5 minute read

Teton Valley

Teton Valley is without a doubt the best of both worlds: Small town charm and rural roots mixed with endless adventure and outdoor fun that attracts visitors from across the globe. Together, you get one of the most activity-packed, stunning, and welcoming communities in Idaho. You can really do and see it all from the three towns of Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia.

Teton Valley is home to biking for each and every style and preference: mountain biking, gravel grinding, road riding, snow biking—the list goes on! Check out tvtap.org for trail information.

Teton Valley is home to almost any adventure you can dream up. Saddle up for the ski trip of a lifetime in deep, light Teton powder. Find your balance on a stand-up paddleboard, winding down the Teton River. (And be on the lookout for moose and bald eagle sightings!) Biking, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and more; it’s all waiting in Teton Valley. Teton Valley also keeps the calendar packed with nonstop fun year-round. The Downtown Driggs Association is at the helm of a number of local events like the Driggs Plein Air Art Festival, a snow-sculpting competition and jamboree, and a live music series on the City Park stage. Victor rocks the night away eight Thursdays each summer for Music On Main. At these free concerts, thousands flock to Victor City Park to see top talent like Reckless Kelly and Molly Tuttle, enjoy food carts, celebrate the season, and dance with friends and neighbors.

Outdoor Fun For All Seasons

Teton Valley is packed with so much outdoor fun, you will have to make plans to come back again and again to check each activity off your Teton Valley bucket list. All four seasons bring their own special offerings to the mix. Summer is no doubt the sweet season for anglers, bikers, and hikers, but spring and fall are not to be missed offering fewer crowds, vibrant colors, and maybe some spring skiing thrown onto the to-do list.

With endless miles of trails, singletrack, or road routes to choose from no matter the season, bikers are sure to find it all in Teton Valley. On two wheels, hit Big Hole Mountains Forest Service-sanctioned trails. Bike with breathtaking views of the Tetons on Mill Creek or Cold Springs trails in the Teton Range. Explore the Southern Valley Trails, a 66-mile network of beginner and intermediate trails starting at Mike Harris Campground just south of Victor. In the winter, trails are groomed for fat biking and Nordic skiing. At Grand Targhee Resort, explore 2,200 vertical feet of lift-serviced downhill and 70-plus miles of multi-use trails.

Teton Valley has hiking and camping adventures for all levels, from experienced mountaineers looking to reach new heights to enthusiastic families looking for quality time in the wilderness. Take a day trip to Teton Canyon for stunning views in every direction or start at Grand Targhee Resort for access to a plethora of beautiful trails for vibrant flora and fauna. Stop by any local shop like Habitat, Peaked Sports, or Yostmark Mountain Equipment for trail guides and tips from the pros.

Snow lovers flock to Teton Valley during the winter months. The Teton Range is blanketed in a thick layer of light, fluffy powder, and winter recreation is plentiful. Cruise through meadows of groomed cross-country trails that go on for miles and miles. Each winter a devoted group of staff and volunteers from the nonprofit Teton Valley Trails and Pathways grooms multi-use trails in Teton Valley. The newest track at Teton Reserve Golf Course in Victor offers just over four miles of looped track. East of Driggs with stunning views of the Tetons are the Alta trails, which meander for ten kilometers through open farmlands. Teton Canyon is a 13-kilometer out-and-back route through forest in the shadow of the Grand Teton. And you can bring along your dog on the latter two! The Southern Valley Trails located outside of Victor includes Yeti’s Loop Trail, a 3.1 mile loop for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as well as multiuse trails Nemo and Lady Slipper. Shorter loops are also groomed at Sherman Park in Victor and near the high school in Driggs. More info: (208) 201-1622, tvtap.org

Hockey might be just as synonymous with winter life in Teton Valley as skiing and snowboarding. Try your hand skating on ice at Kotler Ice Arena south of Victor, operated by the Teton Valley Foundation. This local hotspot is home to the celebrated Friday Night Ice featuring music and public skating, and weekend hockey tournaments that are a treat for sports fans. Learn more by calling (208) 399-2423 or visit tetonvalleyfoundation.org

Find rentals, outfitters, and guides at Yellowstoneteton.org.

Teton Valley is quickly becoming a destination for more than just outdoor fun. Try delicious restaurants to satisfy nearly all tastes, visit exciting art galleries, and enjoy a calendar of must-see cultural events like Downtown Driggs Association’s Plein Air Festival and the newest edition, the Teton Valley Fall Arts Festival.

ARTS, CULTURE, & FOODIE FAVORITES

From unique dining and eclectic local breweries to celebrated events and festivals, the arts, culture, and dining scene in Teton Valley is worth the trip alone! Dive into the foodie side of the valley with a stop at some of the local favorites. Start by quenching your thirst with a brew from the award-winning Grand Teton Brewing. Located in Victor, the brewery offers tours that let you see how favorites like 208 or Sweetgrass are concocted. On Main Street, enjoy a craft beer or wines by the glass for apres ski or happy hour at the newest hotspot favorite, Refuge Taphouse. Sample local cider and stick around for bingo night at Highpoint Cider off Lupine Lane. Across the valley just north of Driggs, Grand Teton Distillery—where the famous Idaho potato vodka is made—is also open for tours and tastings.

For something a little sweeter, look no further than the valley’s expert milkshake makers for a world-famous—at least in local’s eyes—huckleberry shake. These tart local berries are mixed to perfection with creamy vanilla ice cream for a sweet and tangy treat. Slurp down a huckleberry milkshake or other favorite flavors at Victor Emporium or Driggs’ Corner Drug.

Each of the three towns that make up Teton Valley have their own flair and charm. Stroll Main Street and pop into side streets where freshly baked pastries and fresh-brewed coffee, wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, and more are waiting to satiate your appetite and fuel your adventure.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the vibrant communities in Teton Valley. Downtown Driggs Association keeps the calendar packed with artisan fairs, nationally known plein air events, outdoor concerts, and so much more, all charged with fostering a thriving and vibrant Downtown Driggs. In the summer, catch the First Friday Art Walks that showcase local makers and artists both at the City Center and a variety of local shops throughout town.

Music lovers can take their pick of pickers, players, and singer songwriters to enjoy. The Tetonia Club offers a stacked calendar of local and regional talent. Downtown Sounds outdoor concert series in Driggs keeps the music playing on Main Street throughout the summer and Victor’s Music on Main is a must-see for any summer getaway. Art galleries, a sandhill crane festival, vibrant farmers markets, and more: cultural fun and family fun is never in short supply.