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String Lake
Alta, Wyoming
16.4 miles NE of Alta, WyomingString Lake is a shallow lake that connects Leigh Lake and Jenny Lake at the base of Mount St. John and Rockchuck Peak. From the lakeshore, you can also take in beautiful views of Teewinot and Mt. Moran. The shallow lake is much colder than the glacier lakes on either side. The warm water makes it great for a swim and there's a lot of great areas for kids to wade in. Got a Kayak or Canoe, you'll love how clear the water is as you'll be able to see the bottom anywhere on the lake. It's also a great way to access Leigh Lake and Jenny Lake to do some boating on more open waters. You can put in at String Lake, boat to an end, and then portage to the connecting lake at a much less congested part of the lake.
Rather go for a hike? The String Lake Trail loops around the lake and far enough up the hill that you can get great views of String Lake. Come a little later in the summer and enjoy wild berries along the Northern half of the loop. Stay away from anything that's bright red though. If you're looking for something bigger, the String Lake Trail connects into trails into Paintbrush Canyon, Jenny Lake, and Leigh Lake. The Leigh Lake connection is right at the north end of the lake on the East side of the bridge. From there it's 0.1 miles to the Leigh Lake portage and you will be doing yourself a huge disservice if for some reason you decide not to take this detour. At that point on Leigh Lake, you'll find a tiny little sandbar with lots of rocks sticking up out of the water for hopping around and some amazing views. The portage is only a couple hundred feet away from Boulder Island which beautifully frames the view of Mt. Moran towering over the peaceful lake.
Claire Boyle Skatepark
Rexburg, Idaho
0.5 miles NW of Rexburg, IdahoThere are 2 bowls right next to each other plus several boxes quarter pipes and rails. It's not huge but it's also rarely crowded. It's all concrete with metal edge, specially for grinding.
North Menan Butte ('R' Mountain)
Menan, Idaho
4.5 miles N of Menan, IdahoThe North Menan Butte is more commonly known to the locals and college students as R Mountain. Many kids know it better as Ou'R' Mountain. The butte is a rare and unique geological area and provides a great volcanic hike.
There's a paved parking lot and a vault toilet at the West trailhead. The first few hundred yards are well-maintained gravel and sand paths and the further you get, the less defined the trail gets, though it is relatively easy to find and follow. The switchback trails (South and West) are marked by sections of log fences. Towards the top of the West switchbacks, there's a chain handrail. It gets a little steep so you'll want some shoes with some grip. The sand on the rock makes it pretty slippery in the steeper parts. You'll get better grip after a good rain. Once you get up to the top, there's an informational placard. From there, it's easy to hike the rim and get an awesome view of the valley including Rexburg, Henry's Fork, and the Snake River.
It's a great hike for a small family or just a quick hike for a date. Even going up the West switchbacks and around rim, including the 'R', and back down the same way is only 3.5 miles (longest route) so you can do it pretty quick if you want. There's so much to look at that you could also spend hours climbing rocks, exploring caves, and playing around "The Ampitheater". If you just want to get to the 'R' as quickly as possible, you can do the hike in as little as 2 miles roundtrip.
Distances:
- West trailhead up the face to the rim: 0.5 miles
- West trailhead up the switchbacks to the rim: 0.75 miles
- West trailhead, from reaching the rim to 'R': 1 mile
- South trailhead to the rim: 0.3 miles
- South trailhead, from reaching the rim to 'R': 0.75 mile
- Through the caldera: 0.6 miles
- Around the rim: 2 miles
- Rim to 'R': 500 feet
There are no fees. Camping is allowed up to 5 nights but fires must be in an elevated fire pan and all the ash must be packed out.
Posted regulations:
- No motorized vehicle use
- Discharging of weapons or fireworks is prohibited
- Open fires are permitted only with an approved elevated fire pan and ash removal
- Burning pallets, tires, wire, plastic, glass, metal, magnesium, or hazardous material is prohibited
- Cutting or damaging vegitation is prohibited
- 5-day camping limit
Island Lake
Pinedale, Wyoming
11.0 miles NE of Pinedale, WyomingHorseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
18.3 miles E of Ashton, IdahoHorseshoe Lake is hidden back in the Targhee National Forest. It's a beautiful lake with plenty of lily pads. The road to get there is well maintained and there are many options for pull-outs and parking once you get there. The lake has a gradual decline great for wading but has plenty deep enough for swimming and canoeing. A youth camp has a floating dock out towards the middle that is often free to use for jumping in. The lake is also a great place to go fishing. No motorized boats are allowed.
Conant Creek Pegram Truss Railroad Bridge
Ashton, Idaho
5.0 miles SE of Ashton, IdahoAs part of the Rails to Trails project, this old railroad bridge has been transformed into a very safe little viewing experience for the whole family. You can drive right up to the bridge where there is a great little spot to park. Conant Creek meeanders hundreds of feet below the bridge. It's about 300 yards across and whether you're taking in the vibrant colors of spring, the beautiful fall colors, or the Tetons looming in the background, the view is spectacular.
The bridge is part of the 30 mile Ashton-Tetonia Trail. There is a smaller bridge less than 2.5 miles north on the trail.
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
Big Springs
Island Park, Idaho
7.6 miles NE of Island Park, IdahoThere's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile of dirt trail. The trail is NOT a loop. The trailhead is on the South West side of the bridge. There's a great spot to feed the fish under the West side of the bridge so bring some quarters to buy fish food. The trail to Johnny Sack's Cabin is on the North Side of the Cabin.
Campground (Fee Required)
This campground Is located on the Ashton·lsland Park Ranger District, comprising nearly 650,000 acres of National Forest System lands. Numerous amenities are offered such as single and double sites which Includes fire rings. utlllty tables. picnic tables, and reslrooms. This campground is situated nen to the beautiful Henry's Fork shaded by Lodgepole Pines. Come In and relax with friends and family. Head on out and explore the Big Springs Interpretative Trail which starts at the bridge Just Outside the campground. Be sure to visit the historical Johnny Sack Cabin, offering a unique Insight Into the history of the Big Springs Area. Just follow the asphalt walkway which will take you to the cabin Just north of the campground. Explore the historical, cultural, geological, and recreational resources this area has to offer.
Take a scenic drive south along the Mesa Falls Scenic By·Way. Stop by the Mesa Falls Visitor Center for an interpretative tour and captivating view of Upper Falls. A two mile Interpretative hiking uall will offer you a view of Canyon Rim.
Length of Stay: Forest Order
Camping or occupying a Single site for a period longer than 16 consecutive days Is prohibited. After leaving a site, a minimum of 7 days Is required before any group or person(s) from that group may reoccupy their original location.
This limit of stay restriction Is necessary to reduce displacment of other Forest desiring to occupy a particular campsite, and reducing the opportunity for visitor or group of visitors from monopolizing a campsite for long periods time (in excess of 16 days).
Fire Safety: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires
Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT
- NEVER leave a fire unattended.
- Keep your fires small. Firewood Is available for sale. See campground host.
- Check with campground host for current fire restrictions.
- Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter end any other burnable material within a l0 foot-diameter circle surrounding the fire ring.
- Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring.
- To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel until all material is cool to the touch.
- Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.
- Make sure the fire is dead out. Many wildfires have been caused by abandoned campfires.
Bear Country: Required Food Storage Order
Your Safety Is Important to Us
All food and other items that might attract bears must be stored where bears cannot access them at night and during the daytime when unattended. Attended means that a person is physically present within 100 feet and in direct sight of the food.
What are bear attractants?
- All food and anything that contacted food. This includes full or empty coolers, packaging, boxes, cans, bottles, dirty dishes and silverware, etc.
- All beverages and beverage containers, full or empty (including water)
- All garbage, food scraps, and cooking grease. Never dump grease, beverages, or scraps on the ground.
- Never leave garbage in your fire pit or outside.
- Pet food and pet food bowls.
- Gas cans.
- Grills. Burn grill for at least 5 minutes after use to get rid of any residues. Clorox the grease trap.
Anything with a strong odor is an attractant for bears. Attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you are away from your campsite or asleep at night in your test/trailer/RV, these attractants MUST BE STORED. You may be fined if you do not properly store your attractants. If you cannot properly store your attractants, inform the campground host and a bear resistant container may be provided for you.
What is bear resistant storage?
Acceptable places to store and dispose of your attractants are inside a hard-sided trailer, an enclosed vehicle, inside a bear dumpster or trash can (this campground has bear-resistant dumpster). Coolers, tents, underneath your RV/trailer the back of pick-up trucks, boxes, beverage bottles, canned goods, soft-sided trailers, and other containers are not bear resistant. All garbage must go to bear-resistant dumpsters. Garbage must never be left outside unattended. If the dumpster is full, you must take your trash back with you and inform the campground host of the situation.
NOTICE: ATV and Motorcycle use is prohibited
ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited from use in this campground. The following are exempt:
- Licensed street legal motorcycles.
- Vehicles used by handicapped individuals.
- Vehicles used by campground hosts for their official duties.
ATVs and motorcycles may be trailered into the campground, kept in the campsite on a trailer, or parked at a location designated by the campground host.
Educate Yourself
Contact the Island Park or Ashton Ranger Station for information on which areas are open to ATVs.
If you have a Dog: Keep your pet secure at all times
In the national forest, you and your dog could meet people, horses, mountain bikes, ATVs, other dogs, and wild animals. Help make the outdoor experience enjoyable for you, your dog and all the forest's users by following these safety tips:
- Please remove all feces before vacating your site.
- Give your dog plenty of water and rest, and watch for signs of stress and fatigue.
- Keep your dog leashed and under control in campgrounds. Secure your pet in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking.
- If you encounter wild animals, respect them by restraining your dog.
Fireworks are prohibited
Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
Fishing Rules: A fishing license is required to fish in this forest
- A state fishing license is required to fish in this national forest.
- A fishing license can be purchased over-the-counter at various stores in the local area. For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game.
Havasu Falls Trail
Flagstaff, Arizona
89.4 miles NW of Flagstaff, ArizonaGrand Teton
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
17.6 miles N of Jackson Hole, WyomingAt 13,770 feet above sea level, the Grand Teton towers majestic over Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming, making it a life goal of many amateur climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The more popular routes all begin at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead and continue up through Garnet Canyon and The Meadows before splitting North. Most routes require rock climbing equipment and are only for skilled climbers. A guide is highly encouraged on any route. With 3k feet of exposure, falling from multiple segments of the trail would mean certain death.
Trailhead altitude: 6,732 ft
Summit altitude: 13,770 ft
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
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.
Mist Trail
Yosemite National Park
9.2 miles S of Yosemite National ParkThe mist trail is a small breakoff from the John Muir Trail through Yosemite National Park. It's called the mist trail because of the heavy amount of mist that hikers walk through as Vernal and Nevada Falls crash hundreds of feet below. The hike is short as for horizontal distance traveled but the incline will give you a run for your money. You'll ascend 639 stone stairs to reach the top of Vernal Falls. There's a waterfall in between the two that is a sight all it's own but is often forgotten because of the behemoths on either side. The hike between the falls is a nice break as it is fairly flat relative to the rest of the trail. Once you get to the base of Nevada Falls, you'll have to take switchbacks up the giant cliffs to the top.
These waterfalls are usually the last to dry up around Yellowstone Village. Whether you just love waterfalls or you want a closer view of Halfdome, Whitecap, or Mt. Broderick, the Mist Trail definitely offers world class views. There are bathroom facilities just above Vernal Falls and water just before you start to ascend the stairs. There's another trail that is less steep but that skips Vernal Falls.
Distances (one-way):
Hike | Distance | Elevation Gain |
---|---|---|
Vernal Fall Bridge | 0.8 miles | 400 ft |
Top of Vernal Falls | 1.5 miles | 1100 ft |
Top of Nevada Falls | 3.4 miles | 2230 ft |
Darby Wind Cave
Driggs, Idaho
7.6 miles E of Driggs, IdahoDarby Wind Cave is a beautiful hike full of waterfalls, wildflowers, streams, and mountainous views. The sites you see will depend on the time of year you visit but it will always be beautiful and just a little bit of a challenge.
The trail starts out relatively flat, following along close to where the old road used to run. There are a few creek crossings which will vary in difficulty depending on how much snow there was over the winter and how long it's been since things began to thaw. Late summer will usually find you crossing dry or nearly dry creek beds. If you hike when runoff is high, there are log bridges. You don't have to be highwire ready but one of the bridges will take a little bit of balance. The trail turns up South up into the canyon. About as soon as it starts to go up, you'll turn and begin a series of switchbacks (10 turns). These will take you up the East wall of the canyon.
The switchbacks are not incredibly steep but you'll gain elevation pretty quickly. After the switchback, the trail follows along a rim above the canyon where you can look across the canyon and see two beautiful waterfalls and mouth of the cave seemingly high overhead. At the South end of the canyon, you'll come across a rock overhang. It's fun at any time during the summer but earlier when the water is higher, you'll find a little waterfall and stream that the kids will love to play in and you'll be hard pressed not to soak your head and feet and cool off a bit yourself.
From the the overhang, the hike continues West along the South end of the canyon through some more forest and a beautiful meadow. Take a minute to look up from the trail to enjoy the view of Fossil Peak to the South. Just after the meadow, you'll begin another series of switchbacks up to the falls and cave. The first set (2 turns) will take you up to a dispersed campsite and monument. The next leg will take you to the creek where you can look up and get photos of the falls and cave. The next set puts you out just underneath a very large and beautiful waterfall that drops out over a ledge. The ledge itself is a popular repel accessible from above. You can walk all the way around these falls and even catch some spray on the downwind side. The next set of switchbacks are stairs cut out of the rock. Halfway will take you to an even better view of Fossil Peak and the remainder will take you to the mouth of the cave itself. To enter the cave, you'll have to cross one more creek which can be pretty scary and dangerous when the water is high. Entering the cave during high water can be just as scary.
Once you're in, the Wind Cave snakes through the Darby Formation, a thick layer of 350 million year-old dolomite. A flashlight for the cave is a definite must. Near the mouth, there's a series of ledges popular for bouldering. Just up about 100 yards, you'll come to a small hole you'll have to crouch to get through. You'll quickly realize why they're called the wind caves as you're blasted with wind from the caves coming out that hole. After about 200 yards, you'll want your climbing gear. The caves stretch for miles and if you go far enough, you'll enter the part known as the ice caves. Travel far enough, you'll come out the other side. Be careful though. The cave becomes pretty cavelike and it's really easy to get lost and, even in the busy season, it may be days until that nightmare ends with a rescue team.
The hike is about 3.1 miles from the South Fork Darby Canyon trailhead to the caves and is a 1,800 feet elevation gain. You'll find a lot of resources that claim the hike is a shorter distance. These sources either begin from the end of the old road or don't take into account one or both series of switchbacks. The cave itself sits at 8,940 feet above sea level.
Little Jamaica aka Desert Springs
Littlefield, Arizona
0.8 miles NE of Littlefield, ArizonaLittle Jamaica is a warm springs waterfall and pool just off the highway between Desert Springs and Littlefield, Arizona. It's a family location that doesn't get more than 5 feet deep in the pools. The plant life and rock features will make it feel a little more like you're playing in the tropics than the middle of the desert. There's even a plant covered grotto over part of the pool to complete the tropical atmosphere.
Basalt Bluff / Steve's Rock
Teton, Idaho
2.9 miles S of Teton, IdahoDon't go anywhere marked No Trespassing and Beware of the Attack Bees at the top of the cliffs and the Stinging Nettle at the bottom.
About a mile north of Loon Lake/Wentworth Springs Road junction, going towards Loon Lake, look up to the left to see this formation. Park on the road (narrow) and hike up to the the east face where all the climbs are. Can rappel off (2 ropes) or walk off to the north. Most routes are high quality with good rock. At last count there were 11 established routes here.
Route | Difficulty | Ascents |
---|---|---|
5.8 Hand Crack | 5.8 | 1 |
Aoxomoxoa | 5.10b | 1 |
Brown Shoes | 5.10c | 1 |
Hangdogs Beget Eurodogs | 5.10a | 2 |
Movin to Montana | 5.10c | 1 |
Punk Titans Unchained | 5.10a | 1 |
Three Ekka | 5.11a | 1 |
courtesy of RockClimbing.com
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.