2.0K Bucket List by camilledupar
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Sheep Falls on Henry's Fork
Island Park, Idaho
15.6 miles S of Island Park, IdahoSheep Falls cascades approximately 25' through a narrow basalt chute on the North Fork of the Snake River near Island Park, Idaho. Compared to nearby Lower and Upper Mesa Falls, that height may not sound particularly spectacular but it is a pleasant hike on a relatively well maintained trail and is rarely crowded.
Mr. Bubbles Hot Spring
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
24.0 miles SW of Old Faithful, Yellowstone National ParkMr. Bubbles is one of the few places you can actually soak in the thermal waters of Yellowstone National Park. The Bechler area of Yellowstone is one of the best kept secrets of the otherwise densely populated park. It's off the beaten path far from paved roads, boardwalks, tour busses and gift shops. In the backcountry, you'll walk singletrack dirt trails and see natural features not included on any brochure. There's also a good chance you'll see wildlife outside the safe comforts of your car door. Be aware of the animals around you (like bears, moose and bison). Give animals their space as to not threaten them.
You'll find the hot spring about halfway between the Bechler Ranger station and Old Faithful on the Bechler River Trail. (If you want to camp along the trail, you'll need to make a reservation with one of the parks backcountry offices)
This is a 15 mile hike to the attractions and another 15 to get out. Along the trail, you'll see several waterfalls and will have to cross the river multiple times. Some crossings are on logs while others are on bridges. Plan to get your feet wet. There is an impressive thermal feature near the hot springs.This is not the hot spring. This thermal feature is what pours into and heats up the small stream where you will soak in. Do not mistake this for the soaking pool you're looking for. The feature is dangerous because it will scald and can kill you. Mr. Bubbles will relax you. Don't mix them up!
CAUTION: WATER TEMPERATURES CHANGE AND ARE NOT ALWAYS SAFE. CHECK WITH THE RANGER STATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S SAFE BEFORE YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP.
CAUTION: NEVER HIKE AT NIGHT IN THE HOTSPOT AREAS OF YELLOWSTONE.. YOU WOULDN'T BE THE FIRST EXPERIENCED HIKER TO BE SCALDED TO DEATH IN AN UNEXPECTED THERMAL FEATURE.
Check https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/swimming-soaking.htm for closures, regulations, and conditions.
Ashton to Tetonia Trail
Ashton, Idaho
0.7 miles NE of Ashton, IdahoThe Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation undertook the project to transform the old Teton Valley Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad from Ashton to Tetonia into a trail for bikes, ATVs, and snowmobiles, runners, cross-country skiers, and horses. The trail goes from Ashton to Tetonia and can be accessed via Ashton, Marysville, Bitch Creek, Felt, or Tetonia. Information can be found at kiosks in Marysville and at Bitch Creek.
Elevation Gain (Southbound): 787 ft
Length: 29.6 mi
Tenaya Lake
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
9.3 miles NE of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National ParkTenaya Lake is one of the most visited destinations in Yosemite National Park. The lake is easily accessed by Highway 120/Tioga Pass road which runs along the north shore of the lake. On the east shore of the lake is a very large beach where most people will enter the lake to go swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The road to the lake normally opens up in May, though depending on snow it might be later, and stays open until October.
This lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery and hiking trails. One of the most popular trails for visitors to take is the Cloud Rest/Sunrise Lakes trail because it offers the best views of the lake and adjacent mountains. Like all of Yosemite, the area surrounding Tenaya lake was formed by glaciers and includes some beautiful granite peaks and domes. From the west end, visitors will be able to see Polly Dome, Pywiack Dome, and Mount Conness.
When the road to the lake is open, many people enjoy driving up and enjoying all of the hiking and views nearby. The mountains and peaks nearby offer plenty of hiking and climbing trails for all abilities.
Mirror Lake
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
2.4 miles E of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National ParkMirror Lake is a seasonal lake situated in a secluded corner of the beautiful Yosemite Valley. The lake sits at the base of Half Dome and allows a different perspective of the famous monolith. Hikers will also have the chance to see the Tenaya Canyon, Mount Watkins, and Washington Column. Because the lake is seasonal, the best time to visit is in the spring or early summer, when all the snowmelt is running through the area. When the water is calm, hikers will be able to understand why the lake is called Mirror Lake: the still reflection shows the surrounding cliff faces and the crown of Half Dome. If visiting in the late summer, fall, or winter, Mirror Lake becomes Mirror Meadow, filled with grasses and other plant life as well as snow.
The trail is a very easy trail and can be done with the whole family. It is 2 miles round trip to the lake and back, but can be up to 5 miles round trip if taking the loop around the lake. The shorter trail to the lake can be completed in about an hour, and 2-3 hours if doing the full loop. The trail is paved and open only to hikers or biking. Cars are not allowed on the trail, however there are numerous shuttles in the Yosemite Valley that can take hikers to the trailhead.
In the summer the lake becomes a very popular swimming hole, and attracts a lot of visitors. Another attraction to the lake is a small area where previous visitors have left cairns (stacks of rocks usually designating a trail). This "cairn garden" seems to grow with more and more cairns added each year. There is a wide variety from tall cairns to small (smaller than a baby) cairns. It is always fun to walk through the area and see what random places a cairn has been placed, as well as collect some rocks to make your own.
Natural Bridges
Sonora, California
6.8 miles NW of Sonora, CaliforniaNatural Bridges is well known among the locals of Calaveras County. Calavers itself has many caverns throughout the mountains, but most are fee based. Natural Bridges however, is open to the public and does not cost anything! The Coyote Creek runs through the cavern and has been the force creating the cavern. During the summer this is a popular place to visit as many people are able to float down the creek as well as jump in for a cool swim. The cavern itself is 250 ft long, going from one end to the other. Depending on water levels, visitors are able to float or swim through the limestone cavern and experience the deep pools and cool ceilings. If entering the cave, avoid touching the walls as the oils from human skin can disturb the growth of the limestone walls.
There are also several trails that visitors can take if they want to go into the cavern or explore on top of the bridge. Overall, there is more to see here than what first meets the eye.
Table Rock / Table Mountain
Driggs, Idaho
10.0 miles E of Driggs, IdahoAt 11,300 feet, Table Mountain is possibly the most beautiful climb this side of the Tetons and offers what may well be the very best view of the Grand Tetons. It's just far enough away to be able to see all three peaks and close enough to make out all the detail.
There are 2 main trails with different distances but either way, you've got to climb over 4000 feet.
The Face trail is much steeper but also much shorter. It cuts out all of the switchbacks and 'B' lines it for the top. It's considerably shorter and you don't have to go very far before the view begins to open up and you can see the beauty of Teton Canyon and its surrounding peaks. (about 3.5 miles one way)
Huckleberry trail is much longer but also a much more gradual incline/decline. The trail follows and crosses North Fork Teton Creek making it a great spot to get a filtered water refill.It's not known as huckleberry for nothing. You just have to catch it at the right time (Mid-Late Summer depending on weather) and get to the bushes before everybody else picks them clean. (about 6.5 miles one way)
Check conditions via webcam at tetoncam.com.
Elevation: 11,300ft
Elevation Gain: 4000ft
Length: 7-13 miles
Kelly Mountain Trail
Ririe, Idaho
8.2 miles E of Ririe, IdahoKelly Canyon Trail is a moderate, uphill trail that can be used by hikers, mountain bikers, and ATV riders. The trail features views of hills, mountains, trees, wildflowers, and some wildlife. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but should be kept on a leash.
Webster's Dam
Ririe, Idaho
9.8 miles NE of Ririe, IdahoAlso known as Manmade Falls or the Woodmansee Dam, Webster Dam is an abandoned dam located deep in Moody Creek canyon, the dam was abandoned when sediment built up behind the dam which then caused the stream to split and flow around both sides of the dam, creating two beautiful waterfalls each about 15 feet in height. This makes a fun evening trip and is good for almost any time of the year as well. It's beautiful in the spring with powerful falls from the spring runoff and in the fall, there are plenty of fall colors along the pole line trail and around the waterfalls. At the falls, you'll find two waterfalls coming over each end of the dam. On the south end of the dam there is a bridge that spans the creek on that side. There is a little island in the middle where you can sit on the rock wall and take in the whole scene.
There are two trails which weave back and forth a couple of times so you can really choose your route a little bit. The main parking area is at the top of the hill by pole line and that's also the most common trailhead. The pole line trail follows the ATV road with several ups and downs. For the most part its a fairly rounded out and bermed double track awesome for mountain bikes and ATVs. For much of it, there's a hiking trail that follows along the side of it. However you travel this trail, be very aware of other riders and hikers which can seem to appear out of nowhere. The trail continues along the power pole lines for just over 3/4 miles, then turns left just as the balls on the power lines come into view. After a couple hundred feet, you'll see the other trail merge into this one from the left and then take off again to the right about 150 yards later. Keep left on the "pole line trail" for a more gradual decent or go right on the "wooded trail" for a more adventurous and much steeper route. The pole line trail go out and hook back taking you straight to the falls.
The wooded trail trailhead is Northwest of the pole line trail. It's a less used ATV track that goes back and forth between the woods and the pole line until it merges with the pole line trail about 3/4 miles in, only to split to the right 150 yards later. In another 100 yards, you'll come across another junction; keep left. In another 150 yards it will come back together with the pole line trail and continue all the way to the falls. On the upper portions, this trail is has a lot fewer ups and downs making it a more gradual hike. After merging with the pole line trail though, this trail becomes the much steeper option.
Whichever of these 2 paths you choose, the last 1/3 mile descent is more like a chunky forest road than the double track above. It has some pretty steep parts, some chunky rock sections, and some rollers that make great mountain bike jumps. While it's a little steep and chunky, most intermediate riders should be able to handle it just fine. At the bottom just before the falls are some very large dirt jumps off to the side. The last 30 yards to the falls after the dirt jumps is much more janky, probably more like a black diamond on a bike but not too tricky to get down on foot.
The third option is much longer, starting at the warming cabin on Brown's Road. It's an intermediate trail to the creek and then a green (easy) trail along the creek to the dam.
A very popular route to do this on a mountain bike is to loop it starting either at the warming cabin or the top of the pole line and riding down the pole line to the waterfall and then out Mad Cow and up Cabin Climb to complete the loop.
This can be a great family hike. Plan on 2-4 hours to hike it with little ones, depending on how fast and tough they are.
Warm Slough Campground
Rexburg, Idaho
5.0 miles NW of Rexburg, IdahoThis is a pretty popular campsite that fills up pretty quick on busy weekends. Campsites are fairly spread out and there is no official donation box (as of July 2015). A couple of the campsites have picnic tables and there are several rock fire rings. There's also a restroom next to each boat ramp.
It's a popular put in and takeout spot on the river with two boat ramps, one on the creek and one on the river. There's also a pretty good spot to take out innertubes just under a mile downstream from the boatramp that's on the river, yet the boat ramp and takeout are only about 1000 feet away from each other which makes it really easy to do over and over again. There's another put-in further upstream that will almost double your float but also significantly increase your walk back. It's a pretty slow easy float and the water isn't super cold.
This used to be a popular spot for paintball which is now prohibited. Please take better care of the paintball fields we are permitted to use.
Fifth Water Hot Springs
Provo, Utah
19.0 miles SE of Provo, UtahAKA Diamond Fork Hot Springs
A beautiful drive and a 2.5 mile hike along the river will end you at an amazing set of hot springs that's well worth the trip. There's a variety of man-modified rock pools of varying temperatures up to 108°. Watch out for snakes. Depending on when you go, there can be a lot.
There are multiple sets of pools. As soon as you come into view of the falls, you'll see a couple of pools that seem to be a little raised above the creek. There are several pools close to the waterfall, including some very shallow pools and some where it's easy to move the rocks around to form your own. If you continue beyond the waterfall, you'll find a couple of more secluded pools. Make sure to go behind the waterfall but be careful of some of the more slippery rocks.
There's no good place to change once you get to the springs so you may want to plan to hike in your swimwear. If you come on a sunny day, it's easy to dry off before walking back. If you're a tenderfoot, be sure to bring some sort of footwear for the water so you can go wherever you like.
Like most locations, the hot springs more popular on the weekends so plan accordingly.
Roundtrip: 5 miles
Palisades Hot springs
Swan Valley, Idaho
18.3 miles SE of Swan Valley, IdahoLegend has it... The hot water flows right into the lake. Feel free to dig your own little hot tub in the sand.
Rexburg Nature Park
Rexburg, Idaho
0.8 miles NW of Rexburg, IdahoRexburg Nature Park:
Life can be stressful, annoying, or just not good. Sometimes, it takes a moment to simply get away from the non-sense of this world; to gather yourself and seek peace and tranquility. That option is around the corner; you drive and see a trail, so you park and walk on the trail. As you walk, there's trees and sunlight shining on the leaves. You walk further and see a pond with ducks (both green and brown) and families sitting on the green grass with their kids; they watch, feed the ducks and take pictures with a smile on their face.
You go back to your vehicle and reminisce what you saw. Close to the south fork of the Teton River, is a nature park that isn't crowded with college students or infested with incoming traffic but a 15 acre park that was made so you can take your family or acquaintances for a picnic or a social gathering and enjoy; you also have the option to ride your bike or to jog on the trails.
The park is next to the Claire Boyle skate park, a beautiful golf course next to the fairgrounds and a 9 hole Frisbee golf course.
Features:
-Playground for the kids
-Fishing ponds ( A valid fishing license is required); fishing ponds for children as well.
-Wildlife and wildflowers
For more information and questions:
| Phone | 208-359-3020 Ext. 0 |
Fern Canyon
Orick, California
7.9 miles N of Orick, CaliforniaFern Canyon is one of the best 1-mile hikes that you can do in California! This unforgettable location was featured in Steven Spielberg's film, Jurassic Park: The Lost World.
Fern Canyon is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods. It's not incredibly easy to find, but the remote 8-mile drive will be worth seeing this fern laden paradise. Two stream crossings will need to be done by car, but one of these streams can be about 6 inches deep. If you don't think your car can make it, you'll just have to park and walk an extra mile.
Since this drive is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, you may see a lot of wildlife. You will most likely see a lot of elk on this drive so it's important to drive slowly on the dirt road. Also be aware of potholes along the road.
The drive is the most difficult part of this trip, so the hike is going to be a piece of cake in comparison. There is a parking lot with a vault toilet and a sign giving information about the area. The level trail begins at the top of the parking lot and leads you through a small, moss-covered forest before you reach the canyon. Be prepared to get wet during your hike because you will have to cross more streams. Don't try to find a way around the water and just have fun with it. Since the trail is relatively flat, this hike is a perfect, fun adventure for those with small children. There are a few wooden foot bridges here and there to cross some of the streams, but it is probable you will get your feet wet at some point.
Once you reach the canyon, you will have 50-foot canyon walls towering over you. These walls have lush, green plants cascading down the sides and there are fallen redwood trees, green with moss. You will possibly have to climb over or under a few logs. Along the canyon walls, there are some little waterfalls and streams that trickle down through the foliage. You will feel as if you are walking through a rainforest in Fern Canyon. No wonder a scene from the Jurassic Park movie was filmed here!
Going through the canyon itself is only about a half a mile, but the trail continues on and flattens out again into a forest. You can hike the whole loop trail or you can go back the way you came if you want to experience the canyon again (who wouldn't?).
Make sure you add this magical place to your list of places to see!
NOTE: Leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Bring water shoes or sandals.
Garden of Eden
Felton, California
2.0 miles SE of Felton, CaliforniaA great swimming hole in the Santa Cruz moutains of California, the Garden of Eden lives up to its name. This swimming hole is popular among all ages and offers beaches perfect for sunbathing and some nice cliffs perfect for jumping into the blue pool below. Be sure to pack out all garabage, and know that campfires are not allowed in this area. There are multiple pools at the Garden of Eden, offering a swimming spot for everyone. Sometimes this spot is mistaken for Big Rock Hole which is another swimming hole further down the river.
Glacier Point
Yosemite National Park
9.6 miles S of Yosemite National ParkLocated in Yosemite National Park, Glacier Point gives a birds-eye-view of the park you can't find anywhere else. It can be accessed by both hiking and driving through the park, though the roads may be closed until early to late May due to snow. Glacier Point towers over Yosemite Valley, sitting at 7,214 ft compared to the 4,000 ft valley floor.
From Glacier Point visitors are able to see the famous Half Dome, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and the Yosemite High Country. Each season offers a different view and feel for visitors. Come in the winter and you will see a snow covered Half Dome and High Country. Spring comes with the promise of new green leaves and roaring, snowmelt fed waterfalls. The summer still offers plenty of views, though a lot of tourists will be visiting. Fall brings a change of leaves throughout the park, and so it provides a beautiful contrast to the granite cliffs all around.
The trails to get to Glacier Point are the Four Mile Trail and the Panoramic Trail. The Four Mile Trail starts at the valley floor and like the name says, it is about 4.7 miles one way. Hiking up to Glacier Point has a significant level of elevation gain (Valley Floor is 4,000 ft and Glacier Point is 7,214 ft). The trail offers views of the Yosemite Valley that belong in a postcard. Those who hike to the top can enjoy an ice cream at the general store, while taking in the views. On the way down, hikers will see Yosemite Falls constantly in front of them, while the other sights of the valley floor come into view as the trail descends.
The Panoramic Trail is an alternative for going down from Glacier Point. Many hikers alternate between taking the Four Mile Trail up and the Panormaic Trail down (or vice versa). While the sights of the Four Mile Trail include many of the valley floor sights, the Panoramic Trail offers views of Illilouette, Nevada, and Vernal Falls. The trail ends at a different point than the Four Mile Trail, but hikers can take one of the free shuttles throughout the park.
Twin Bridges
St. Anthony, Idaho
6.6 miles NE of St. Anthony, IdahoThere's an old abandoned bridge next to the one currently in use. The water is pretty deep underneath and offers two distinct levels to jump from. There's a little rope swing under the bridge and a path up river that makes a great put-in spot for a LITTLE float. If you've got little kids, there's a great little sandbar on the north side of the bridge just upstream from all the commotion. There are almost always people there on the nice days but you rarely ever have to wait to jump.
Monkey Rock
Saint Anthony, Idaho
4.1 miles SE of Saint Anthony, IdahoMonkey Rock features a beautiful waterfall you can wade right up to during the summer. Just under the waterfall is a great spot to wade around in or even some shallow swimming pretty good for small children. Maybe you just want to take advantage of the great bank to bask in the summer sun. The water temperature is fairly cool, which by no means is unwelcomed during the hot summer months. You'll get used to the water fairly quickly once you're in. The waterfall is a fun feature at Monkey Rock, not to mention a popular engagement photo backdrop. The name "Monkey Rock" is derived from the "monkeys" who jump off the rocks at the top of the falls to the pool below. Though not a great height, it's important to be careful and only jump into areas clear of rocks and other hazards and where the water is deep enough that you won't hit bottom when you jump. There really isn't a safe spot to jump from the falls as it doesn't usually get more than 5 feet deep.
The real jumping location is off the Hog Hollow Bridge up the road from the waterfall.
PLEASE NOTE: On the roads leading to Monkey Rock, the speed limit is 35 mph for the last mile. There are kids, cows, horses, and dogs along that road and many people tend to speed going to and from Monkey Rock. Please slow down and stay safe.
Teton Springs Trail
Victor, Idaho
2.1 miles S of Victor, IdahoTeton Springs Loop is a loop for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The loop is connected to the Teton Springs Resort, but is open to the public for free access. The trail starts on the South side of the Teton Springs Resort East Parking Lot.
The loop is 5.5 miles long with very little elevation change. It is a great place for beginners to practice snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. Teton Springs Loop loops around what during summer months is Teton Springs Golf Course.
The loop is frequented by many types of wildlife. Elk, moose and water fowls are frequently seen near the trail.
Teton Springs Loop is a wonderful trail for those in search of a wintertime adventure. It is easily accessible from the Rexburg and Idaho Falls Areas. This easy access makes this a wonderful way to connect with nature in the cold.
Trail Map: Teton_Springs_Map_2015.pdf
Grooming Report: http://tvtap.org/nordic-grooming
Driggs Nordic Trail
Driggs, Idaho
0.9 miles NE of Driggs, IdahoDistance: 3.1 miles (5km)
Trail Map: Driggs_Nordic_Track_2015.pdf
Grooming Report: http://tvtap.org/nordic-grooming
