soft sand and unforgettable blue water, Rendezvous Beach is the quintessential Bear Lake summer experience.
Cecret (Secret) Lake
Alta, Utah
1.5 miles SE of Alta, UtahCecret (pronounced "Secret") Lake is a beautiful lake located among alpine meadows in Little Cottonwood Canyons Albion Basin. Some folks spell Secret Lake as Cecret Lake, but the USGS maps list it as Secret Lake so I will stick with that. This is a hike that everyone can certainly enjoy since the route contains little difficulty and is very short.
Mill Creek Canyon
Salt Lake City, Utah
10.2 miles SE of Salt Lake City, UtahMill Creek is an out and back with over 1000 ft of elevation gain. The lower section of the ski trail gets a lot of foot traffic, but the upper section (above Elbow Fork) is generally very quiet. At the top of the canyon, there is a Yurt than can be reserved from December to April. Mill Creek Canyon is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Bear Lake / North Beach
Saint Charles, Idaho
5.0 miles E of Saint Charles, IdahoBear Lake State Park is located in a high mountain valley in the extreme southeast corner of Idaho. At 5,900 feet elevation, the park offers a wide variety of both summer and winter recreation opportunities. Bear Lake itself is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide with half of the lake in Idaho and half in Utah. The lake is a water sports Mecca attracting boaters, water skiers, and beach lovers from all over the country. All that inviting water is hard to resist. Swimmers will enjoy a two-mile-long beach on the north end of the lake, plus a 1-1/2 mile beach on the east side. The gradual slope of the lake bottom provides an enormous swimming area. Ramps are available for boaters and water skiers who want to enjoy the water, too. Anglers can try for a native cutthroat or lake trout in the summer. In the winter, they can come back with buckets and nets when the Bonneville cisco run. The fish is found nowhere else on Earth.
Oneida Narrows
Preston, Idaho
12.4 miles NE of Preston, IdahoOneida Narrows is a scenic stretch of the Bear River that has become southeastern Idaho's favorite summer float, where the river carves through a dramatic canyon north of Preston. With clear water, fun gentle rapids, towering canyon walls, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, it draws crowds of tubers, paddlers, and swimmers on hot summer days.
The star attraction is floating the Narrows. Below Oneida Dam, the Bear River offers a mellow mix of calm pools and easygoing Class I–II rapids that's perfect for inner tubes, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small rafts — an ideal lazy-river adventure for families and first-timers. Local outfitters near the Highway 36 turnoff rent tubes and run shuttles, making it easy to set up a float without your own gear. There's currently no day-use fee to enjoy the Narrows.
Just upstream, Oneida Narrows Reservoir adds even more to do: it's open to the public for swimming, boating, and fishing, with a couple of boat ramps, a day-use picnic area, and first-come public campgrounds (Maple Grove and Redpoint) for those who want to stay the night — though they fill fast on summer weekends.
To get there, drive north from Preston on Highway 34 to Highway 36, head east about 3 miles, then turn north on Oneida Narrows Road and follow it to the reservoir and river. Summer is the season, when the water is warm and the canyon is alive with floaters; weekends get busy, so go early or midweek for a calmer trip. Wear a life jacket and footwear for the rocky riverbed, watch the current and flows (which change with dam releases), and pack out everything. For an easygoing canyon float, Oneida Narrows is hard to beat.
Pineview Reservoir
Eden, Utah
0.8 miles SW of Eden, UtahLocated on the backside of the Wasatch Front, Pineview Reservoir in the Ogden River Canyon is home to stunning views of the water, sandy beaches, the Southern Skyline trail, paved ramps, and campgrounds thus providing a great location for recreational activities of many kinds. Popular activities include boating, canoeing, fishing, horseshoe, kayaking, paddle boarding, picnicking, swimming, volleyball, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
The reservoir is a vastly popular location for fishing tiger muskie and is great for experiencing the picturesque beauty of nature. The three swimming areas are Cemetery Point (west of Huntsville), Anderson Cove campground, and Middle Inlet Beach (north of Huntsville). Shade is scarce so be sure to bring your own canopy or cover during hot summer months as well as wear sun protection. The beaches tend to be busy on weekends.
The out-and-back Southern Skyline trail totals 18.2 miles in distance and is located between the highway and reservoir perfect for walking, biking, and riding dirt bikes. The trail initially commences with a slight uphill climb which increases as the trail progresses. Be cautious and courteous to wildlife including snakes. The campground gates are locked each night at 10 p.m. and are reserved on a first come, first served basis.
Minnetonka Cave
Saint Charles, Idaho
6.9 miles W of Saint Charles, IdahoMinnetonka Cave is a dazzling underground wonder high in the mountains above Bear Lake near St. Charles, Idaho — the largest developed limestone cave in the state, and one of the highest, with its entrance at around 7,700 feet in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. A guided tour leads visitors through a cool, beautifully decorated world of stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient fossils that's well worth the trip into the high country.
The cave is experienced on a guided tour run by a Forest Service concessionaire. The route winds about three-quarters of a mile through nine chambers, climbing and descending a total of 888 stairs over roughly 80 minutes, with guides stopping to point out formations and share the cave's geology (and give you a chance to catch your breath). It's a moderately strenuous but family-friendly adventure.
A few things to know before you go. The cave is open seasonally, roughly Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (depending on snow), with tours running every half hour or so from mid-morning to late afternoon, and there's a modest admission fee (tickets via Recreation.gov). It stays a chilly 40 degrees year-round, so bring a jacket and good walking shoes. Importantly, to protect the cave's bats from white-nose syndrome, you may not bring in any clothing or items (boots, hats, bags, cameras) that you've worn or carried in any other cave or mine.
The scenic drive up from Bear Lake through St. Charles Canyon is gorgeous in its own right. Pack a jacket, sturdy shoes, and your sense of wonder, and Minnetonka Cave delivers one of Idaho's most memorable underground experiences.
Donut Falls
Salt Lake City, Utah
14.9 miles SE of Salt Lake City, UtahDonut Falls is one of the most popular family hikes in the Salt Lake City area — a short, scenic walk in Big Cottonwood Canyon to a genuinely unusual waterfall. The “donut” name comes from the falls itself: Mill D South Fork Creek pours through a hole it has worn in the roof of a rock grotto, so the water appears to vanish into a doughnut-shaped opening in the cave ceiling before dropping into the chamber below. It's a favorite first hike for newcomers to the outdoors and an easy, rewarding escape for locals trading city bustle for pine forest and rushing water.
From the trailhead, a well-marked path winds through cool evergreen forest and open meadow, following the creek up toward the falls. The last stretch involves a bit of a rock scramble up slick, stream-polished stone to reach the mouth of the grotto and get the classic view up into the donut — go slowly here, as the wet rock is genuinely slippery and causes plenty of scrapes and turned ankles. Climbing on top of the cave for a photo down through the hole is especially dangerous: the mossy lip is treacherously slick, and falls from the top have caused several deaths over the years. The classic — and far safer — view is from below, looking up into the donut.
The total distance depends on the season and how far up you can drive. From about July 1 through October 31, you can usually drive the extra 0.8-mile dirt road past the large lot to the upper trailhead, shrinking the hike to as little as 1.4–1.5 miles round trip; the rest of the year (and whenever the upper road or the highway gate is closed by snow) it stretches to roughly 3 to 3.5 miles. Either way it's a gentle grade suitable for kids, and in winter it becomes a lovely, easy snowshoe. In early spring, count on lingering snow and ice — especially on the final rock scramble to the falls, which turns slick and tricky — and note that the restrooms and upper parking often aren't open yet.
One crucial thing to know: Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected drinking-water watershed for the Salt Lake Valley, and its watershed rules are strict and firmly enforced: under them, dogs are not allowed anywhere in the canyon and swimming or wading is prohibited, even on a hot day, so plan to leave the pup at home. These rules keep the water clean for the hundreds of thousands of people who drink it downstream.
Because it's so beloved and so close to the city, the small dirt parking area fills fast; in summer, come at first light or on a weekday to find a spot and beat the crowds. Bring water, wear shoes with real traction for the wet final scramble, and pack a camera for the falls and the forest. Check current road and gate status in Big Cottonwood Canyon before heading up, especially outside of summer, and enjoy one of the Wasatch's classic little adventures.
Adams Canyon Waterfall
Layton, Utah
3.2 miles E of Layton, UtahA great hike that is moderate in difficulty, but also provides a sense of adventure to hikers who love climbing rocks and seeing majestic waterfalls.
