3 minute read
Exhilarating Escapades
Recreation for the Ultimate Venturer
While Southeast Idaho is famous for its Winter sports, spring and summer time make this area the rural, year-round playground for outdoor sport lovers. With a wide array of extreme outdoor activities, adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers can get their fix on some of the best adventure spots available. Whether it’s white water rafting, canoeing, ziplining, or rock climbing, discover the fun you’ve been missing!
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Kayaking Black Canyon Gorge Rapids
Kayak Photos Cody Redmond
Rapids Rodeo
Experts Only! Bring a kayak or river raft and discover Southeast Idaho’s extreme water. Right outside Grace, Black Canyon Gorge is rated Class 5 whitewater— which is appropriate for expert boaters only— during dam releases. Class 5 whitewater is extremely long, obstructed, and has very violent rapids. Eddies exist but may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. An exceptionally reliable Eskimo-roll, proper equipment, experience, and reliable rescue skills are essential. Discover the intense white water at Black Canyon Gorge and remember to check the release schedule and bring your dry-suit!
Shady Side Ross Park Climbing Area
Get A Move On
Don’t be afraid to approach these rockclimbing cliffs. Cliffs for a wide range of skill level are found at Pocatello’s Ross Park climbing area. Right off the main road, Ross Park’s Sunny Side and Shady Side climbing and bouldering areas provide an excellent location for early morning, afternoon, or evening climbing. Sunny Side has short, bolted trad climbs with three to five bolts for leading, and two to four top bolts to create a top-rope anchor. Routes are numbered 1-17a and are rated 5.7 and 5.12.
In the afternoon sun, these basalt rock cliffs get very hot, hence Sunny Side. Move over to Shady Side once the midday sun hits. Shady Side is a popular climbing area because of its family friendly climbing. This climbing wall has 60 marked and rated routes on the 25-30-foot wall. Routes range from 5.6 to 5.12.
Did you know Pocatello is home to the oldest rock-climbing competition in America? Mark your calendars for the Pocatello Pump! This competition has divisions for locals and non-locals. Contestants and spectators come from all over to see and participate in fun rock climbing.
Lava Zipline Adventures
Photo Birgitta Bright
Fly Like the Wind
Sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of Lava Hot Springs from a bird’s-eye view. Lava’s zipline course features thousands of feet of zipping fun! Experience bright, beautiful landscapes while the wind whistles past your ears.
Your trip starts with a ride in their signature big green Army truck from Main St. out to the course. At the course, you and your party will be fitted with zipline harnesses, given proper course etiquette, and safety instructions. The duration of your ziplining adventure from start to finish lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear and bring your camera! There is more than enough scenery to fill your vacation scrapbook.
Canoeing the Snake River
Photo Birgitta Bright
Float On
When the sun is high and all you need is a nice water day to cool off, float the Snake River from Tilden Bridge to McTucker Ponds. This portion of the Snake River is known for its swift current and deep water. It’s a relaxing activity for kayakers and canoers or make it an unforgettable group activity with inflatable rafts and tubes. For fishing enthusiasts, bring your gear and catch some beauties while you float. Once you reach McTucker Ponds, try your luck with trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Run for the Hills
Who said a vacation meant relaxing in a spa or floating around the kiddie pool? For extreme athletes who can’t stand to sit still, prove your endurance with Scout Mountain’s Ultra Trail Race. The race trails meander through miles of luscious Caribou-Targhee National Forest located near Pocatello. You can sign up for three different races: 21, 50, or 100 miles! With thousands of feet of gain and loss, running conditions vary wildly. The race is held during spring, and locals can attest to springtime in Southeast Idaho being quite unpredictable. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at the race so leave your canine friends at home. Ultra Races are extremely demanding, and participants need to be in peak physical condition to participate. However, if extreme is your middle name, don’t hesitate to sign up!
For your next outdoor trip, Southeast Idaho needs to be on your itinerary. Don’t settle when it comes to open-air fun!
