2 Yellowstone Teton Territory

Transcription

1

2 Contents Eastern Idaho s Yellowstone Teton Territory Official Travel Guide 4 Yellowstone Teton Territory Getting Here 6 Bonneville County 10 Clark County 12 Fremont County 16 Jefferson County 18 Madison County 22 Teton County 15 Waterfalls in Yellowstone Teton Territory 24 The Four Seasons Take the time to tour Yellowstone Teton Territory during each of the four seasons because it s a year-round destination. 33 State Parks In Yellowstone Teton Territory 34 National Parks Near Yellowstone Teton Territory 35 Golf In Yellowstone Teton Territory 36 Hit the Road On Eastern Idaho s Scenic Byways The Official Travel Guide for Yellowstone Teton Territory 127 East Main St. Rexburg, ID (800) info@yellowstoneteton.com Entire contents copyright by Harris Publishing (208) Yellowstone Teton Territory

3 YELLOWSTONE TETON TERRITORY Yellowstone Teton Territory is a special place with beauty that will take your breath away! Offering world-class opportunities to explore unique places located in environments both indoors and out, the YTT area is not one to be missed. However, if your time is limited and you must choose to visit only a few stopping points, we highly recommend considering our Top MUST SEE Discovery Destinations all located within the greater YTT area. Welcome to YTT we know you will have the experiences of a lifetime! Snake River Falls, Riverwalk and Greenbelt A five-mile river walk along the Snake River. Enjoy the scenic falls and peaceful Greenbelt in Idaho Falls (see page 8) Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs Exhibition Experience the evolution of the canine: sniff out the facts on dogs and wolves at the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls, the states premier traveling exhibition museum. (see page 8) Latter Day Saint (LDS) Temple and Visitors Center Enjoy exhibits, video presentations and artwork and free guided tour within the visitor center. Idaho Falls (see page 8) Opal Mines Mine real opals from the Spencer community of mines, known as the Opal Capital of America. Spencer, Idaho (see page 10) World Class Sand Dunes The adventures are endless with 10,000 acres of sand dunes as high as 400 feet and 15 miles long! St. Anthony and Fremont County (see page 14) Mesa Falls Don t miss out on experiencing the many water falls of Fremont County, including the largest of them all: 114 foot white water, Mesa Falls. (see pages 14-15) Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum See the inventor of television, Philo T. Farnsworth s, and its earliest history. Rigby (see page 16) Yellowstone Bear World Step into the wild at this drive-thru park featuring free-roaming Grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bison and more. 5 miles south the Rexburg (see page 20) Legacy Flight Museum Visit this museum featuring unique planes that still fly from generations past. Rexburg (see page 20) Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains located on the eastern edge of YTT in Teton County. (see pages 22-23) Craters of the Moon National Monument Visit the landscape of the moon without leaving earth. Located just west of Idaho Falls on the edge of YTT (see page 34) Yellowstone National Park Discover America s first national park established in (see page 34) Scenic Byways of the YTT Travel any of the five scenic byways and experience the history and beauty of the YTT right at your fingertips. (see page 34 and the Top Ten Drives of the Northern Rockies on page 40) Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls

4 Yellowstone TetonTerritory Majestic mountains. Fertile fields. Territory? Famous potatoes. Scenic There might not be enough rivers. Abundant wildlife. Sweeping high des- where the beauty will take your words to aptly describe a place erts. Rolling sand dunes. breath away and the opportunities to explore the outdoors Sensational summers. Wonderful winters. Western nearly endless. hospitality. Vibrant cities and So we say welcome to towns. Yellowstone Teton Territory How do you sum up such and we hope you enjoy a vast and diverse place as eastern Idaho s Yellowstone Teton this corner of Idaho. exploring and discovering Getting Here Yellowstone Teton Territory is an easy place to get to. Interstate 15 runs north/south through the area with U.S. Highway 20 running east/west (accessing Montana and Yellowstone National Park to the east). Another major highway, U.S. 26 also generally runs east/west (leading to Wyoming to the east). Several state highways provide quick access to many parts of the area. For road conditions, call 511 or or visit 511.idaho.gov. Yellowstone Teton Territory is also served by a modern airport and daily bus service. Drive Times (to Idaho Falls) Destination Miles Drive Time Boise, Idaho Jackson, Wyoming Missoula, Montana Portland, Oregon Reno, Nevada Salt Lake City, Utah Sun Valley, Idaho Yellowstone National Park (west entrance) By Bus Daily bus service is available to Idaho Falls and surrounding towns. The bus terminal in Idaho Falls is located at 1820 West Broadway. For more information, contact Idaho Falls Regional Airport Five airlines serve Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) with daily and weekly flights, connecting to Boise, Bozeman, Denver, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Airlines serving IDA include: Allegiant, Delta/SkyWest, Horizon Air, Northwest and United/SkyWest. IDA is just 2.5 miles from downtown Idaho Falls. The airport recently completed a major terminal renovation. For more information, log on to St. Anthony Sand Dunes 4 Yellowstone Teton Territory

5

6 The Gateway If you re trav- eling from the south, east or west, chances are Bonneville County will be your gateway to Yellowstone Teton Territory. What a great start to your visit to the area. The county is home to Idaho Falls, Idaho s fifth largest city, which, along with neighboring Ammon, make this eastern Idaho s hub for shopping, transportation, the arts, other commercial activities, cultural experiences, entertainment and more. With Bonneville County, there is a near-perfect blend of city life and all its amenities and outdoor recreation. But there is more to Bonneville County than just this metro area. There are plenty of opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation as well. Bonneville County is the largest of the six counties making up Yellowstone Teton Territory and that translates into a variety of outdoor activities from boating on Ririe Reservoir and Palisades Reservoir to hiking, ATVing and snowmobiling in the Caribou Range to fishing in the famed South Fork of the Snake River to scenic mountain drives to hunting and camping- the list is practically endless. Idaho Falls is the ideal starting point to any visit to Yellowstone Teton Territory. And where better than the River Walk along the Snake River? A six-mile paved path allows joggers, walkers, rollerbladers and cyclists to enjoy the river and falls on both sides of the river. It s hard to miss downtown Idaho Falls on the east side of the river and the plethora of dining and lodging establishments on the west side. Cultural and entertainment opportunities are always available in Idaho Falls: Tautphaus Park Zoo, the Museum of Idaho, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Colonial Theater. Civic Auditorium, Willard Arts Center, more than a thousand acres of parks, four excellent golf courses, the Idaho Vietnam Memorial, the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and historic downtown are just a handful of other must-sees in this city of more than 50,000. In addition to an historic downtown walking tour, you can 6 Yellowstone Teton Territory also take a walking tour of several historic churches close to the downtown area. The city also boasts a symphony, opera, chamber orchestra, several performing groups and art galleries that are not to be missed during your visit. Idaho Falls is also home to the Idaho Falls Chukars, a professional rookie league team where some of the biggest names in baseball have got their start. Once you ve done the city thing, you can head out in any direction to experience the great outdoors. Farmland and the Hell s Half Acre lava flows are in western Bonneville County while the mountainous region stretches from past Ririe Reservoir to the Idaho/ Wyoming border. US Highway 26 is the main thoroughfare east out of Idaho Falls as it travels past farmland before dropping into Swan Valley. Once in Swan Valley, the highway roughly follows along the South Fork of the Snake River, one of the premier fly fishing streams in the world. Drift boats carrying fishermen are a common sight along the Swan Valley stretch of the South Fork. Eventually travelers come to the Palisades Dam, which holds back the gorgeous and large Palisades Reservoir. Both Ririe and Palisades offer several boat launches for those who want to enjoy watersports and/or fishing. Be sure to stop in the Rainey Creek Store in Swan Valley for their famous square ice cream cones. The highway follows the shoreline of the lake until you hit the Wyoming border. Mountains in eastern Bonneville County reach well past 9,000 feet. In Swan Valley, you can take Idaho Highway 31 north to Pine Creek Pass and into Teton Valley. There are countless miles of backcountry roads begging to be explored that take you into the heart of some of the best outdoor mountain recreation to be found anywhere in Idaho. While your chances of seeing a variety of wildlife are excellent all across Bonneville County, you can visit the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Tex Creek Wildlife Management for an even better chance. Trinity United Methodist Church

7 South Fork of the Snake River Bonneville County Idaho Falls RiverWalk Melaleuca Field

8 Quick Facts County size , square miles Population ,630 Persons per square mile City elevation population Ammon , ,065 Idaho Falls , ,786 Iona , ,276 Irwin , Swan Valley , Ucon , ,066 Weather Stats Idaho Falls Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Weather Stats SWAN Valley Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Events IDAHO FALLS June Mountain Brewers Beer Festival July Snake River Settlers July Melaleuca Freedom Festival July Eagle Rock Art Guilds Annual Art Festival August War Bonnet Roundup August Snake River Roaring Youth Jam Idaho Falls Convention And Visitors Bureau 630 West Broadway, Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Historic Downtown is the heart & soul of Idaho Falls. Here you ll find the story of our heritage by losing yourself in the historic architecture. Experience the unique shopping and stroll into one of our wonderful downtown restaurants or simply relax with a cup of java. No trip would be complete without enjoying our wonderful array of cultural offerings all within walking distance by taking in a live show, concert, tour an art gallery, or explore the museum. Also embrace the extraordinary beautiful Snake River flowing along the downtown. So join us and experience Historic Downtown Idaho Falls. Shopping in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls is home to businesses who have invested themselves into our community. This is where the shop owners know their products and greet you with friendly customer service. Nestled inside historic buildings you ll find a unique blend of specialty shops, professional services, and dining options. Whether you re seeking a rare jewel from around the world, an ultra-soft nightie made from bamboo, or just want to relax with a café mocha, you ll find it here. Come and experience shopping/dining with friends and family. Meet new friends where priceless memories are made experience shopping in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls. GRAND TETON REGIONAL MALL Located on a rapidly expanding side of town, the Grand Teton Mall is a 60-acre shopping haven. Macy s, JCPenny, Sears and Dillard s anchor the mall that is made up of 76 stores offering everything from apparel and jewelry to food and music. Located at 2300 E. 17th Street, the mall is just minutes from Interstate 15. Idaho Falls LDS Temple And Visitor s Center 1000 Memorial Drive, Idaho Falls Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m The temple, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not open to the general public but visitors can take a guided tour inside the Visitor s Center where they can learn about the temple. Visitors can also walk the grounds around the temple to see the beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens of the temple, which sits on the bank of the Snake River. Museum Of Idaho 200 North Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls M-Tu: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Wed-Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m The Museum of Idaho is the state s premier traveling exhibit museum that has featured past exhibits such as T-Rex Named Sue, Lewis & Clark, Space Journey, Ink & Blood and World of the Pharaohs. Featured in 2009 is Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and coming in 2010 is Wolf to Woof. The museum also has excellent permanent exhibits showcasing eastern Idaho history and offers presentations, educational programs and a reading and reference library. River Walk Along Snake River Downtown Idaho Falls The RiverWalk or Greenbelt features a paved path on both sides of the Snake River for miles. You can walk, jog, rollerblade or cycle along the river all year round. The city of Idaho Falls is continually working to expand the length of the paved paths, which presently are between Pancheri Drive on the south to Freeman Park on the north. While in Freeman Park, you ll want to visit Idaho s Vietnam Memorial. A variety of waterfowl and birds can be seen while strolling the riverwalk. Of course, the centerpiece of the greenbelt is the falls, which are 25 feet high and more than 1,000 feet long. Tautphaus Park Zoo 2725 Carnival Way Tautphaus Park, Idaho Falls Memorial Day to Labor Day Tu-Sun 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon 9 a.m.-8 p.m., May and September daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m., April and October weekends 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed November-March The Tautphaus Park Zoo, a participant in the Species Survival Plan for 14 different species, is home to more than 350 animals from six continents. You ll see African penguins, wallabys, South American birds in a walk-through aviary, gibbons, Bactrian camels and African lions to name a few. There is also a children s petting zoo, a gift shop and concessions. 8 Yellowstone Teton Territory

9 Idaho Falls Bonneville County Tautphaus Park Zoo

10 Wide Open That best describes the countryside in Clark County, the most rural of the six counties that make up Yellowstone Teton Territory. Clark County starts as rolling farmland, gives way to a high desert landscape and then explodes into the mountains that make up the Continental Divide. Wide open spaces take on a whole new meaning in Clark County, where just about everything outnumbers the number of people. This is where folks still earn a living off the land and are proud of the fact they know their neighbors by first name... and neighbors usually live several miles away. And they re willing to share the land with those who appreciate what such wide open territory has to offer. Hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, camping, ATV riding, horseback riding and wildlife viewing all wait for those who don t mind a little solitude. A couple of the more famous hiking spots include the Continental Divide Trail along the northern edge of the county, as well as to Aldous and Hancock lakes north of Kilgore. Want to try something a little different? Work up a little (or a lot) sweat as a hand on a working ranch or hire a guide or outfitter to help you bag an elk, deer, bear, antelope, mountain goat or cougar. The adventurous might want to try heading up to Bannack Pass (elevation 7,679 feet), probably best traversed in a four-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle in summer and fall. The views are simply incredible up there as you can see for miles in every direction. Head west out of Dubois on Idaho Highway 22 and turn north on Medicine Road. Follow this to Medicine Lodge Road, which turns into Bannack Pass Road/FR 280. Uncrowded. Unspoiled. Undiscovered. That s Clark County. Quick Facts County size , square miles Population Persons per square mile CITY elevation population Dubois Spencer Weather Stats Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Events April Grouse Days June Clark County Rodeo August Clark County Fair Clark County Visitor s Center 115 W. Main Street, Dubois 1-6:30 p.m. M-F, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat Clark County Attractions Heritage Hall Museum Located one block from end of Main Street, Dubois Friday 2-5 p.m. (summer only) or by appointment This is a historical museum featuring artifacts and history about the area. Spencer Opal Mines High Country Opal Opal Mountain Mine Spencer Opal Mines Besides its wide open spaces, awesome mountain scenery and unparalled outdoor opportunities from the desert to the mountains, the small community of Spencer is widely known as the Opal Capital of America. You can mine for opals or visit shops where opal is for sale. The mining season generally runs from May to September. 10 Yellowstone Teton Territory

11 Camas Meadows, Kilgore Clark County Aldous Lake, Kilgore Opal Mining, Spencer

12 Outdoorsman s Paradise That would be Outdoorsman s Paradise captial O and capital P. Probably with an exclamation point or two while we re at it. From the St. Anthony Sand Dunes to the peaks of Sawtell and Mt. Jefferson, from the waters of the Henry s Fork and Fall rivers to Henry s Lake and Island Park Reservoir, from the dog days of summer to the snow laden mountains in the winter, Fremont County is a destination of epic proportions. Fremont County isn t just eastern Idaho s playground, it s the West s playground. And for good reason. The area is known worldwide for the St. Anthony Sand Dunes as well as excellent snowmobiling. Folks come from all over to enjoy what Fremont County has to offer and they rarely if ever go away disappointed. Have you ever seen a sled dog race? How about floated the Henry s Fork River? Or climbed or rode to the top of a foot sand dune? Visited a fish hatchery (there are two in Fremont County Ashton and Henry s Lake)? Snowmobiled in powder so deep you have to stand up on the snowmobile to see? Golfed at 6,300 feet (the ball really flies in that kind of thin air)? For every very popular and famous landmark or activity in Fremont County, there are two or three more lesser known but equally as interesting and fun. For example, you can swim in any number of lakes, streams or rivers in Fremont County but you might also want to try the St. Anthony Sand Bar, located right in the town of St. Anthony on the Henry s Fork of the Snake River. There are lots of great hiking and biking trails in Fremont County but don t forget the Henry s Fork Greenway in St. Anthony. You can catch trophy trout in Henry s Lake or fly fish the famous Henry s Fork, but there is good fishing in the Warm River, Ashton Reservoir and at Chester Dam, too. Yellowstone National Park is just over the Fremont County border in Wyoming, but both of eastern Idaho s state parks Harriman and Henry s Lake are in the county. You can add St. Anthony Falls, which gave the city of the same title its name, to the list of waterfalls in the county, which includes Cave Falls, Mesa Falls and Sheep Falls. Caving. Fremont County is one of the few places where you can see caves in eastern Idaho. The Ice Caves and Civil Defense Caves each offer unique characteristics. If you d like to catch an indoor show (the outdoor show in Fremont County features millions of stars), try the Mack s Inn Dinner Theater in Island Park. There are dozens of fine eating establishments in Fremont County but don t pass up the old soda fountain at 511 main Pizzaria and Ice Cream shop (Ashton), or Falls Drug (St. Anthony). If you really want a bird s-eye view of Fremont County and especially Island Park, drive up Sawtell Peak Road and look around. From the 9,866-foot peak you can see into Montana and Wyoming as well as Yellowstone National Park. It truly is a breathtaking view. The road is only open in the summer. If you d rather view some of the stunning scenery in Fremont County by foot, you can enter into the Mesa Falls Marathon (from Mesa Falls to Ashton) or the Sawtell Rendezvous Marathon. Many of the outdoor activities hiking, golf, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing and the like are covered elsewhere in this guide. All this is just scratching the surface in the Outdoorsman s Paradise. You just have to experience it for yourself. Just be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. 12 Yellowstone Teton Territory Harriman State Park

13 Cave Falls Fremont County St. Anthony Sand Dunes Mesa Falls

14 Quick Facts County size , square miles Population ,369 Persons per square mile City elevation population Ashton , ,092 Drummond , Island Park , Newdale , Parker , St. Anthony , ,376 Teton , Warm River , Weather Stats ASHTON Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Weather Stats island park Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Weather Stats st. anthony Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Events ASHTon August Mesa Falls Marathon (4th Saturday) February American Dog Derby Events Island Park July Annual Fun Run (July 4th) July Library Craft Show (2nd weekend) July Antique Collectibles & Craft Show (Pioneer weekend) September Antique Collectibles & Craft Show (Labor Day weekend) January Wild West WinterFest January Women s Rally For A Reason February Mountain Mayhem Co-Ed Rally February Ol Men s Rendezvous November Christmas Festival December Island Park Community Christmas Service Events St. anthony April Idaho Cowboy Poetry Gathering at Roxy Theater May Fisherman s Breakfast June Sand Dunes SandFest July Pioneer Days Celebration August Demolition Derby August Fremont County Fair August SummerFest Events West yellowstone, MT March World Snowmobile Expo Ashton Chamber of Commerce 714 Main Street, Ashton Island Park Chamber of Commerce Island Park St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce St. Anthony Fremont County Attractions Big Springs/Johnny Sack Cabin Big Springs Road, Island Park Open July 4th through Labor Day Island Park Ranger District The Johnny Sack Cabin at the headwaters of the Henry s Fork at Big Springs is a unique site that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Johnny Sack was a German cabinet maker who came to the United States in his 20s. He leased a small piece of land from the forest service and started the cabin in 1932, taking three years to complete it. What makes the cabin unique is Sack s use of bark in the details of the house and its furniture. Fremont County Courthouse 151 West 1st North, St. Anthony The Fremont County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse received this prestigious listing in St. Anthony Sand Dunes Salem Highway West of St. Anthony BLM The St. Anthony Sand Dunes attract dirt bikers, ATVers and dune buggy enthusiasts from across the country. They come to the dunes to take advantage of 10,000 acres of dunes, some rising as high as 400 feet. Depending on where you are on the dunes, you can ride along 15-plus miles of uninterrupted sand. Camping is available at the dunes as well. The BLM manages the sand dunes. Potato field, Fremont Co. 14 Yellowstone Teton Territory

15 Waterfalls In Fremont County Some of Idaho s most scenic and famous waterfalls are located in Yellowstone Teton Territory. Most of the falls are easily accessed and come in several shapes and sizes, from 20 feet in height to a dramatic 114 feet. Cave Falls Cave Falls sits in the extreme southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, just across the Idaho/Wyoming border in Wyoming. The only access to Cave Falls is from the Idaho side on Cave Falls Road east of Ashton in Fremont County. The Falls River feeds the falls, which aren t the tallest of Yellowstone Teton Territory area s waterfalls at 20 feet. But they stretch nearly 200 feet across and sit among majestic pines which provide a beautiful backdrop. There is also a 50-foot deep cave at the edge of the falls that provides a cool place to sit even during the hottest summer days. Cave Falls is named after the nearby cave. The falls are also accessible in the winter via snowmobile and are framed in a blanket of white. Fall Creek Falls If you re driving southeast along Snake River Road just after it leaves the U.S. Highway 26 in Swan Valley, you might not ever know there were waterfalls just a few feet from the road. However, if you re driving the other way, you can catch glimpses of the 60-foot high falls that dump into the Snake River. There is a small turnout on the east side of Snake River Road just after you cross Fall Creek, the waterway that creates the falls. From there you walk through some brush before coming right up on the edge of the falls literally. There are no railings so caution is advised. To get a full view of the falls, walk down the road a few feet and look back. Fall Creek Falls are a little more than a mile drive after you leave U.S. Highway 26. Byway, the upper falls are the bigger of the two at 114 feet in height. The lower falls are 65 feet of rushing, tumbling whitewater. They are within a one-mile hike of each other and you shouldn t see one without seeing the other. At the Upper Falls is an interpretive center showing exhibits on the geology of the falls and canyon, history of the lodge, formerly known as the Big Falls Inn, maps and other points of interest. A wood walkway allows you to get right up next to the Upper Falls so close you can feel the spray as you peer over the edge. The one-mile trail to the Lower Falls is a couple hundred yards east of the interpretive center. The falls are on the Henry s Fork of the Snake River. The Upper Falls can be viewed during all seasons. In late spring, summer and fall you can travel by car to Mesa Falls, while in winter many enthusiasts use snowmobiles or cross country skis to get to the area. Sheep Falls Located in remote Fremont County, Sheep Falls is farther down stream from Cave Falls on the Falls River. With a fall of 35 feet, Sheep Falls sit among the rugged beauty of the Caribou Targhee National Forest. The falls are north of Flagg Ranch Road, which connects Ashton, Idaho, with Flagg Ranch in Wyoming and south of the Long Meadows Trail. There is a smaller waterfalls by the same name Sheep Falls upstream on the Henry s Fork from Upper Mesa Falls. This Sheep Falls is about 25 feet in height and sits down in a steep canyon off the end of Hatchery Ford Road off the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Lower Mesa Falls, Fremont Co. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls These two separate and distinct waterfalls are the two biggest in eastern Idaho and the most scenic. Located in Fremont County s Mesa Falls Recreation Area off the Mesa Falls Scenic

16 Big & Diverse Jefferson County offers something for just about every outdoors- man, thanks to the diversity of its landscape. Consider this. Jefferson County has the only alpine ski area in eastern Idaho. It is home to the Camas National Wildlife Refuge and several state wildlife management areas. There are three golf courses in the county. Also in threes, Jefferson County Lake, Heise Hot Springs and the Riot Zone are three popular places to enjoy family fun. Numerous hiking and biking trails, wide open desert spaces and mountainous terrain along with a small corner of the famous St. Anthony Sand Dunes are found in Jefferson Quick Facts County size , square miles Population ,350 Persons per square mile CITY elevation population Hamer , Lewisville , Menan , Mud Lake , Rigby , ,291 Ririe , Roberts , Weather Stats Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Events June Stampede Days June Rotary Breakfast July Lions 4th of July Celebration August Jefferson County Fair August West Jefferson County Fair November-March Cutter Races December Lighted Parade with Santa Rigby Chamber of Commerce 134 West Main Street, Rigby Jefferson County Attractions Heise Hot Springs 5116 E. Heise Road, Ririe This resort has it all two pools fed by natural hot springs, a golf course, RV park and campgrounds, rental cabin and guided fishing trips. Heise s largest pool is open May to September 16 Yellowstone Teton Territory County. The mighty Snake River even winds its way through the county. Hunting and fishing are popular throughout various times of the year. Like it was said, something for everyone. Most of the county s population is in the southeast corner while the rest of the area is vast high desert dotted with productive farms and ranches. Check out the Four Seasons section for more information on skiing, the wildlife refuges and management areas and golf courses. Some find it surprising Jefferson County offers so much diversity for outdoorsmen. Those in the know realize it s one of eastern Idaho s best-kept secrets. and offers 82-degree water along with a 350-foot waterslide. During the winter months, a smaller pool with 105 degree natural mineral water helps chase the winter chill away. The golf course is a 9-hole, par 29 gem resting next to cliffs covered with cedar and sage. Jefferson County Historical Museum 118 West 1st South, Rigby Tu-Sat 1-5 p.m Known affectionately as the TV Museum, the Jefferson County Historical Society has carefully preserved the Philo Farnsworth exhibit. Farnsworth is the inventor of television. Farnsworth s family moved to Rigby when young Philo was just 11 years old. Over the years Farnsworth would earn more than 125 patents. The museum pays homage to Farnsworth and holds some of the inventor s earliest works. The museum also has several displays covering the history of Jefferson County, along with a big game exhibit. Jefferson County Lake Rigby Lake Road, Rigby This is a very popular swimming and canoeing spot during the dog days of summer. Locals flock to the lake to beat the heat whether it be taking a dip in the lake or picnicking in the shade of the huge cottonwoods that surround the water. There are also several camping spots around the lake. The Riot Zone Family Fun Park Rigby Lake Road, Rigby This family-oriented amusement park features bumper boats, rock climbing, go karts, inflatable games, miniature golf and the Buckaroo. Those rides and activities are open from late spring through the end of summer. Heise Hot Springs

17 Kelly Canyon Jefferson County Jefferson County Lake TV Museum

18 Pioneer Roots It was in the late 1870s and early 1880s when Mormon pioneers first came to the area now known as Madison County. They settled the land, in part, because of the potentially good farmland. Prior to the Mormon arrival, the area was sparsely settled by a few trappers and ranchers, including Richard Leigh, otherwise known as Beaver Dick (a county park is named after him today). Just like most everywhere else, times have changed, even in Madison County. Somehow, though, the area has managed to retain its pioneer roots and keep a flavor of the Old West. Today farming is still one of the main staples of Madison County and folks haven t forgotten their roots. Perhaps that s why the area has become a popular stopping over point for visitors heading to various places throughout eastern Idaho. The main highway from the south to Island Park and Yellowstone National Park travels through Madison County and its largest city, Rexburg, making the area a perfect place to explore before heading north. The western section of the county is home to small and large farms, many of which grow Idaho s famous potatoes. The farther east you go, the more elevation you gain until you re in the Big Holes, a favorite playground of eastern Idaho residents. Here you can hike, bike, view wildlife and roam among mountains that reach 8,000 feet and higher. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are favorite activities in the mountains with several points of access provided. The Snake River forms the southern border of the county and provides excellent fishing and bird watching opportunities. It s not uncommon to see osprey and eagles plying the skies over the river looking for their next meal. For those who want to stay a little longer, Twin Bridges Park, off the Archer Highway, offers several camping and picnicking spots. The 31-acre county park sits on an island between two forks of the Snake River. Another good fishing river is the Henry s Fork, which meanders through the western part of the county. There is another county park Beaver Dick where you can camp and picnic right on the shores of Henry s Fork. Beaver Dick is west of Rexburg on Highway 33. For information on both county parks, contact In the far southwest corner of the county are the Menan Buttes, another great hiking area providing awesome views of the surrounding plain. The twin buttes are extinct volcanoes created about 10,000 years ago. According to the BLM, Menan Buttes are unique because they erupted through the cold waters of the Snake River, which flowed over where the buttes are today. Contact the BLM for more information. Rexburg has actively worked to provide several walking trails and jogging paths in and close to town. A couple worth noting include the Nature Park, located near the airport and close to the south fork of the Teton River. Several paths wind around large trees, ponds and other vegetation for a quiet, serene walking experience. Trails are also being developed along the south fork of the Teton River near Second East Street. Madison County is one of the smallest counties in eastern Idaho but it s packed with plenty to do. Call for more information. 18 Yellowstone Teton Territory Idaho Centennial Carousel

19 BYU Idaho Gardens Madison County Idaho International Dance and Music Festival Rexburg LDS Temple

20 Quick Facts County size square miles Population ,393 Persons per square mile City elevation population Rexburg , ,657 Sugar City , ,458 Weather Stats Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Events Rexburg January Snow Fest May Memorial Day Ceremony June Teton Dam Marathon June Great Spud Race July Whoopee Days Late July-Early August Idaho International Dance and Music Festival August Rush Triathlon August Madison County Fair September Rexburg Unplugged November Veterans Day Ceremony November Christmas in the Nighttime Sky Rexburg AREA Chamber of Commerce 127 East Main Street, Rexburg 888-INFO 880 or Madison County Attractions Brigham Young University-Idaho 525 South Center Street, Rexburg Formerly called Ricks College, the name was changed in 2000 when the junior college was changed to a four-year university. Founded in 1888 as Bannock Stake Academy, the school now has an enrollment close to 15,000 students. The university, owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, covers about 250 acres, including beautiful demonstration gardens (near the Benson Building) that are open to the public. There is also a 60-seat planetarium open to the public as well as a small art exhibit in the Spori Building. The university also has an excellent music, theater and arts program, with performances open to the public. Idaho Centennial Carousel Located in Porter Park, Rexburg ext. 347 The 1926 Spillman Engineering Carousel was renovated in 1990 to commemorate Idaho s 100th birthday. The carousel features 38 horses and chariots. The carousel s music is by the Stinson Band Organ Company from Ohio with the organ running on a paper roll, providing the old-fashioned original sounds. It is one of about 170 antique wooden carousels still in existence in the United States. Idaho International Dance and Music Festival 127 East Main Street Rexburg 888-INFO 880 or This is truly one of Idaho s premier events when Rexburg welcomes the world. Whether you have experienced the thrill of an international dance and 20 Yellowstone Teton Territory music festival or not, this is the year to mark your calendar and head to one of Idaho s scenic locations. More than 300 dancers and musicians come to Rexburg from around the globe every year for this gala event. The event takes place the last weekend in July thru the first weekend in August. Legacy Flight Museum 435 Kelly Johnson Way, Rexburg Memorial Day to Labor Day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-Sat, after Labor Day to Memorial Day 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat This gem is eastern Idaho s newest museum and has on display some of the most unique planes around. Those include: Stearman, L-39Albatross, P-63 King Cobra, TBM Avenger, Staggerwing Beech, Texan - T-6, Sky Raider and P-51 Mustang. Not only are these planes on display at the museum but also in the skies above Madison County. They all fly on a regular basis. The museum, located at the Rexburg Airport, also hosts an air show every summer in June. Rexburg LDS Temple Corner of S 2nd East and W 7th South, Rexburg While not open to the general public, you can stroll around the beautifully landscaped Rexburg Idaho Temple. Owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple opened in February, 2008, making it one of the newest temples of the church. It stands prominently on the hill overlooking Rexburg. The temple is a five-story, 57,504 squarefoot building. A garden plaza is west of the temple. Teton Flood Museum 51 North Center, Rexburg June-Aug 9 a.m.-4 p.m. M-Sat, Oct.-May 10 a.m.-3 p.m. M-Fri The museum remembers and chronicles the fateful day of June 5, 1976, when, at 11:57 a.m., the Teton Dam broke, sending 250,000 acre feet of water (about 80 billion gallons) downstream, creating a devastating flood. The flood killed at least nine people, injured more than a thousand, inundated 400,000 acres, devastated several communities and caused more than $1 billion in damage. The newly renovated museum also includes many pioneer relics, depicting the lives of the area s early pioneers, an Idaho opal/ agate collection and more. The Teton Flood Museum is housed in the historic LDS Tabernacle building. Yellowstone Bear World U.S. Highway 20, 5 miles south of Rexburg Mid-May-Mid-October 9 a.m.-6 p.m., after Labor Day 9 a.m.-5-.m This drive-through wildlife park is like no other in the Yellowstone region. Here the animals roam freely in their natural habitat while you view them from the comfort and safety of your vehicle or RV. The Park is home to Grizzly bears, black bears, bear cubs, wolves, elk, bison and deer. There are also amusement rides, a gift shop and restaurant. Teton Flood Museum

21 Idaho International Dance and Music Festival Madison County Yellowstone Bear Bear World Legacy Flight Museum

22 Nature. Period. The Teton Valley is nature at its finest. From the moment you arrive in the valley you ll be mesmerized by the rugged beauty and inspiring panoramic views that can be experienced from anywhere in the county. It seems like you re always in the shadows of the mighty Teton Mountains a situation no one seems to mind. In fact, that s one of the reasons visitors come to Teton Valley. That and everything to do with the outdoors. There are hiking, biking and horseback riding trails galore. Some of the finest golf courses in eastern Idaho are here. Camping is a great option. Fly fish in numerous creeks, rivers and lakes. The valley also features some of the best and only rock climbing in eastern Idaho. Whew. That s just the warm months. In the winter, ski at Grand Targhee, which is actually in Wyoming but can only be accessed through Teton Valley. Dozens of kilometers of cross country ski trails are scattered across the valley. Then there is snowmobiling. For the arts crowd, peruse the many art galleries located in the valley s communities. The valley also has a plethora of activities from the wildly famous Hot Air Balloon Rally (July) to bike races to musical festivals to running events and more. Check out the Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce s website, tetonvalleychamber.com, for a complete list of events. For hiking, skiing, fishing and golfing information in the Teton Valley, check out the Four Seasons section of this travel guide. The valley s residents are working hard to maintain the natural feel of Teton Valley so that for years to come the area will continue to be nature at its finest. Quick Facts County size square miles Population ,838 Persons per square mile City elevation population Driggs , Tetonia , Victor , ,454 Weather Stats Average High F Average Low F Annual Precipitation inches Average Annual Snowfall inches Events January Crab Feast January Teton Ridge Classic February Snocross races July Teton Valley Summer Festival July Hot Air Balloon Rally August - - Spud Fest Family Film & Television Festival August John Colter Run August Bluegrass Festival 22 Yellowstone Teton Territory Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce 29 North Main Street, Driggs Teton County Attractions Teton Valley Museum 137 North State Highway 33, Driggs Tu-Wed Noon-5 p.m., Thu-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (May 26-Sept. 30), winter by appointment The museum offers several different exhibits, including the 1808 John Colter Stone, discovered in south Leigh Canyon; Pierre s Rendezvous Battle Journal Accounts; the Yellowstone Bandit s Pistol; Sam Idaho Mining Display and more. Dry Ridge Outfitters Driggs, Idaho info@dryridge.com The Spud Drive-In Theatre Sam Wood 231 South Hwy 33 Driggs, ID Ph: sam@spuddrive-in.com Packsaddle Lake

23 Teton Valley Teton County Wind Cave World Class Fly Fishing

24 Spring Winter in eastern Idaho can be a long stretch for those folks who love the outdoors but not the cold and snow. They especially look forward to spring when they can get back outdoors and feel the warmth of the sun and once again enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone Teton Territory. Although the higher elevation will continue to host skiing and snowmobiling opportunities well into May, the lower elevations welcome the change in season and the warmer weather patterns. Hiking is somewhat limited in the springtime. You have to wait for the snow to melt and the trails to dry enough so that hiking doesn t damage those trails. Inquire locally and with the forest service to see when it s safe to once again hit the trails. Springtime is a great time to go bird watching, especially in March and April as birds begin to fill the Pacific Flyway, which just happens to touch eastern Idaho, bringing thousands of waterfowl through the area. For more information on where best to view birds, consult the National, State Wildlife Areas section in this travel guide. The area s golf courses are also beginning to emerge from the long winter with those in lower elevations opening up in March or April, depending on conditions. Consult the golf section of this travel guide for more information. Darby Canyon Sandhill Crane 24 Yellowstone Teton Territory Hancock Lake

25 Summer Think of your favorite outdoor summer activity. Got it? You can probably do it in eastern Idaho s Yellowstone Teton Territory. There are literally countless ways to enjoy the outdoors whether motorized or non-motorized in eastern Idaho. The traditional summer activities of fishing, boating, hiking, camping and swimming are all here. And so is horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, floating the river, attending a rodeo and scenic driving. You won t be able to do it all in one summer so you re probably going to have to plan a return trip to take it all in. Again and again. We ve detailed a few ideas of what you can do to fill your summer days but just know that this is only a partial list. Even then, it will keep you busy for quite awhile. Hiking It s almost impossible to detail all the hikes in eastern Idaho. There are just too many options for hikers but we ve attempted to narrow down the list to a few. By no means is this all the hikes in eastern Idaho. Aldous & Hancock Lakes northeast Clark County. These two lakes are located in the Centennial Mountains with the trail connecting the two. This is a beautiful hike that takes you to the base of the Continental Divide at Hancock Lake. Aldous Lake is the first lake you come to on the hike and the trail gets a bit more strenuous as you make your way to Hancock Lake. But it s well worth the effort. Roundtrip, it s about a five-mile hike. The trailhead is located north of Kilgore on Forest Road 27. Information: Island Park Ranger District Big Elk Creek eastern Bonneville County. This is a classic canyon hike up along Big Elk Creek that leads to the Wyoming border. It s about five miles from the trailhead to the border. There are several trails that shoot off of the main Big Elk Creek trail, giving hikers plenty of options for exploring the Snake River Range. The trailhead leaves from Big Elk Campground, which is a couple miles off U.S. Highway 26 on Big Elk Road. Information: Palisades Ranger District Big Springs northern Fremont County. This is an easy but rewarding one mile or so hike from Big Springs, where the headwaters of the Henry s Fork River come gurgling out of the earth to the old railroad bridge where water lovers put in their canoes, kayaks, rubber rafts and tubes to make the easy float to Mack s Inn. You ll see a variety of wildlife from big and little game to mammals and waterfowl. Four miles west of Mack s Inn on Big Springs Road. Information: Island Park Ranger District Civil Defense Caves northwest Fremont County. This is more of a cave exploration than a hike, but it s a cool visit, nonetheless. The Civil Defense Caves are large tubes formed from lava that snake underground for several thousand feet. The caves go to about 40 feet underground. Head north out of Rexburg on the Salem Highway. Watch for the signs after the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. It s a five-mile drive off the highway over a dirt road to the caves. Information: Yellowstone Teton Territory Coffee Pot Rapids northwest Fremont County. This is an easy hike but offers great scenic rewards. The hike can be anywhere from miles long and follows the Henry s Fork River. The Henry s Fork tumbles over several boulders to create the rapids. The trail begins at Upper Coffee Pot campground, located in Island Park. Splash Park, Rexburg

26 Summer Information: Island Park Ranger District Cress Creek southcentral Madison County. This 1.4-mile trail takes hikers from river level up through sagebrush and juniper covered hills to where you can get spectacular panoramic views of the Snake River and surrounding area. In the distance you can see the dormant volcanoes to the west as well as the Lost River Range. The trailhead is on the Snake River Road just a few miles west of Heise. Information: BLM Golden Lake within Harriman State Park in Fremont County. The hike to Golden Lake is easy and passes through wildflower meadows, ponds, creeks and lakes. Golden Lake sits among pinecovered hills, marsh grass and meadows. It s just more than four miles roundtrip. In all, there are about 20 miles of trails within Harriman State Park. Information: Harriman State Park or Hell s Half Acre/Twenty Mile Trail western Bonneville County. There are a couple of undeveloped trails that cover the lava flows. One is a half-mile loop while the other is a 4.5-mile trail to the main vent or source of the Hell s Half Acre lava flow. Both trails are marked with poles. The trailhead is located west of Idaho Falls on U.S. Highway 20. When you get to mile marker 287, go three-tenths of a mile farther and then turn south. After a quarter mile you ll come to the trailhead. Information: BLM Lower, Upper Palisades Lakes eastern Bonneville County. One of the most popular and spectacular hikes in eastern Idaho, hikers can trek to Lower Palisades Lake, following tumbling Palisades Creek all the way, or continue on to Upper Palisades Lake for a full day of outdoor adventure. The lower lake is 5.7 miles from the trailhead with the upper lake another three miles. You can continue past the upper lake to Waterfall Canyon, where the scenery just keeps getting more awesome. Fishing is allowed in the lakes and you ll likely see plenty of wildlife, including moose. The trailhead is six miles south of Swan Valley next to the Palisades Creek Campground. Information: Palisades Ranger District Menan Buttes southwest corner of Madison County. Hike among two extinct volcanoes formed more than 10,000 years ago. Information: BLM Packsaddle Lake western Teton County. Packsaddle Lake is in the Big Hole Mountains and it s an easy to moderate five-mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead. The hike gives you stunning views of the Teton Mountains across the valley. Turn off Idaho Highway 33 at the Echo Ranch sign and follow the gravel road for five miles to the trailhead. Information: Caribou Targhee National Forest Sawtell Peak/Rock Creek northern Fremont County. A fun but challenging hike is a four-mile trek into Lake Marie, which sits in the bottom of the Rock Creek basin. Here you re hiking in the shadows of Sawtell Peak and Mt. Jefferson with stunning scenery and plenty of flora. This hike is better later in the season after the high mountain snows have melted. There is a turnout on the Sawtell Peak Road where you can park. Information: Island Park Ranger District Wind Caves/Darby Canyon eastern Teton County (along Idaho/Wyoming border). This is a popular seven-mile roundtrip hike that gains nearly 2,000 feet in elevation and is one of the most scenic in all of eastern Idaho. Along the way are forested hills, wildflowers, waterfalls (especially in the early summer) and awesome mountain views. An interesting cave in Darby Canyon is where most hikers end up. It s a great place to explore. Located about 20 minutes east of Driggs off Idaho Highway 33. The turn off to Darby Canyon is south of the Spud Drive-In Theater. Information: Yellowstone Teton Territory Thousand Springs eastern Madison/ western Teton counties. This is a great hike to see the Big Holes Mountains in an area straddling two eastern Idaho counties. The trail leads to Garns Mountain (elevation 9,016 feet) through the Thousand Springs area. From the trailhead it s about three miles to Thousand Springs and for those who want a longer trek it s 6.9 miles from the trailhead to Garns Mountain. The trailhead is 10 miles from Kelly Canyon Ski Area on Forest Road 218 and 651. Information: Palisades Ranger District Webber Creek northern Clark County. This trail leads to the Continental Divide and with it views of the rugged Bitterroot Range and Beaverhead Mountains. There is plentiful wildlife (elk, moose, deer and more) in the mountains here and lots of solitude. The trail connects with several others in the area, including Fritz and Myers Creek. The trailhead is 28 miles north of Dubois at the end of Forest Road 196. Information: Dubois Ranger District Another popular hike in eastern Idaho is Table Mountain, which is actually just past the Idaho/Wyoming border outside of Driggs. This is a monster of a hike that puts you right up next to the Teton Mountains with unparalled views. Another popular trail is from Cave Falls, just inside the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park (accessed through Ashton), to Bechler Meadows. Wildlife and waterfalls are the big attractions to this hike. Fishing Fishing in eastern Idaho s lakes, creeks, reservoirs and rivers is legendary. Fishermen can utilize all manner of ways to get to the fish too, from drift boats to tubes to good old-fashioned wading to standing on the shore. Popular fishing spots in east- 26 Yellowstone Teton Territory

27 South Fork of the Snake River

28 Summer ern Idaho include: Ashton Reservoir, the Henry s Fork and South Fork of the Snake River (both world famous for fly fishing), Henry s Lake State Park (well known for its trophy size trout), Harriman State Park, Island Park Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir, Ririe Reservoir and the Teton, Warm and Fall rivers. Countless smaller streams also yield pan-sized trout. Birch Creek is a local favorite for fly fishing. The variety of catchable fish in eastern Idaho isn t limited to just trout, either, as smallmouth bass and perch can also be found in this part of the state s waters. For full details on the rules and regulations, as well as all the available fishing spots in eastern Idaho, log on to www. fishandgame.idaho.gov. Watersports Waterskiing and wakeboarding are popular watersports in eastern Idaho thanks to the area s lakes and reservoirs. Other boaters just like to ply the waters, either to fish or simply enjoy the scenery. Palisades, Island Park Ashton Reservoir and Ririe Reservoir are excellent watersports lakes with numerous launching points. You can also boat on Henry s Lake and float or drift on the South Fork of the Snake River. Nonmotorized boats are allowed on Jefferson County Lake as well as Horseshoe Lake in Fremont County. It s a small area compared to area lakes and reservoirs but it s not uncommon in the summer to see waterskiers above the falls on the Snake River in Idaho Falls. A popular river to float (non motorized) is the Henry s Fork River, just below Big Springs to Mack s Inn. Rubber raft and canoe rentals are available at Mack s Inn. Biking On many of the trails mentioned in the hiking section, you can also mountain bike. Call the numbers listed, though, to double check on local regulations. 28 Yellowstone Teton Territory Here is a partial list of biking areas. For a more complete list log on to Kelly Canyon and Green Canyon in Madison County Big Springs, Targhee Creek, Harriman State Park and Warm River in Fremont County Pole Canyon, Driggs to Victor and Teton Canyon in Teton County ( The Riverwalk at Idaho Falls, Blowout Canyon and Blacks Canyon in Bonneville County While there are hundreds of miles backcountry and forest service roads where mountain bikers can enjoy eastern Idaho, one trail worth mentioning is near Warm River in Fremont County. Bikers leave the Warm River Campground (just off the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway) and head to the tunnel, an old railroad tunnel. Some of the trail is a converted railroad bed that goes for miles. The ride from the campground to the tunnel is about three miles but you can ride dozens more after going through the tunnel. The trail goes as far as Big Springs and then West Yellowstone. Dirt Biking/ATVing Hundreds of miles of backcountry and forest service roads are open to dirt biking and ATVing but some aren t, so it s best to check with the forest service for maps and regulations if you re riding on the forest. Contact the Caribou Targhee National Forest for information Probably the most popular and famous dirt biking and ATVing spot in all of eastern Idaho is the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. Located north of Rexburg and west of St. Anthony, the dunes attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers 10,000 acres of dunes, some rising as high as 400 feet. Camping is available at the dunes as well. The BLM manages the sand dunes. For more information contact the BLM Kelly Canyon

29 Fall When the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to change, life slows down just a little in Yellowstone Teton Territory. But that doesn t mean there s nothing to do and you should begin to think about the long winter months ahead. No, there s still time to get out to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and biking are still great options for outdoors activities. It s also a great time to view fall colors. The mountains are splashed with color beginning in late September to early October. Travel any number of highways to find the golden hues of Quaking Aspens and other trees as they prepare for winter. A few options for finding great fall colors are: U.S. Highway 26 from Swan Valley to the Idaho/Wyoming border. This highway travels along Palisades Reservoir for a couple dozen miles. Idaho Highways 31/33/32 This is also known as the Teton Scenic Byway and there s no better time to see the Tetons and fall colors than in late September. U.S. Highway 20 from about St. Anthony north through Island Park and the Continental Divide. This is a high mountain highway that goes through groves of Quakies. The are dozens more backcountry roads that lead to equally as impressive fall colors but most are unpaved and you should inquire locally before heading out. Hunting When it comes to big game hunting, eastern Idaho features some of the finest controlled and general season hunts in the West. Pick your critter deer, elk, pronghorn, bear and mountain lion all feature general season hunts starting in July and running throughout the rest of the year with respective seasons. And you can choose to hunt with bow, muzzle loader or rifle. There are also special hunts for moose. Controlled hunt permits are available starting in May, which allow hunters an opportunity to draw for specific hunts in one of the dozen units located in eastern Idaho (units 58 through 69 are all located in the six-county area of eastern Idaho). The Idaho Department of Fish and Game prints regulations that can be obtained from most outdoors retailers. If you re into smaller game, eastern Idaho features special seasons for ducks, geese, pheasant, grouse, turkey, rabbit and other small game. The cost for hunting fees and tags vary with the type of game and whether you are an Idaho resident or from out of state. All can be found on the state s website at Perhaps the two most popular type of big game hunting in the area are deer and elk. Although there are some whitetail deer scattered throughout the area, mostly along rivers in the lower elevations, the mule deer represent the choice hunt for most outdoorsmen. Mulies are sought by trophy hunters throughout the area. And when it comes to trophy elk, you can pretty much bet there are some huge bulls bouncing around eastern Idaho.

30 Winter The biggest crowds who visit Yellowstone Teton Territory do so in the summer months. But those who overlook this spectacular area during the winter are really missing out on some great outdoor opportunities. Those who know Idaho and relish winter do so because of the light, dry, powder snow that blankets the state, especially eastern Idaho. Just about any winter activity you can think of can be taken advantage of in Yellowstone Teton Territory from alpine skiing to cross-country skiing to snowmobiling to sledding to ice skating to ice fishing to snowshoeing to dog sledding to breathtaking winter scenery. So let s jump in. Ice Skating Strap on the skates and head for the Ice Rink in Tautphaus Park, located right next to the Zoo in Idaho Falls. The rink is generally open from November to March and skate rentals are available. Contact the Ice Rink for more information. The city of Rexburg also offers ice skating at its Nordic center, when weather permits. Skates are available for rent. For more information, contact ext Ice Fishing When the temperatures drop, Yellowstone Teton Territory s lakes and reservoirs freeze, allowing the hardy fisherman an opportunity for solitude while waiting for the big bite. Fisherman should inquire locally about ice conditions before venturing out, just to be safe. Ice fishing opportunities can be had at Island Park Reservoir, Ririe Reservoir, Palisades Reservoir, Henry s Lake and a number of other area lakes. Log on to org, go to Things to do and then winter sports activities for more information. Cross-country Skiing There are several prime Nordic skiing areas in eastern Idaho where skiers can enjoy the solitude and beauty of this winter paradise. In Fremont County, the most popular cross-country ski area is in Harriman State Park, where an extensive system of trails is maintained. Other Fremont County ski locales include Bear Gulch, Mesa Falls and Big Springs. In Jefferson County, some Nordic trails are available at Kelly Canyon Ski Resort. Contact for more information. Also in Jefferson County is the Camas National Wildlife Refuge, where you can cross-country ski and snowshoe during the winter months. However, no cross-country skiing or snow shoeing is allowed after March 1. For more information, contact the refuge In Teton County there are several choices, including Teton Ridge Ranch s 30 kilometers of groomed trails (www. tetonridge.com) and Teton Springs Resort ( which has 10 kilometers of groomed trails. A good source of information on other Nordic areas can be found at and then go to City and County Ski Trails. The Teton Valley Trails and Parkways offers 50 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails all across the valley. Alpine Skiing Winter enthusiasts have two options for alpine skiing in eastern Idaho: Grand Targhee Ski Resort and Kelly Canyon Ski Area. Grand Targhee is world famous for its abundance of powder up to 500 inches each winter while Kelly Canyon is a local ski area that is close of Idaho Falls. Grand Targhee is technically in Wyoming, but the only access is through the Idaho side in Teton Valley. Grand Targhee Ski Resort Skiers love Grand Targhee as much for 30 Yellowstone Teton Territory

31 Island Park, Fremont Co.

32 Winter its deep, dry powder as they do for its dramatic views of the Tetons. Located about 50 miles from Rexburg, Grand Targhee is a full service resort and offers, in addition to alpine skiing, just about everything else that has to do with snow. That includes cross-country skiing (15 kilometers of groomed trails), telemark skiing, snowcat skiing, tubing/sledding, snowshoe tours, sleigh ride dinners and dogsled tours. Mountain Facts Base elevation 7,408-8,000 feet Summit elevation 9,827-10,000 Vertical drop 2,000-2,419 feet Skiable acres 3,000 Lifts 3 quads, 1 double, 1 escalator Runs 72 Longest run 2.7 miles Annual snowfall 500 plus inches Information 800-TARGHEE or www. grandtarghee.com Kelly Canyon Ski Resort This neighborhood ski resort is a local favorite because it s close and has the only night skiing in the area. Kelly Canyon is about a half-hour drive from Idaho Falls and offers ski lessons and rentals. About 35 percent of Kelly Canyon s 26 runs are rated easiest with 45 percent rated more difficult and 20 percent most difficult. Mountain Facts Base elevation 5,600 feet Summit elevation 6,600 feet Vertical drop 1,000 feet Skiable acres 640 Lifts 4 doubles, 2 rope tows Runs 26 Longest run 6,900 feet Annual snowfall inches Information or Snowmobiling Eastern Idaho s snowmobiling is world famous and snowmobilers come from all over the snowbelt to sled here. There are several hundred miles of groomed trails in Yellowstone Teton Territory, hundreds more of ungroomed, backcountry trails and some of the most impressive winter scenery anywhere in the West. Snowmobile rentals are available in several locations as are guided snowmobile tours. The Island Park trail system allows sledders to hook up with the West Yellowstone trail system, which has another 400 miles of groomed trails and offers access to Yellowstone National Park. Mount Two Top, Big Springs, Mesa Falls and Mt. Jefferson are all popular sledding destinations in Fremont County. In the Big Hole Mountains, which are between Rexburg and the Teton Valley, Thousand Springs is a great place to ride. In the Bone area of Bonneville County, an extensive network of trails allows sledders to ride high desert terrain as well as gentle rolling hills and mountains. A popular ride is from Bone to Alpine, WY, and back. More snowmobiling information is available from Yellowstone Teton Territory or or sledtherockies.org. Here are details on the major snowmobiling locations of eastern Idaho: Bone/Bonneville County Elevation 5,000-9,000 Snowfall inches Groomed Trails 400 miles Full-Service Town Idaho Falls Big Holes Elevation 4,000-9,000 Snowfall 100 inches Groomed Trails 280 miles Full-Service Town Rexburg, Driggs Island Park Elevation 6,600-9,000 Snowfall 229 inches Groomed Trails 500 miles Full-Service Town Island Park 32 Yellowstone Teton Territory Grand Targhee

33 State Parks There are two state parks in Yellowstone Teton Territory: Henry s Lake and Harriman. Both are in the Island Park area and are easily accessed off U.S. Highway 20. Each state park offers a variety of activities and unparalled beauty of the surrounding mountains. Contact the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for more detailed information parksandrecreation.idaho. gov/ Henry s Lake Henry s Lake is famous for its fishing and scenery. Named after Major Andrew Henry, this high mountain lake is known for its trophy-size trout. Cutthroat, brook and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout are plentiful in the lake. The park offers 44 camping sites as well as camping cabins for rent. The park is generally open Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. Facts Size 585 acres Elevation 6,470 feet Boating Ramps, launching docks Activities Fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, boating Fees $4 per vehicle per day for day use Location 45 miles north of Ashton on U.S. Highway 20 and 15 miles southwest of West Yellowstone, MT. The park entrance is located on the west side of the highway. Contact or Harriman The area now known as Harriman State Park, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007, was originally owned by Union Pacific Railroad investors. Over the course of its history, the area served as a cattle ranch as well as a private retreat for the Harriman and Guggenheim families. Today, historic Harriman State Park is part of an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge and is one of the most ideal places to watch for wildlife in all of Yellowstone Teton Territory. Watchable wildlife include moose, elk and Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans and eagles. Those wanting to test their fishing skills can cast a fly on the Henry s Fork, which travels eight miles through Harriman. Visitors can hike, bike or horseback on more than 20 miles of trails within Harriman. Horses are available for rent inside the park. In the winter cross-country skiing is available, too. Facts Size 11,000 acres Elevation 6,120 feet Activities fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, picnicking, camping, cross-country skiing Fees $4 per vehicle per day for day use. Nordic ski daily fee is $2 per person (in addition to other fees) Location 18 miles north of Ashton on U.S. Highway 20 and 45 miles southwest of West Yellowstone, MT. The park entrance is located on the west side of the highway. Contact or Harriman State Park Harriman State Park

34 National Parks Eastern Idaho s Yellowstone Teton Territory provides prime access to two of the most famous national parks in America Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Who hasn t heard of these two national parks? And that s for good reason. Their unique geology and features are known worldwide and provide visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience although many folks tend to come back for more. Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, making it America s first national park. The majority of YNP is located in Wyoming (96 percent) but it does spill over into Idaho (1 percent) and Montana (3 percent). Do you visit Yellowstone because of its unique geology or for its abundance of viewable wildlife? Both. The park is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. Then there s Old Faithful, the world s most famous geyser. And the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, one of the most spectacular views in all of Yellowstone. There are so many things to do inside Yellowstone, you ll easily spend days exploring either by car, foot or bike. And in the winter you have the option of snowmobiles, snowcoaches or crosscountry skis. There are 2.2 million acres of stunning beauty in Yellowstone, 80 percent of which is forested. There are about 1,200 miles of trails that lead all over YNP, along with 370 miles of trails. There are geysers, hot pots, rivers, more than 290 waterfalls and the list goes on and on. It truly is a special place to visit. For more information on Yellowstone National Park, log on to Just down the road from Yellowstone and linked by the Rockefeller Parkway is Grand Teton National Park. You can t miss Grand Teton National Park it s the place where three mighty (and probably most photographed) Teton Mountains stall firm and tall. The Grand Teton rises 13,770 feet into the sky, more than a mile above the valley floor. In fact, more than eight peaks are 12,000 feet or taller and glaciers dot the higher reaches. Grand Teton National Park, established in 1929, encompasses 309,995 acres of rugged beauty. With 152 miles of paved roads and 230 miles of trails, there are ways to get quickly to the backcountry to explore all that beauty and wildlife. Grand Teton is home to 17 species of carnivores, including black and Grizzly bears, six species of hoofed mammals, 16 species of fish and 300-plus species of birds. For more information on Grand Teton National Park, log on to grte. Want to roam where astronauts used to train for moon walks? Then head to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, located on the western edge of Yellowstone Teton Territory. Three major lava fields cover parts of Craters of the Moon, which includes extensive hiking trails through the high desert and lava fields. You can also explore several caves, each offering something different than the other. Together, the monument and preserve encompass 714,727 acres of unique topography. For more information on Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, log on to 34 Yellowstone Teton Territory

35 Eastern Idaho Golf Courses city phone layout yardage par facilities Bonneville IF Country Club (private) Idaho Falls hole 6, P D R Pinecrest Idaho Falls hole 6, P R Sage Lakes Idaho Falls hole 6, P D R Sand Creek Idaho Falls hole 6, P D R Sand Creek Jr. course Idaho Falls hole NA 15 P D R Fremont Aspen Acrers Ashton hole 3, P Fremont County St. Anthony **9-hole 3, P D R Island Park Island Park **9-hole 2, P Timberline Ashton **9-hole NA 36 R jefferson Cedar Park Rigby hole 1, P D R Heise Ririe hole 1, P R Jefferson Hills Rigby hole 5, P R Madison Rexburg Municipal Rexburg hole 3, P Teton Lakes Rexburg hole 6, P D R (fall 09) Teton Targhee Village Driggs hole 6, P D Headwater Club (private) Victor hole 7, P D R Headwater Club Exec. Victor hole 7, P D R The Reserve Victor hole 7, D P *Putting green, R=restaurant, D=driving range **Plays 18 holes with separate T boxes

36 SCENIC BYWAYS If you want a real flavor for Yellowstone Teton Territory, there might not be any better way to sample that than to travel one of the five scenic byways found in eastern Idaho. Each of the five scenic byways Fort Henry, Lost Gold, Mesa Falls, Sacajawea and Teton offer their own perspective on the area s history, scenic wonders and natural beauty. The real pleasure of taking one of these scenic byways is that you can do it at your own pace. We suggest slow. That way you can stop at any number of spots along the way to learn, soak in the scenery and really appreciate Yellowstone Teton Territory. For more information on the scenic byways and details on what there is to see along the way, log on to Fort Henry Historic Byway Length: 81 miles Allow: 2 hours Lots of travelers combine their trip on the Fort Henry with the Lost Gold Trails Loop because they are so close to each other. The Fort Henry byway gets its name from the Fort Henry Monument, which marks the first white settlement in the area. The byway takes travelers past the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, through the high desert and over to the pine-covered mountains in Island Park. The Fort Henry Historic Byway begins at the North Rexburg exit off U.S. Highway 20. Head north on the Salem Highway, which turns into the Red Road near the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. At the A2 Road, turn right where eventually you ll pass Kilgore as you head east to Island Park and end up at U.S. Highway 20. About 11 miles of the route is gravel road, stretching from about Kilgore to the Fremont County line. In the winter, the stretch of road from Kilgore to the Fremont County line is a snowmobile trail. Just some of the sites along the way include the Henry s Fork of the Snake River, Fort Henry Monument, the aforementioned dunes, Civil Defense Cave and wildlife. 36 Yellowstone Teton Territory Lost Gold Trails Loop Length 47.8 miles Allow: 1.5 hours This is a true loop byway, which allows you to access the Fort Henry Historic Byway. The lower part of the loop travels across high desert, through farmland and ranches before heading through forested hills and valleys on the upper part of the loop. You can start at the Y junction where the Red Road meets A2, but instead of turning right (northeast) for the Fort Henry byway, turn left and head toward Dubois. Head through town, cross over Interstate 15 (A2 turns into State Highway 22 here) and then turn north on Old Highway 91. After less than 15 miles you ll reach Spencer. At Spencer you ll head east on the Spencer/Idmon Road, which connects again with A2, just south of Kilgore. The Lost Gold loop passes several historic sites, including the Old Jacoby Ranch, Dry Creek (now Dubois), the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Spencer, Opal Mines, Wood Livestock Rock House and Idmon, to name a few. In the winter, the Spencer/Idmon section is a snowmobile route. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway Length: 28.7 miles Allow: 1 hour Although it s the shortest of the five scenic byways, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway might just be the most popular byway in eastern Idaho and for good reason it provides easy access to two of Idaho s most stunning waterfalls, hence its name. The byway begins where the northern end of the Teton Scenic Byways ends, at the junction of U.S. Highway 20 and Idaho Highway 47, right in the town of Ashton. It travels east through the small community of Warm River past several farms, eventually turning north where the road gains elevation and travelers are in the mountains surrounded by a pine forest. Before you get to the falls, you ll want to stop and view the Teton Mountains from the overlook off the highway. If traveling from the south, you ll come to the Lower Mesa Falls turnoff first. There is an interpretive center (the renovated Big Falls Inn) at the Lower Falls, which provides some great history of the area. Just up the road are the Upper Falls (the bigger of the two at 110 feet). You might also want to make a detour to Warm River Springs, where you can see the river bubble out of the mountain to the tune of 130 million gallons a day. The byway eventually ends back at U.S. Highway 20, several miles north of Ashton and right across from Harriman State Park. In the winter, the byway, from where it climbs the hill to U.S. Highway 20 near Harriman State Park, is a groomed snowmobile trail. Sacajawea Historic Byway Length: 132 miles Allow: 2.5 hours If you re a Lewis and Clark history buff, then this is your route. The byway is full of information, stops and interpretive signs about not only the famous duo s journey, but also its namesake, Sacajawea. The route begins in Yellowstone Teton Territory at the junction of Interstate 15 and Idaho Highway 33. Take Idaho 33 west, where you ll pass through the towns of Mud Lake and Terreton as well as the Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area before you head north on Idaho Highway 28. The byway then travels 120 miles to Salmon, Idaho, home to the Sacajawea Interpretive Center. The Sacajawea Historic Byway leaves Yellowstone Teton Territory Clark/Lemhi county line, very near where you cross Birch Creek (a great fly fishing stream) the last time headed north. Teton Scenic Byway Length: 68.9 miles Allow: 2.5 hours Mountains don t get much more dramatic or spectacular than the Teton Mountains. And if you want to feel like they re just outside your vehicle s window, then you re going to want to drive the Teton Scenic Byway.

37 Claimed as the newest mountains in the Rocky Mountains at about 10 million years old, give or take the Tetons continue to grow about an inch every hundred years. There are a few sites along the byway, but the grand prize are the Tetons. Begin your journey in Swan Valley where Highway 31 leaves U.S. Highway 26. You might want to get a square ice cream cone at the Rainey Creek Store before you begin. The journey begins in rolling farmland before crossing Pine Creek and climbing into the mountains where you ll cross Pine Creek Pass (elevation about 6,800 feet) and then drop down into the Teton Valley. As you come down Highway 31 into the valley, you ll get your first glimpses of the Tetons and it will take your breath away. Once in the town of Victor, turn north on Idaho Highway 33, which runs along the western edge of the Tetons. You ll pass through Driggs and Tetonia before coming to Idaho Highway 32, where you ll turn north. You ll travel through a couple more small towns before coming to Idaho Highway 47 where you ll turn west to Ashton. There are ample spots along the way to pull over and take pictures of the Tetons and the natural beauty surrounding them. Yellowstone Teton Territory 37

38 National Wildlife Areas Chances are pretty good that as you travel across eastern Idaho you ll see all kinds of different wildlife just about any time of the year. It s an amazing and beautiful sight to behold wildlife in its native habitat. Visitors to the area often comment not only about the wide variety of wildlife they see but also the sheer number that are visible during different times of the day and different seasons. However, if you happen to get skunked in your quest to see some wildlife, there are a handful of national and state wildlife management areas where you are just about guaranteed to see some animals in their native habitat. There are two national wildlife management areas in eastern Idaho and seven state wildlife management areas. Camas National Wildlife Refuge Camas National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1937 and features 10,578 acres, half of which are lakes, ponds and marshlands. The refuge is an important link in the chain of national wildlife refuges that stretch along the Pacific Flyway. The refuge provides an ideal habitat for nesting waterfowl as well as a resting and feeding habitat for spring and fall migrating waterfowl. Located just west of Hamer (36 miles north of Idaho Falls), the refuge offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities not only for waterfowl but big game and mammals as well. Be sure to bring your camera along. Tundra and trumpeter swans, great blue heron, white-faced ibis, loons, pelicans, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, pheasants and sage grouse are just some of the waterfowl and birds you ll see in the refuge. Mammals you might see include muskrat, beaver, coyote, rabbits and porcupines. White-tailed and mule deer, along with pronghorn antelope, moose and elk are among the big game on the refuge. The best times for viewing wildlife are mornings and early evening. The refuge is open daily year-round from one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset. For more information, contact the Camas National Wildlife Refuge Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge On the southern side of Yellowstone Teton Country, sitting in the bottom of Bonneville County where it meets Caribou County, is the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the largest hardstem bulrush marsh in North America. This refuge sits in a high mountain valley, just to the west of the Caribou Range, so not only will you have a chance to see a variety of waterfowl but great surrounding scenery. The refuge is 19,400 acres and has become an important habitat for cranes, where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is trying to increase the population of endangered whooping cranes, a cousin to the sandhill crane, which can also be seen in the refuge. In fact, the refuge is home to the largest nesting population of sandhill cranes in the world. Other waterfowl that frequent Grays Lake NWR include ducks, Canadian geese and trumpeter swans. Access to the NWR is on Highway 34 north out of Soda Springs. The turnoff to the refuge is about 27 miles north of Soda Springs. The refuge office is another three miles from the turnoff. For more information, contact the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge Yellowstone Teton Territory

39 Yellowstone Teton Territory 39

40