EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE
• ATV & GEAR RENTALS • TRAIL TIPS & TRICKS • LOCAL RESTAURANTSWWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG & MORE! | 1 19-VI-01 5M
2 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Eastern Idaho’s off-road areas are world-famous and for good reason. With hundreds upon hundreds of miles of maintained trails at your disposal, there is something for every skill level, family and horsepower junkie.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 3 CUSTOM PUBLISHING Harris Publishing 360 B St., Idaho Falls, ID 83402 208-542-2289 www.harrispublishing.com
EDITORIAL Steve Smede Steve Janes
DESIGN Dallas McCary
PHOTOGRAPHY Dirt Toys Magazine Steve Smede
4 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE PLAYING IN THE DIRT
As the sun rises over the majestic Teton Mountains bringing first light to Eastern Idaho and casting its rays across the Snake River Valley, one can’t help but feel blessed to live in such a beautiful area. It’s also no wonder why so many eastern Idaho residents enjoy getting out in nature and Aexperiencing God’s country. Although there are numerous ways to recreate, one of the more popular summer activities is off-road travel on ATVs and side-by-sides. Eastern Idaho epitomizes the flavor of its western heritage. Pioneers, miners and loggers blazed their trails across our landscape. Many of the more rugged and out-of-the-way trails are still accessible on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Partnerships between state and federal governments and motorized recreation groups have created an extensive trail system that opens the backcountry and offers exciting off-road riding for both residents and visitors to eastern Idaho. With thousands of miles of roads and trails to explore, Yellowstone Teton Territory makes the perfect travel destination for motorized recreationists. Elaborate trail systems are found throughout eastern Idaho, each offering a unique style of riding and spectacular scenery. From Palisades to Island Park, Teton Basin to Dubois, with Ashton, Rexburg and St. Anthony in between, the area is ripe with natural beauty. So don’t let another sun set on God’s country without experiencing first- hand the thrill of exploring the backcountry and dirt roads that offer access to the hidden treasures of eastern Idaho.
TABLE OF CONTENTS RIDING AREAS GENERAL INFORMATION
06 ISLAND PARK 30 YELLOWSTONE TETON 36 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO COUNTRY RECREATION MAP 11 ASHTON REGISTRATION 32 FOOD, EVENTS & CLUBS TRAIL SAFETY 14 IDAHO FALLS TRAIL DIFFICULTY LEVELS 33 PICK YOUR TOY 17 REXBURG 39 CONTACTS/RESOURCES 20 ST. ANTHONY TRAIL DIFFICULTY LEVEL LEGEND 24 SWAN VALLEY
27 TETON VALLEY EASY INTERMEDIATE CHALLENGING
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 5 [ Plan Your Play: Island Park ]
WHERE TO RENT High Mountain Adventures Island www.highmountainadventures.com WHERE TO EAT Lakeside Lodge Park www.lakesidelodgeandresort.com WHERE TO STAY RECREATION Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org for lodging OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE
At the northern most area of eastern Idaho, Island Park represents the recreational hub of the Targhee National Forest. Long known for the outstanding Awinter recreation opportunities and snowmobile trails, Island Park is trying to expand its summer tourism by improving an already popular ATV/ORV trail system. The area has hundreds of miles of Forest Service access roads that allow all-wheeled traffic. Many of the trails are interconnected, allowing for plenty of riding opportunities and route loops. Due to the amount of trails in the Targhee National Forest, you need to be aware of trail restrictions and seasonal access. HIGHLIGHTS Henry’s Fork of the Snake River dissects the Island Park area and serves as the main attraction for both summer and winter visitors. Coming out of the earth at Big Springs, about 120 million gallons of water bubbles out of the mountain and serves as the primary source for the Henry’s Fork. Although the snow stacks deep from November through May, the summer season offers some fantastic ORV opportunities. The area is also a gateway community for Yellowstone National Park. TRAIL TIP With elevations starting at 6,000 feet and climbing, this country is packed with snow during the winter. So it does take some time for the trails to open for wheeled travel. The best time to visit is from June through October. Weather changes quickly, pack your rain gear. MORE EATS MORE TO KNOW • Connie’s The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River features some • Meadow Creek Lodge of the West’s best fly fishing. There are also great • Trouthunter fishing opportunities in Henry’s Lake and Island Park Reservoir. But if you’re not in to fishing, the ORV trails • Pond’s Lodge will allow you to check out the scenic beauty unique to Island Park. 6 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Elevation 6,600-9,000 Full-Service Town Island Park Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (80 miles) Information Yellowstone/ Teton Territory 800-634-3246 Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce 208-558-7281
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 7 TOP TRAILS | ISLAND PARK
BLACK CANYON
RED ROCK ROAD
GREAT PHOTO OPS AND FISHING. EASY RIDE.
North of Island Park Village, just before you reach Henry’s Lake Outlet, the Red Rock Road stems off Highway 20 and heads 12 miles to the Montana state line at Red Rock Pass. This road is open to all vehicles.
Once you get at Red Rock Pass there are forest service roads that will allow you access to a lot of area, and can even take you as far as the Montana towns of Lima, Dillon and Jefferson City. You can also reach the 200- acre Elk Lake — one of our favorite high country waters. It’s full of trout,
RED ROCK grayling and mountain whitefish. ROAD BIG SPRINGS LOOP SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD SHORT AND SCENIC. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE. CANYON TRAIL Coming out of Island Park Village, the Big Springs Loop is a popular BIG SPRINGS attraction for tourists and features a 10-mile loop that goes from Macks LOOP Kilgore Inn to Big Springs and back to Island Park Village (about a mile north of BPA ACCESS Macks Inn on Highway 20). TRAIL Although this loop is popular to automobiles, there are a bunch of
STODDARD connecting trails, including the Railroad Right-of-way Trail, that allows CREEK TRAIL you to move off the main road at various locations.
It also connects to the Meadow Creek Trail that loops around the western base of Two Top Mountain. You can also connect to the Black Canyon Trail that will take you into Montana and connect with the West Yellowstone trail system.
8 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROADS. GUIDE ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE
HANSON BIG BEND BASIN RIDGE TRAIL TRAIL
SAND CREEK BITCH CREEK ROAD TRAIL TRAIL SAND DUNES RAILROAD RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TRAIL
JACKPINE / PINOCHLE LOOP
FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL Madison
HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL
KELLY CANYON BALDY SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL SNAKE ROAD TRAIL BPA LINE TRAIL
PINEY PASS
ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK
BLACKTAIL KEPPS CROSSING CANYON TRAIL BEAR CREEK / Bone JENSEN CREEK [ Top Trails: Island Park ]
BPA ACCESS TRAIL
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY. EASY ACCESS.
As you enter Island Park, you will pass a variety of access roads on both sides of Highway 20. The roads on the east side of Highway 20 tend to work their way east and connect to the BPA Access Trail coming out of Last Chance.
The BPA Access trail basically parallels Highway 20 and works its way south as it connects to various trails and forest service roads. The first along the way is the Old Chick Creek Trail (FS 117). This trail takes you to the Railroad Right-of-way trail, the Chick Creek Road (FS 291) and all the way over to the Fish Creek Road (FS 082) that parallels the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Black Canyon Trail.
The BPA Access Trail dumps into the REA Powerline Trail (FS 590) that continues south and connects to the Wood Road 14 Trail, Wood Road 12 Trail and Powerline Spur 1 Trail before ending at the East Hatchery Ford Road (FS 351).
The BPA Access Trail also heads north from Last Chance, paralleling Highway 20 and connecting to the Railroad Right-of-way trail and over to Big Springs.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 9 [ Plan Your Play: Island Park ]
SAWTELL PEAK ROAD
SCENIC OVERLOOKS. EASY RIDE. The 10-mile road is only accessible to the public when the snow melts Ready for a winding tour to the top of the forest? Head west from Island enough to make the road safe and passable. The East Sawtell Trail (FS 455) Park Village onto Sawtell Peak Road. This is a popular route for the ORV gives you limited access to the base of the mountain. Or you can go south crowd since it climbs its way to the top of Sawtell Peak, elevation 9,900 on the Stamp Meadows Road (FS 052) which will work its way over to the feet. From the top of Sawtell you can look in all directions with spectacular Yale Creek Road where you can access the Island Park Reservoir system or vistas, and also get a closeup view of the FAA long-range radar installation. continue traveling west to Kilgore and the Dubois trail system. Don’t forget your coat!
SOUTH ANTELOPE/NORTH ANTELOPE TRAILS
REMOTE RIDES. INTERMEDIATE TO CHALLENGING.
On the west side of Highway 20 on the southern part of Island Park there are multiple roads heading west that interconnect. Within this complex of all-vehicle routes you will find several 50-inch trails to allow for a better access to more remote areas in the region.
The South Antelope Flat Trail (FS 553), which connects to the Big Bend Ridge Trail in the Ashton trail system, travels 13 miles before connecting back to the North Antelope Trail (FS 168). These two trails loop around the Parallel Trail (FS 556), Stock Trail (FS 555), High Point Trail (FS 319) and the Little Butte Trail (FS 317). The Antelope Cutoff (FS 771) also connects the two Antelope trails.
At the west end of the South Antelope Trail is the Fir Trail (FS 557) which connects the Cinder Butte Trail (FS 621) to the Bishop Mountain Trail (FS 120), which comes off the North Antelope Trail.
Also connected to the Fir Trail is the Fog Butte Trail which ties in the Fremont County trails and BLM routes. If you continue west on the Fir Trail you connect to the Bishop Burn Trail (FS 552) which either takes you north to the Island Park Reservoir area or farther west Bishop Well or Davis Lake trails, which both tie back to Island Park Reservoir.
10 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE [ Plan Your Play: Ashton] Ashton GATEWAY TO TARGHEE
Head east on Highway 47 from Ashton and you find that the farmland starts thinning out and more and more roads turn to dirt. This is Hwhere you begin accessing some of the best ATV/ORV trails of eastern Idaho. Three of the main ones include Big Bend Ridge Trail (where you climb out of the upper Snake River Valley and into the Targhee National Forest), Railroad Right-of-Way Trail (which accesses the area north of Ashton and extends into the Island Park trail system) and the Birch Creek Trail (that works its way back to the southeast near the Teton Basin trail system). HIGHLIGHTS The Big Bend Ridge Trail takes you up out of the valley on the southern edge of the Yellowstone Caldera and gives you a great Elevation view of the Upper Snake River Valley. This 6,600-8,000 trail system allows easy access to Island Park, St. Anthony and the Teton Basin trails. Full-Service Town Ashton TRAIL TIP Nearest Airport Since the snow starts to stack deep in this area in November and stays on the ground until Idaho Falls (60 miles) late May, the best riding time is from June to Information October. Yellowstone/ MORE TO KNOW Teton Territory Ashton represents the junction of two 800-634-3246 Scenic Byways—the Mesa Falls Scenic Ashton Byway and the Teton Scenic Byway. There Chamber of Commerce are great fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the area. 208-652-3355
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 11 WHERE TO RENT TOP TRAILS | ASHTON High Mountain Adventures www.highmountainadventures.com WHERE TO EAT Deli at Dave’s Jubilee 208-652-7771 WHERE TO STAY Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org for lodging
BLACK CANYON
RED ROCK ROAD
SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD CANYON TRAIL
BIG MORE OPTIONS SPRINGS LOOP • Frostop Drive-in Kilgore BPA ACCESS • Ashton Family Restaurant TRAIL • Big Jud’s STODDARD • Trails Inn Restaurant CREEK TRAIL • 511 Main Fountain & Pizzeria
S. ANTELOPE / BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL N. ANTELOPE EASY ACCESS. ALL LEVELS WELCOME.
Ready for an easy-access ride with lots of cross trails? The Big Bend Ridge Trail is designed for off-highway vehicles that are 50-inches wide or less. HANSON BIG BEND BASIN RIDGE TRAIL It runs about 18 miles from the Hidden Reservoir Trail (5 miles long) on TRAIL the north end to the Rattlesnake Trail on the south end. Along the route it intersects with the Sadorus Hill Trail (4 miles long) in the middle. It also crosses the July Creek Trail (4 miles long) on the northern end that connects to the South Antelope Flat road to the north.
SAND CREEK BITCH CREEK The trail opens for motorized use around mid-June and closes at the end ROAD TRAIL TRAIL SAND DUNES RAILROAD of August. It’s a simple loop through varied terrain, and is suitable for RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TRAIL intermediate riders. For non-motorized use the trail is open year-round. The easiest access is off Highway 20 at the Rattlesnake Road 344.
JACKPINE / 12 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE PINOCHLE LOOP
FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL Madison
HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL
KELLY CANYON BALDY SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL SNAKE ROAD TRAIL BPA LINE TRAIL
PINEY PASS
ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK
BLACKTAIL KEPPS CROSSING CANYON TRAIL BEAR CREEK / Bone JENSEN CREEK [ Top Trails: Ashton ]
RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY BITCH CREEK TRAIL
MAJESTIC RIVER VIEWS. EASY-INTERMEDIATE. MULTIPLE ACCESS POINTS. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.
The Railroad Right-of-way trail begins at Warm River Campground south The Bitch Creek Trail is located on the eastern side of the Ranger District of Ashton on Highway 47 and ends at Reas Pass. The trail takes you right and covers the area between the Winegar Hole Wilderness and the into the heart of the Island Park trail system. The trail follows an old Jedediah Smith Wilderness (so pay attention to Forest Service signage). railroad grade and travels through a railroad tunnel along its way. Marked as FS 002, Bitch Creek Trail is 14.2 miles in length and has access points at Squirrel Meadows, Ernest Lake and Coyote Meadows. Summer Warm River can be viewed for several miles from the trail. The trail has wildflowers abound throughout the high-elevation flats. You’ll find great a 50-inch width restriction and intersects with various forest service scenery all around. roads. The Railroad Right-of-way trailhead is located 10 miles northeast of Ashton, along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. You can also access the Bear From Squirrel Meadows to Earnest Lake the trail is designated for Gulch BPA North Trail that parallels the Railroad Right-of-way trail. motorized use of 50 inches or less and can be accessed by taking the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road to the Squirrel Meadows Guard Station where the trailhead is located. It is best accessed heading east from Ashton on E 1200 N road, the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road. WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 13 [ Plan Your Play: Idaho Falls ]
WHERE TO RENT Action Motor Sports Dubois Via www.actionmotor.com WHERE TO EAT Idaho Falls Opal Country Café www.spenceropalmines.com WHERE TO STAY Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org for lodging EXIT I-15, ENTER WIDE-OPEN SPACES
As you travel Interstate 15 north from Idaho Falls, just before you start your climb out of the Snake River Valley you pass the small town of Dubois. This is Amainly farm and ranch land, so there are a lot of BLM roads and country roads that will take you either east or west of I-15. There are two popular trail systems in the area—one on the east side of I-15 and the other on the west side. The Alex Draw to McGary Canyon Trail picks up most of the area to the northeast of Dubois up to the Montana state line. These trails will also connect with the Island Park trail system if you stay on the Lost Gold Trails Loop that connects to the Kilgore/Yale Creek road (FS 030). HIGHLIGHTS Depending on whether you want to ride in the high country of Targhee National Forest, or the lower elevations found in the high mountain deserts, there are plenty of opportunities to see some unique country. Dubois may be a small town (population of about 700 residents) but it offers a big welcome mat for all visitors. High chances to see big game. TRAIL TIP The lower elevation trails offer great spring and fall riding. But to access the higher elevations, you need to wait for the snow to melt in late May. MORE TO KNOW Not only are there great opportunities for hunting and fishing, but if you’re into digging for precious gems, MORE OPTIONS the Opal mines near Spencer are considered the Opal • Wild Hare Cafe Capital of America. Visit www.spenceropalmines.com in Dubois for details.
14 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Elevation 5,200-8,000 Full-Service Town Dubois Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (50 miles) Information Yellowstone/ Teton Territory 800-634-3246 TOP TRAILS | IDAHO FALLS
RED ROCK ROAD
SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD CANYON TRAIL
BIG SPRINGS LOOP
Kilgore BPA ACCESS TRAIL
STODDARD CREEK TRAIL
ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY CANYON TRAIL
S. ANTELOPE / LOTS OF SIDE TRAILS. SUITABLEN. ANTELOPE FOR ALL LEVELS
Just east of Spencer there are several routes that will lead you to the Alex Draw to McGary Canyon Trail. You can either take the Three Mile Creek Road north at Threemile Reservour and start on the Lone Pine Pass Trail HANSON BIG BEND BASIN or you can continue onRIDGE the TRAIL road to the Middle-Threemile Trail. TRAIL This trail will definitely keep you coming back, simply due to all the routes you can take to mix up your adventures. Once on the Alex Draw trail you can go north to Alex Draw Road or turn at Alex Draw East which winds its way to West Steel Creek. Or you can head east to McGary Canyon, SAND CREEK BITCH CREEK eventuallyROAD TRAIL coming out on Antelope Valley Road. It alsoTRAIL connects to the SAND DUNES Goldmine Trail. RAILROAD RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TRAIL The Alex Draw To McGary Canyon trail begins at FS 011 and ends at FS 021. It is a designated ORV trail with a 50-inch width restriction. JACKPINE / MORE EATS PINOCHLE LOOP • Fong’s Cafe STODDARD CREEK TRAIL FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL FISHING ACCESS. BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE. Madison
Want to mix up your ride with a little high-mountain hook,HORSESHOE line / and sinker? PACKSADDLE Pack an ultra-light rod and head just north of Spencer TRAILoff Interstate 15. There you’ll find Stoddard Creek Trail. This connects you to several ATV trails, including the Van Noy Trail, Stoddard Creek Loop, Stoddard Creek Ridge Trail and Picnic Ridge Trail.
KELLY CANYON The trail eventually takes you to the Pleasant Valley Trail and overBALDY to SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL Swampy Draw.SNAKE ROAD It features a designated width restriction of 50 inches. TRAIL BPA LINE TRAIL Best access to Stoddard Creek Ridge trail begins at FS road 10636 and ends at FS trail 1002. The Stoddard Creek Loop Trail begins at FS road 1002. PINEY PASS You can also access the Picnic Ridge Trail that begins at FS road 10636 and ends at FS trail 1123.
16 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK
BLACKTAIL KEPPS CROSSING CANYON TRAIL BEAR CREEK / Bone JENSEN CREEK [ Plan Your Play: Rexburg] WHERE TO RENT Rexburg Motor Sports www.rexburgms.com WHERE TO EAT Rexburg Gringos Mexican Restaurant www.gringostexmex.com WHERE TO STAY DISCOVER “THE BIG Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org HOLES” AREA for lodging
The Big Hole Mountains area in Madison County basically takes in the north Palisades Ranger District and covers the area east of Rexburg and north of the South TFork of the Snake River. It butts up against the Teton Basin area on the east. Although this is a very popular area for motorcycles and hiking trails, the Forest Service roads provide great routes for ORVs. And there are numerous 50-inch trails that will get you off the beaten path and into some spectacular country. Access is plentiful with multiple parking areas along the north side of the South Fork of the Snake River. You can also access the area along the Kelly Canyon Road just past Heise. Coming from Rexburg, there are access areas from most of the dry farm roads east of town. And from the north, Green Canyon offers easy access to some of the higher country in the area. The more popular landmarks in the Big Holes include Lookout Mountain, Relay Ridge, Sawmill Gulch, Prospect Peak and Thousand Springs. HIGHLIGHTS MORE EATS One of Idaho’s best kept secrets is Heise Hot Springs and • Fong’s Cafe Pizza Parlor at the mouth of Kelly Canyon. The ORV trails in the area are abundant … and after a hard day’s ride there’s nothing more refreshing than to relax in the naturally-heated pools at Heise. The South Fork of the Snake River borders the south and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River borders the West. The Big Hole Mountains separate Madison from the Teton Basin on the East. TRAIL TIP Although the higher elevations are known to hoard snow long into the spring, for the most parts you can start getting out on the trails in mid April and ride into November. MORE TO KNOW Rexburg is the home to Brigham Young University- Idaho and offers big city accommodations for a mid- sized Idaho town.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 17 TOP TRAILS | REXBURG
RED ROCK ROAD
SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD CANYON TRAIL
BIG SPRINGS LOOP
Kilgore BPA ACCESS TRAIL
STODDARD CREEK TRAIL
BLACK CANYON
S. ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE
HANSON BIG BEND BASIN RIDGE TRAIL TRAIL
SAND CREEK BITCH CREEK ROAD TRAIL TRAIL SAND DUNES RAILROAD RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TRAIL
JACKPINE / PINOCHLE LOOP FISH CREEK/MOODY TRAIL
FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL Madison ROLLING FIELDS INTO FOREST. EASY RIDE.
HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL East of the small town of Archer, as you start to climb the bench up through dry farms, you come to the Fish Creek/Moody Creek area (FS 403). The Fish Creek Trail on the lower end of the area offers some connecting routes that will get you to Kelly Canyon Road.
KELLY CANYON The North Moody Road (FS 258) will get you over to Upper Farnes Road (FS 256) and then BALDY SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL SNAKE ROAD TRAIL BPA LINE over to the Upper Farnes and Lower Farnes Trails near Sawmill Gulch. TRAIL The top end of the North Moody Trail ties back into the northern end of Kelly Canyon Road.
PINEY PASS
KELLY CANYONECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK GREAT VIEWS OF THE VALLEY. INTERMEDIATE TO CHALLENGING.
BLACKTAIL Just east of Heise, KEPPSwhere CROSSING theCANYON Heise TRAIL road splits andBEAR CREEKthe / South Fork Snake Road follows the river, Kelly Canyon Road starts to make its climb into the Big JENSEN CREEK Bone Holes. Just over two miles up the road you come to Kelly Canyon Ski Area of FS 218.
Heading east another mile will get you to the Kelly Mountain Trail (FS 881) that heads south and gets you up on top of Kelly Mountain where you can get a great view of the Snake River Valley. You could also take the Table Rock Canyon Trail (FS 217) down to the Hawley Gulch Trail or continue on to the South Fork Snake Road.
If you continue north on Kelly Canyon Road you can access the Buckskin Morgan Trail that will take you to Buckskin Morgan Ridge. Farther north you come to the Windy Ridge Loop (FS 318). If you don’t feel like taking the entire loop, the Windy Ridge Connector dumps you back on the Kelly Canyon Road near the Morning Glory Mine Trail.
The Kelly Canyon Road continues east to Hinckley Creek Trail (FS 213) which climbs in elevation to over 7,600 feet.
Eventually, the Kelly Canyon Road takes you to the Moody Swamp Road that will lead you to the Thousand Springs Trail which takes in Prospect Peak, Castle Lake and on into the Teton Basin to Garns Mountain. Or you could turn back to the northwest on the Ruby Creek Trail (FS 298) and re-connect to Kelly Canyon Road near Sheep Creek.
The Kelly Canyon Road is about 21 miles long and travels through the heart of the Big Holes and comes out on the north end at West Long Hollow Road just east of Rexburg.
18 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE [ Top Trails: Rexburg ]
Elevation 5,000-8,700 Full-Service Town Rexburg Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (30 miles) Information Yellowstone/ Teton Territory 800-634-3246 Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce 208-356-5700
SOUTH FORK SNAKE ROAD PINEY PASS TRAIL
GREAT VIEWS ALONG THE RIVER. GATEWAY TO THOUSAND SPRINGS. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE EASY TO INTERMEDIATE. Just before you enter Teton Basin on Highway 31 near Pine Creek Pass, on the far east end of the Along the west side of the Snake River just east Big Holes, you can access Piney Pass Trail (FS 077) that will take you back into Thousand Springs. of Heise, the South Fork Snake Road offers access to multiple trailheads for up to 50-inch This beautiful 12-mile winding trail is actually in Bonneville County just north of Swan Valley. ATV trails. The road runs about 15 miles to the However, it leads back into Madison County and the Big Hole trail system. Due to the terrain and east, paralleling the Snake River. land-use restrictions, there are no other roads or trails accessible on the eastern end of the trail. The route is popular with mountain bikers, so ride with courtesy and caution. The first trail along the route is the Stinking Springs Trail which winds its way about four miles to the northeast before connecting to RELAY RIDGE Leaning Fir Trail. This trail heads east for three VARIED TERRAIN. EASY RIDE WITH GREAT VIEW OF THE TETONS. miles before connecting into the Table Rock Canyon Trail (FS 217). Coming in from the north along Highway 33, you can take the Canyon Creek Road south past Green Canyon Springs to the Warm Creek Road (FS 219). Heading back to the east you start to climb in Table Rock Canyon trail connects South Fork elevation and the road becomes the Relay Ridge Trail. Snake Road to Kelly Canyon Road. Just east of the Table Rock Canyon trail is Wolverine Creek The first trail you will come to is the Graham Springs Trail (FS 20) which heads back to the west and Trail, which goes north from the Snake River connects to a single-track trailhead. Farther up Relay Ridge you come to the Grandview Trail (FS and can either loop back down on the Morning 208) which will take you north where you can either continue down to Highway 33 or go into Teton Glory Mind Trail or take the Cold Springs Trail Basin to Packsaddle Lake. west to Lookout Mountain. However, if you continue on Relay Ridge Trail, you will eventually reach Ryan Peak at the top where On the far east end of the South Fork Snake you can look to the west into the Upper Snake River Valley or to the east into Teton Basin and a great Road is the Blacks Canyon Trail (FS 074). This view of the Tetons. To continue the loop, take the Kirkham Trail (FS 233) back west and it will wind trail ends about three miles up (and a single- down to Kirkham Hollow and eventually to the upper end of the Canyon Creek Road. track trail continues north). [ Plan Your Play: St. Anthony] WHERE TO RENT Rexburg Motor Sports www.rexburgmotorsports.com St. Anthony WHERE TO EAT Mad Moose Pizza Sand Dunes 208-624-7499 WHERE TO STAY Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org MOUNTAINS OF SAND for lodging CREATE UNIQUE RIDING EXPERIENCE
This 35-mile long sea of sand is about five miles wide and features sand hills that climb up to 400 feet high. Since it’s sand, and since eastern Idaho is known for Thaving more than its share of wind, the terrain is ever- changing and is in a constant state of have all tracks swept away … so every ride seems like the first time man has touched this part of the world. The white quartz sand offers a unique beauty as it stands out amidst the green vegetation of the area. Due to Mother Nature, the west side of the 10,600- acre dunes, west of Egin Lakes campground (where the “big dunes” are found) and the area south of the Egin/Hamer Road are closed from Jan. 1 through April 1. Please check with the BLM or the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce for any other closures or restrictions. The smaller dunes, east of Egin Lakes Campground to Red Road are open year-round, but are usually covered in snow by Jan. 1. Vehicle flags, ORV stickers and helmets required. HIGHLIGHTS If you want to test your skills and the horsepower of your off-road vehicle, then Thunder Mountain (known by the locals as Crapo’s Hill) is just the place to go. This is where the sand meets the sky. You also have popular hotspots—Choke Cherry, Devil’s Dunes and Dead Horse Bowl—to spend a day spinning tires and testing your riding skills. TRAIL TIP Although the Dunes make for a fantastic playground, you need to show some respect and good judgment. The terrain can be treacherous. Also, on busy weekends you need to be on alert for inattentive drivers. Early and late season riding is the best time to avoid crowds. MORE TO KNOW The Sand Dunes fall under the jurisdiction of the BLM and have seasonal closures as well as specific-use regulations. There are some designated camping areas and RV parking with full hookup.
20 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Elevation 5,000-6,000 Full-Service Town St. Anthony Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (50 miles) Information Yellowstone/ Teton Territory 800-634-3246 St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce 208-624-4870
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 21 TOP TRAILS | ST. ANTHONY
SAND DUNES
UNIQUE RIDES OVER HILLS OF WHITE QUARTZ. ALL SKILL LEVELS (DESIGNATED ROUTES).
About the time the snow melts and nice spring weather arrives in Eastern Idaho, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes open up for a season of outstanding ORV recreation opportunities. As the summer temperature rises, so does the number of visitors to this motorized recreational vehicle mecca. Along with the 10,600 acres of white quartz sand, popular attractions include Deadhorse Bowl, a one mile sand bowl area that is 400 feet deep, located in the western section of the dune complex. The dunes have three parking areas, and ATV unloading ramp, restrooms, RV dump station, concessions, water stations, and picnic tables. This is wide open country with a few designated routes, so you need to recognize other users and always be aware of traffic flow and blind spots due to ridges and terrain.
RED ROCK ROAD
SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD CANYON TRAIL
BIG SPRINGS LOOP
Kilgore BPA ACCESS TRAIL
STODDARD CREEK TRAIL
S. ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE
RED ROAD TRAIL HANSON BIG BEND BASIN RIDGE TRAIL TRAIL PASTORAL RIDES THROUGH FARM COUNTRY. EASY FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS.
North of St. Anthony, the Red Road takes you into a maze of BLM, county and farm-access roads that covers the upper end of the upper Snake River Valley.
SAND CREEK If you continue north on RedBITCH Road CREEK you will come to Eighteen Mile, that TRAIL ROAD TRAIL connects you to the Lost Gold Trails Loop. The farther north you go, SAND DUNES RAILROAD RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY the closer you get to all the Island Park trails that are west of Island Park TRAIL Reservoir.
JACKPINE / PINOCHLE 22 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE LOOP
FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL Madison
HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL
KELLY CANYON BALDY SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL SNAKE ROAD TRAIL BPA LINE TRAIL
PINEY PASS
ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK
BLACKTAIL KEPPS CROSSING CANYON TRAIL BEAR CREEK / Bone JENSEN CREEK [ Top Trails: St. Anthony ]
SAND CREEK ROAD TRAIL HANSON BASIN TRAIL
EASY ACCESS FROM ST. ANTHONY. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE. SCENIC RIDE ON WIDE TERRAIN. EASY.
Just east of St. Anthony, the Sand Creek Road heads north toward Skirting the northern side of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Hanson Basin Blue Creek Reservoir and Hidden Reservoir. Along the route there are Trail features a jeep trail (FS 2220) that offers a scenic route through numerous access roads which allow you to tie into other county and BLM sagebrush and lava rocks. dirt roads which make for some good riding. Like most trails in this area, Hanson Basin connects with other BLM and The farther north you travel, the higher the elevation until you climb into county roads. To the northeast you can work your way over to Siddoway the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District of the Targhee National Forest. Sheep Road. Eventually you can connect to the Fir Trail, part of the Antelope trail system in Island Park.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 23 [ Plan Your Play: Swan Valley ]
WHERE TO RENT Action Motor Sports Swan Valley www.actionmotor.com WHERE TO EAT Snake River Roadhouse FROM BONE TO ALPINE, www.srroadhouse.com SCENIC TERRAIN AND WHERE TO STAY GREAT RIDING Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org for lodging
East of Swan Valley there are countless county, BLM and Forest Service roads that access the Palisades area. EAlthough there are hundreds of miles of farming/ ranching access roads in this area, our main focus is routes that fall east of Idaho Falls in the Bone area (Bone Road to Long Valley Road and up to Grays Lake) and south of Highway 26 to Alpine, WY. The Palisades area takes in the Palisades Ranger District of the Targhee/Caribou National Forests. Although most of the region has routes available to all wheeled vehicles, there are a few routes accessible for jeep/ORVs, 50-inch restrictions, single-tracks or hiking trails. The major access points are at Bone, Fall Creek or points on both ends of Palisades Reservoir. HIGHLIGHTS At first look as you travel east out of Idaho Falls, all you see is sagebrush, lava-crested ridges and groves of quaking aspen trees. The farther east you go, the higher the elevation, tighter the trails and thicker the pine trees. The most scenic route is along Skyline Ridge. This takes you back to a series of ridges that offer some great trails and spectacular scenery. TRAIL TIP Elevation Since there is a lot of livestock throughout the area, 5,500-8,000 you will occasionally come across closed gates along Full-Service Town designated routes. Rule of thumb is that if the gate is Swan Valley closed, close it behind you when you pass through. If it is open, leave it open. Some routes will dead-end at Nearest Airport private property lines. Please respect posted areas and Idaho Falls No Trespassing signs. Information MORE TO KNOW Yellowstone/ In the late 1800s Caribou Jack discovered gold on Teton Territory Caribou Mountain in Eastern Idaho. Soon, about 1,500 800-634-3246 residents occupied Caribou City, many were Chinese miners, climbing all over the mountains in search of Idaho Falls Chamber instant riches. Now, over a century later, the gold is of Commerce gone, the remnants of the city is a ghost town, and the 208-523-1010 terrain looks much like it did when Caribou Jack first wandered up McCoy Creek to seek his fortune.
24 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE [ Top Trails: Swan Valley ] PRO TIP: Grab some square ice cream at the Rainey Creek Country Store
SOUTH FORK FALL CREEK TRAIL
MODERATE ELEVATION CHANGES. INTERMEDIATE TO CHALLENGING.
The South Fork Fall Creek Trails starts from the Fall Creek Road about five miles south of the Snake River. Designated as FS 030, the South Fork Fall Creek Trail heads east until it connect to FS 261 that will take it back south until it connects with the Rash Canyon Trail (FS 302) which will take you back west to the Fall Creek Road. This is about an 11-mile loop. If you are looking for more adventure, you can continue south on the Willow Springs/Beaver Creek Trail for another four miles and tie into the Fourth of July/Commissary Ridge Trail or the June Creek Trail that will either take you back down to Fall Creek or you can head back south to Skyline Ridge and connect to the Commissary Ridge Trail.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 25 RED ROCK ROAD
SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD CANYON TRAIL
BIG SPRINGS LOOP
Kilgore BPA ACCESS TRAIL
STODDARD CREEK TRAIL TOP TRAILS | SWAN VALLEY BEAR CREEK/JENSEN CREEK LONG LOOPS WITH LOTS OF CREEKS. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.
S. ANTELOPE / Starting at the trailhead/parking area just off Highway 26 at the N. ANTELOPE Palisades Dam, the Calamity Boat Dock road will take you to Jensen Creek Road. This all-vehicle road that sees little traffic takes you south to McCoy Creek Road. From there you can loop over to Brockman Creek Road.
HANSON BIG BEND Eventually you can head back north up Skyline Ridge Road BASIN RIDGE TRAIL TRAIL and then drop back down to Highway on the Fall Creek Road. Finally, you take the Snake River Road 14 miles back to the parking area. The total loop is about 90 miles.
BLACKTAIL CANYON TRAIL SAND CREEK BITCH CREEK ROAD TRAIL TRAIL GREAT CLIMB UP TO SCENIC VIEWS. ALL SKILL LEVELS. SAND DUNES RAILROAD RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY TRAIL On the upper end of the Fall Creek Road on FS 066 is the Blacktail Canyon Trail. This trail will climb up to Point Lookout and connect to the Pritchard Creek Trail that loops down on the JACKPINE / PINOCHLE Porcupine Creek Trail back to the Fall Creek Road. LOOP Or you can head southwest along the Blacktail Canyon Trail
FISH CREEK / where you can connect with the Nelson Trail that takes you MOODY TRAIL west toward Antelope Creek or head south to the Indian Fork Madison Connector. HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL ECHO CANYON/INDIAN CREEK
LOTS OF TWISTS AND TURNS. INTERMEDIATE TO CHALLENGING.
KELLY CANYON BALDYStarting at the Fall Creek Road just off of Highway 26 near the SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL SNAKE ROAD TRAILSnake River bridge, the Echo Canyon trailhead climbs is way BPA LINE TRAIL east and connects to the Indian Creek Trail, and eventually to the Flat Iron Trail across from Swan Valley on the south side of the river. Indian Creek offers occasional grassy flats that make PINEY PASS for easy staging. Or about five miles up the trail you can turn south on the Dead Horse Ridge Trail that will eventually loop back to the Fall
ECHO CANYON / Creek Road when it connects the South Fork Fall Creek Trail. INDIAN CREEK This trail carries a 50-inch width restriction usage. Elevation changes are light to moderate.
BLACKTAIL KEPPS CROSSING CANYON TRAIL BEAR CREEK / Bone JENSEN CREEK KEPPS CROSSING TRAIL EASY ACCESS FROM IDAHO FALLS. EASY RIDE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS.
Just east of Idaho Falls along the Bone Road is the Kepps Crossing Road that will take you back to the Dan Creek Road and on up to Skyline Ridge. Although these roads are for all vehicles, they have become very popular for the wider ORVs that don’t meet the 50-inch maximum width limitations. This trail system includes BLM roads that connect to the Fall Creek Road and other access points. For the most part, these roads are accessible, except due to snow closures, whenever they are passable.
26 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE [ Plan Your Play: Teton Valley] WHERE TO RENT Action Motor Sports www.actionmotor.com WHERE TO EAT O’Rourkes Fine Food & Beer Teton 208-354-8115 WHERE TO STAY Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org Valley for lodging
GREAT TRAILS MAKE FOR THE BEST VIEWS
Located on the western slope of the Teton Mountain Range, the Teton Basin represents a quaint farming/ Lranching community with world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. The valley rests in the morning shadows of the majestic Teton Mountains and hosts the communities of Driggs and Victor. The east side of the valley butts up against the Teton Mountains. Due to wilderness restrictions, there are very few ATV trails available. On the west side of the valley you have the Big Hole Mountains, or the back side of the Madison trail system. Here there are ample trails for ATVs. HIGHLIGHTS One the east side of the valley, due to the rugged terrain and close proximity to the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, there are limited off-road motorized vehicle opportunities. This area offers more hiking trails. However, on the south and west side of the Teton Basin, there are some great trails that will lead you into the Big Hole Mountain trail system. TRAIL TIP Spring stays late and winter comes early in the Teton Basin. So the best time to ride is from June through October. MORE TO KNOW Grand Targhee Ski Resort brings a lot of winter visitors into the Teton Valley. The Teton Scenic Byway, located within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, takes you through rolling farmland and spectacular vistas of the Teton Mountains. There is also great hunting and fishing throughout the Teton Basin. MORE OPTIONS • The Royal Wolf • Warbirds Café
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 27 TOP TRAILS | TETON VALLEY
RED ROCK BALDY KNOLL TRAIL ROAD
SHORT RIDE INTO THE WILDS. SUITABLE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS. SAWTELL ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY PEAK ROAD CANYON TRAIL On the east side of Teton Basin, just outside of Victor, the Baldy Knoll Road (FS 672) takes you to the Baldy Knoll Trail. This short trail takes BIG you east and ends at the boundary of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. SPRINGS LOOP The trail starts at the mouth of Darby Canyon and is only 2.5 miles long. Kilgore BPA ACCESS There are other BLM trails available in the area that skirt the mountain TRAIL and can get you access to the Pinnacle Trail (FS 912) and Spring Creek STODDARD Trail (FS 032). CREEK TRAIL
BPA LINE TRAIL
A 17-MILE “LASSO LOOP.” EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.
On the south side of the Teton Basin, the BPA Line Trail (FS 031) is a S. ANTELOPE / large ATV trail that follows a powerline at the Southern end of Teton N.JACKPINE/PINOCHLE ANTELOPE LOOP Valley, running east to west and extending about 8 miles along the lower portion of the mountains. CONVENIENT ACCESS FROM HIGHWAY 32. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE. The east access is just off Highway 33 at Mike Harris Creek. It will take you through Nordell Canyon and Smith Canyon before reaching Just north of Tetonia off Highway 32, FS 268 leads you to the Jackpine/ Pinochle Loop that stretches 18 miles before windying back into FS 266 BlanchardHANSON Ridge. The Western end of the trail combines with theBIG WoodsBEND BASIN RIDGE TRAIL and reconnects to Highway 32 about 3.5 miles to the north. CanyonTRAIL Trail (FS 047), Upper Palisades Road (FS 253) and the Powerline trail (FS 321) to create a “lasso loop” trail of more than 17 miles of ATV This loop is accessible to all wheeled vehicles. On the eastern edge of the recreation. loop you can turn back south on the South Jackpine road (FS 254) and The west end of the trail goes back to Highway 31 just north of Pine head over to Indian Meadows. Or you can take the Steep Creek Trail (FS Creek Pass. 255) or the Rammell Mountain Trail (267) back to the west. On the north edge of the Jackpine/Pinochle Loop you can access the HORSESHOE/PACKSADDLESAND TRAIL CREEK Briggs Cabin Trail (FS 809) BITCHwhich CREEK goes east five miles to the edge of the ROAD TRAIL TRAIL SAND DUNES Jedediah Smith Wilderness. VARIED TERRAIN WITH MIXED USE. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.RAILROAD RED ROAD RIGHT OF WAY On the west side of the TetonTRAIL Basin there are multiple trails and roads that skirt the foothills of the Big Hole Mountains. But they are all somewhat connected to the Horsehoe/Packsaddle Trail (FS 235). JACKPINE / PINOCHLE The trail system will take you to Packsaddle Lake (FS 381) and Packsaddle LOOP Dam (FS 508). You can also access Milk Creek Ridge (FS 951). This area has an intermix of all-vehicle roads, jeep trails, 50-inch restricted trails, single-track trails and hiking trails … so be aware of the trail restrictionFISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL signage. Madison Trails heading west up the mountain will tie you into the Big Holes trail HORSESHOE / system in Madison county. Trails heading north will take you back to PACKSADDLE Highway 33. TRAIL
KELLY CANYON BALDY SOUTH FORK RELAY RIDGE KNOLL SNAKE ROAD TRAIL BPA LINE TRAIL
PINEY PASS
28 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE
ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK
BLACKTAIL KEPPS CROSSING CANYON TRAIL BEAR CREEK / Bone JENSEN CREEK [ Top Trails: Teton Valley ]
Elevation 6,000-9,000 Full-Service Town Driggs Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (60 miles) Information Yellowstone/ Teton Territory 800-634-3246 Teton Valley Chamber of Commerce 208-354-2500
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 29 [ Events ] LEGEND RIDING AREA
NATIONAL FORESTS
AIRPORTS
SKI AREAS Kilgore POINTS OF INTEREST
LODGING
To plan your trip, visit: www.yellowstoneteton.org
For an interactive map with ATV trails visit: Bone yellowstoneteton.org www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike o E h astern Ida
30 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Kilgore
Bone
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 31 Grab 1017290220 a Bite GREAT DINING IS CLOSE delicious ice cream flavors from eastern Idaho that are worth going a little out of your way to Reed’s Dairy, Farr’s Ice Cream and TO GREAT RIDING. creameries try out. Manwaring Cheese in Idaho Falls. First, if you’re riding the Big Holes trail system Off-roaders like to eat. It’s just that simple. And Since Island Park is such a popular destination in you have to swing by Heise Hot Springs and try often when we go riding, we’re out on the trails the Yellowstone Teton Territory, there are several Heise Pizza. Not only does the menu include from mid-morning until late in the afternoon. other restaurants we frequent during the course world famous pizza, but also has salads and When it comes to restaurants, every town or of the winter. Connie’s, at Island Park Village, sandwiches to please any taste bud. If you’re city in Yellowstone Teton Territory has a solid tends to be your good old-fashioned restaurant in the mood for barbecue, stop into Big Hole list of places to eat. That’s great if you choose to that offers lunch and dinner … and is a good Barbecue in Victor. have that big meal before you start your ride or place to get out of the snow and relax. Or you can A little farther east along Highway 26, in the wait until the end of the day, after you’ve gotten hit the Lakeside Lodge & Resort that offers the Swan Valley area, the Snake River Roadhouse cleaned up, to chow down. best burgers and bar menu around. Stick around features soups, salads and burgers. It also has for live music on weekends. But let us offer some other suggestions depending some signature dishes that include pizza, pastas, on where you choose to go riding. If you’re looking for something a little different, salmon and steak. Café Sabor has some of the best Mexican food If you head north toward Island Park & Ashton, Even farther east at Alpine, WY, the Flying anywhere. And if you want something fancy, the one of our favorite stops is at Frostop Drive in Saddle Resort features a steakhouse that offers Lodgepole Grill at The Pines at Island Park is or Dave’s Jubilee Market on Highway 20 in a first-class dining experience. So whether you a great place. Ashton. Although it is mostly a supermarket, its visit our trails to the north or to the east, there deli has a broad assortment of dishes, including Now if you’re heading east to ride, although the are some great places to satisfy any appetite after fried chicken, that we like to pick up for our country is more remote and accommodations are a long day of riding. lunch on the trail. You’ll also find a selection of few and far between, there are some restaurants
32 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Pick 1017290220 Your Toy WITH VARIOUS TRAIL For example, it you choose to walk, you can So depending on your particular needs (size and RESTRICTIONS, YOU ARE obviously go about anywhere. If you choose to age of family), you may find that certain vehicles travel via motorcycle (single-track), you are will make more sense … but will also come with SOMEWHAT LIMITED prohibited from hiking trails but you can access more restrictions on where you can ride. TO WHERE YOU CAN all other trails. GO DEPENDING ON If you travel via ATV (four-wheeler), most YOUR CHOICE OF all will qualify for the 50-inch trail restricted routes and other designated motorized routes. TRANSPORTATION. However, you are not allowed to ride on single- track or hiking trails. If you chose a side- by-side (a UTV designed for driver and passenger sitting “side-by-side”), some will qualify for the 50-inch wide trail restrictions … however, many do not, including the four- passenger vehicles. Some routes are designated for jeeps and four- wheel drive vehicles which are much heavier than UTVs. And some routes are designated for all wheeled vehicles.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 33 [ Know Before You Go ]
34 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE Dealers & Rentals DEALERS RENTALS
ASHTON DRIGGS Performance Motor Sports Teton Valley Adventures 64 North Highway 20 47 S. Main Street 208-652-7738 208-354-2233 www.pmspolaris.com www.tetonvalleyadventures.com
IDAHO FALLS ISLAND PARK Action Motor Sports High Mountain Adventures 1355 East Lincoln Road 4141 Sawtelle Peak Road 208-522-3050 208-558-9572 www.actionmotor.com www.highmountainadventures.com Bott Yamaha Island Park Adventures 100 Maple Street 3342 North Highway 20 205-522-1700 208-558-7581 www.bottsales.com www.islandparkadventures.com Precision Boats Lakeside Lodge 2199 North Woodruff Avenue 3857 Lakeside Drive 208-529-0520 208-558-9770 www.precision-performance.com www.lakesidelodgeandresort.com
ISLAND PARK Island Park Adventures 3342 North Highway 20 208-558-7581 PERFORMANCE www.islandparkadventures.com SHOPS
REXBURG BoonDocker Rexburg Motor Sports 2379 Heyrend Way, Idaho Falls 1178 University Blvd. 208-542-4411 208-356-4000 www.boondockers.com www.rexburgmotorsports.com MTNTK Performance TERRETON 950 West 4th North, St. Anthony 208-652-0122 Ron’s Tire & Motorsports www.mtntkperformance.com 1432 East 1500 North 208-663-4684 Dad’s Motorsports www.ronstireandmotorsports.com 2323 North Quail No. 4, Idaho Falls 208-522-8286 www.dadsmotorsports.com Jones Motorsports 3145 N. Yellowstone Hwy., Idaho Falls 208-523-8977 www.jonesmotorsports.com Racin’ Station 60 South 1st East, Driggs 208-354-2777 www.theracinstation.com Starting Line Products 746 Iona Road, Idaho Falls 208-529-0244 www.startinglineproducts.com
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 35 Know Before You Go ALTHOUGH MOST TRAILS ARE FOUND ON STATE, BLM AND FOREST SERVICE LANDS, THERE ARE SOME SECTIONS THAT MAY CROSS PRIVATE LANDS. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS OF LAND OWNER RIGHTS AND REMAIN ON DESIGNATED TRAILS.
There will be times when you may encounter REGISTRATIONS gates across the trail. Please close gates as All off-highway vehicles must comply with State marked. Also be aware of cattle grazing and regulations and restrictions. Trail permits are other domestic animals, as well as wildlife, that available at most ATV/UTV dealerships. Please you may encounter on the trail. Most trails will make sure to check your State’s laws before have designated use. Be aware of hiking trails, enjoying OHV routes on public lands. single-track (motorcycle) trails and 50-inch restricted trails. These designated-use routes are under County, State, BLM and Forest Service jurisdictions in order to meet specific land management objectives, to protect resources and to provide public safety.
36 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE [ Know Before You Go ]
TRAIL SAFETY • HELMETS ARE ADVISED. SOME OF THESE TRAILS ARE RUGGED AND TREACHEROUS. Not all roads and trails are available for all types of motorized recreation. Depending • FENCED AREAS MARK SENSITIVE WILDLIFE AND on the jurisdiction of the route, some PLANT HABITAT AND ARE “CLOSED” TO VEHICLE roads allow for cars and trucks, but not off- USE. highway vehicles. And for those designated • ALL VEHICLES MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE for off-highway vehicles, some have other APPROPRIATE STATE AGENCY WHERE REQUIRED. restrictions. It is important that you know where you are going and under what • MOTORCYCLES AND ATVS SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED SPARK ARRESTER AND jurisdiction the route falls before you go. MUFFLER THAT MEETS STATE REGULATED NOISE Here are some tips on how to safely enjoy the STANDARDS. established routes for off-road use: • VEHICLE FLAGS ARE FOR VISIBILITY AND SAFETY. THEY ARE REQUIRED AT THE SAND DUNES AND RECOMMENDED ON ALL TRAILS.
• PLEASE RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY.
• TRAVEL ONLY ON OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE DESIGNATED ROUTES. CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL IS PROHIBITED.
• COMPLY WITH POSTED SIGNS AND BARRIERS, AND LEAVE GATES AS YOU FOUND THEM.
• WILDERNESS AREAS ARE OFF-LIMITS TO ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
• MINIMIZE EROSION BY STAYING ON TRAILS AND NOT CUTTING SWITCHBACKS.
• AVOID RIDING ON SNOW-COVERED ROADS.
• DON’T LITTER. PACK OUT MORE THAN YOUR SHARE.
• BE CONSIDERATE OF HIKERS AND EQUESTRIANS.
• YIELD RIGHT-OF-WAY TO OTHER TRAIL USERS.
• CONTROL YOUR SPEED AT ALL TIMES AND APPROACH TURNS IN ANTICIPATION OF SOMEONE AROUND THE BEND.
• BE PREPARED FOR SUDDEN CHANGES IN WEATHER, PACK RAIN GEAR AND AN EXTRA JACKET.
• DON’T RIDE ALONE.
• CHILDREN UNDER 8 YEARS OF AGE MAY NOT OPERATE ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES OR MOTORCYCLES. AN OPERATOR UNDER 16 MUST HAVE CONSTANT SUPERVISION BY AN ADULT OVER THE AGE OF 18.
• NO PASSENGERS ARE ALLOWED ON ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, UNLESS VEHICLES ARE DESIGNED TO CARRY PASSENGERS.
• OBEY ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS. STATE TRAFFIC LAWS APPLY TO ALL NATIONAL FOREST ROADS.
• PARK ONLY IN DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS.
• DON’T DRINK AND RIDE. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE PROHIBITED ON ALL TRAIL SYSTEMS OR IN RECREATION AREAS.
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 37 [ Know Before You Go ] Medical Resources HOSPITALS/CLINICS ASHTON Ashton Medical Clinic 23 South 8th Street 208-652-3396 www.ashtonmemorial.com/services/ashton- medical-clinic
DRIGGS Teton Valley Hospital 120 East Howard Ave. 208-354-2383 www.tvhcare.org
IDAHO FALLS Air Idaho Rescue Dispatch 800-247-4324 Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center 3100 Channing Way 208-529-6111 https://eirmc.com Idaho Falls Community Hospital 2327 Coronado St. 208-528-1000 www.idahofallscommunityhospital.com Mountain View Hospital 2325 Coronado St. 208-557-2700 www.mountainviewhospital.org
ISLAND PARK Island Park Medical Clinic 3765 US Hwy. 20 208-558-7766 www.ashtonmemorial.com/services/island- park-medical-clinic
JACKSON, WY St. John’s Medical Center 625 E Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 307-733-3636 www.tetonhospital.org
REXBURG Madison Memorial Hospital 450 East Main Street 208-359-6900 www.madisonmemorial.org
WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT Community Health Partners 11 Electric St, West Yellowstone, MT 406-646-9441 *Limited Hours
38 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE [ Know Before You Go ] Eastern Idaho Resources If you’re looking for some great websites to St. Anthony Tourist Information Center find more detailed information about off-trail at Idaho Art Lab 2355 South Yellowstone Hwy., St. Anthony opportunities for motorized vehicles, you may 208-932-0893 want to check out these links. Teton Regional Economic Coalition GENERAL TRAILS MAP FOR IDAHO 60 South Main Street, Driggs www.trails.idaho.gov/ 208-354-2500 www.discovertetonvalley.com IDAHO STATE PARKS & RECREATION www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov Yellowstone Teton Territory FOREST SERVICE 167 West Main Street, Suite 2, Rexburg www.fs.usda.gov 800-634-3246 www.yellowstoneteton.org BLM www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/OHV FEDERAL, STATE VISITOR CENTERS/ GOVERNMENT CHAMBERS OF CONTACTS COMMERCE Caribou-Targhee National Forest Ashton Chamber of Commerce 208-524-7500 www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf 512 Main St., Ashton 208-652-3355 www.ashtonidaho.com Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation 208-334-4199 www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov Eastern Idaho Visitor Information Center 355 River Parkway, Idaho Falls National Park Service 208-523-1010 www.nps.gov Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce 365 River Parkway, Idaho Falls Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov/id 208-523-1010 www.Idahofallschamber.com TRANSPORTATION Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce Island Park Idaho Falls Regional Airport 208-558-7755 2140 North Skyline Dr., Idaho Falls www.islandparkchamber.org 208-612-8221 www.idahofallsidaho.gov/181/airport Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce 167 West Main Street, Suite 2, Rexburg 208-356-5700 LODGING www.rexburgchamber.org There are a wide variety of motels/ Rigby Chamber of Commerce hotels, lodges, cabins, resorts and other Rigby accommodations scattered 208-745-8111 across the region. www.rigbychamber.com Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org and click on the “Lodging” tab. Ririe Community Chamber of Commerce Ririe www.ririechamber.com
St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce 420 North Bridge St. Suite C, St. Anthony 208-624-4870 www.stanthonychamber.com
WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 39 40 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE WWW.YELLOWSTONETETON.ORG | 41 42 | EASTERN IDAHO OFF-ROAD GUIDE