Eastern Idaho OFF-ROAD Guide

OFF-ROAD

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.

AAs 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 experiencing 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 firsthand the thrill of exploring the backcountry and dirt roads that offer access to the hidden treasures of eastern Idaho.

Island Park

RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE

AAt the northern most area of eastern Idaho, Island Park represents the recreational hub of the Targhee National Forest. Long known for the outstanding winter 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 TO KNOW

The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River features some of the West’s best fly fishing. There are also great fishing opportunities in Henry’s Lake and Island Park Reservoir. But if you’re not in to fishing, the ORV trails will allow you to check out the scenic beauty unique to Island Park.

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 200acre Elk Lake — one of our favorite high country waters. It’s full of trout, grayling and mountain whitefish.

BIG SPRINGS LOOP

SHORT AND SCENIC. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

Coming out of Island Park Village, the Big Springs Loop is a popular attraction for tourists and features a 10-mile loop that goes from Macks Inn to Big Springs and back to Island Park Village (about a mile north of Macks Inn on Highway 20).

Although this loop is popular to automobiles, there are a bunch of connecting trails, including the Railroad Right-of-way Trail, that allows 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.

RED ROCK ROAD

BPA ACCESS TRAIL

BIG SPRINGS LOOP

SAWTELL PEAK ROAD

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.

SAWTELL PEAK ROAD

SCENIC OVERLOOKS. EASY RIDE.

Ready for a winding tour to the top of the forest? Head west from Island Park Village onto Sawtell Peak Road. This is a popular route for the ORV crowd since it climbs its way to the top of Sawtell Peak, elevation 9,900 feet. From the top of Sawtell you can look in all directions with spectacular vistas, and also get a closeup view of the FAA long-range radar installation. Don’t forget your coat!

The 10-mile road is only accessible to the public when the snow melts enough to make the road safe and passable. The East Sawtell Trail (FS 455) gives you limited access to the base of the mountain. Or you can go south on the Stamp Meadows Road (FS 052) which will work its way over to the Yale Creek Road where you can access the Island Park Reservoir system or continue traveling west to Kilgore and the Dubois trail system.

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.

Ashton

HHead 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 where 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 view of the Upper Snake River Valley. This trail system allows easy access to Island Park, St. Anthony and the Teton Basin trails.

TRAIL TIP

Since the snow starts to stack deep in this area in November and stays on the ground until late May, the best riding time is from June to October.

MORE TO KNOW

Ashton represents the junction of two Scenic Byways—the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and the Teton Scenic Byway. There are great fishing and hunting opportunities throughout the area.

Elevation

6,600-8,000

Full-Service Town

Ashton

Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (60 miles)

Information

Yellowstone/ Teton Territory

800-634-3246

Ashton Chamber of Commerce

208-652-3355

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

MORE OPTIONS

• Frostop Drive-in

• Ashton Family Restaurant

• Big Jud’s

• Trails Inn Restaurant

• 511 Main Fountain & Pizzeria

BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL

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. It runs about 18 miles from the Hidden Reservoir Trail (5 miles long) on 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.

The trail opens for motorized use around mid-June and closes at the end of August. It’s a simple loop through varied terrain, and is suitable for intermediate riders. For non-motorized use the trail is open year-round. The easiest access is off Highway 20 at the Rattlesnake Road 344.

BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL

S. ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE

BIG SPRINGS LOOP JACKPINE

SAWTELL PEAK ROAD

/ PINOCHLE LOOP

RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY

MAJESTIC RIVER VIEWS. EASY-INTERMEDIATE.

The Railroad Right-of-way trail begins at Warm River Campground south of Ashton on Highway 47 and ends at Reas Pass. The trail takes you right into the heart of the Island Park trail system. The trail follows an old railroad grade and travels through a railroad tunnel along its way.

Warm River can be viewed for several miles from the trail. The trail has a 50-inch width restriction and intersects with various forest service 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 Gulch BPA North Trail that parallels the Railroad Right-of-way trail.

BITCH CREEK TRAIL

MULTIPLE ACCESS POINTS. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

The Bitch Creek Trail is located on the eastern side of the Ranger District and covers the area between the Winegar Hole Wilderness and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (so pay attention to Forest Service signage). 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 wildflowers abound throughout the high-elevation flats. You’ll find great scenery all around.

From Squirrel Meadows to Earnest Lake the trail is designated for 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.

Dubois Via Idaho Falls

EXIT I-15, ENTER WIDE-OPEN SPACES

AAs 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 mainly 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, the Opal mines near Spencer are considered the Opal Capital of America. Visit www.spenceropalmines.com for details.

Elevation 5,200-8,000

Full-Service Town Dubois

Nearest Airport Idaho Falls (50 miles)

Information

Yellowstone/ Teton Territory 800-634-3246

ALEX DRAW TO MCGARY CANYON TRAIL

LOTS OF SIDE TRAILS. SUITABLE 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 or you can continue on the road to the Middle-Threemile 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, eventually coming out on Antelope Valley Road. It also connects to the Goldmine 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.

STODDARD CREEK TRAIL

FISHING ACCESS. BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE.

Want to mix up your ride with a little high-mountain hook, line and sinker? Pack an ultra-light rod and head just north of Spencer off 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.

The trail eventually takes you to the Pleasant Valley Trail and over to Swampy Draw. It features a designated width restriction of 50 inches.

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.

You can also access the Picnic Ridge Trail that begins at FS road 10636 and ends at FS trail 1123.

Kilgore BPA LINE TRAIL

BALDY KNOLL TRAIL ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK

FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL

RED

SAND

ROAD TRAIL

CREEK ROAD TRAIL

DUNES

BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL

S. ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE

RED ROCK ROAD BPA ACCESS TRAIL

BIG

SPRINGS LOOP

SAWTELL PEAK ROAD

MORE EATS • Fong’s

JACKPINE / PINOCHLE LOOP HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL

DISCOVER “THE BIG HOLES” AREA

TThe 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 Fork 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

One of Idaho’s best kept secrets is Heise Hot Springs and 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 UniversityIdaho and offers big city accommodations for a midsized Idaho town.

EATS Fong’s Cafe

FISH CREEK/MOODY TRAIL

ROLLING FIELDS INTO FOREST. EASY RIDE.

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.

The North Moody Road (FS 258) will get you over to Upper Farnes Road (FS 256) and then over to the Upper Farnes and Lower Farnes Trails near Sawmill Gulch.

The top end of the North Moody Trail ties back into the northern end of Kelly Canyon Road.

KELLY CANYON

GREAT VIEWS OF THE VALLEY. INTERMEDIATE TO CHALLENGING.

Just east of Heise, where the Heise road splits and the South Fork Snake Road follows the river, Kelly Canyon Road starts to make its climb into the Big 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.

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

GREAT VIEWS ALONG THE RIVER. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

Along the west side of the Snake River just east of Heise, the South Fork Snake Road offers access to multiple trailheads for up to 50-inch ATV trails. The road runs about 15 miles to the east, paralleling the Snake River.

The first trail along the route is the Stinking Springs Trail which winds its way about four miles to the northeast before connecting to Leaning Fir Trail. This trail heads east for three miles before connecting into the Table Rock Canyon Trail (FS 217).

Table Rock Canyon trail connects South Fork Snake Road to Kelly Canyon Road. Just east of the Table Rock Canyon trail is Wolverine Creek Trail, which goes north from the Snake River and can either loop back down on the Morning Glory Mind Trail or take the Cold Springs Trail west to Lookout Mountain.

On the far east end of the South Fork Snake Road is the Blacks Canyon Trail (FS 074). This trail ends about three miles up (and a singletrack trail continues north).

PINEY PASS TRAIL

GATEWAY TO THOUSAND SPRINGS. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE

Just before you enter Teton Basin on Highway 31 near Pine Creek Pass, on the far east end of the Big Holes, you can access Piney Pass Trail (FS 077) that will take you back into Thousand Springs.

This beautiful 12-mile winding trail is actually in Bonneville County just north of Swan Valley. However, it leads back into Madison County and the Big Hole trail system. Due to the terrain and 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.

RELAY RIDGE

VARIED TERRAIN. EASY RIDE WITH GREAT VIEW OF THE TETONS.

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 elevation and the road becomes the Relay Ridge Trail.

The first trail you will come to is the Graham Springs Trail (FS 20) which heads back to the west and connects to a single-track trailhead. Farther up Relay Ridge you come to the Grandview Trail (FS 208) which will take you north where you can either continue down to Highway 33 or go into Teton Basin to Packsaddle Lake.

However, if you continue on Relay Ridge Trail, you will eventually reach Ryan Peak at the top where you can look to the west into the Upper Snake River Valley or to the east into Teton Basin and a great view of the Tetons. To continue the loop, take the Kirkham Trail (FS 233) back west and it will wind down to Kirkham Hollow and eventually to the upper end of the Canyon Creek Road.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes

MOUNTAINS

OF SAND

CREATE UNIQUE RIDING EXPERIENCE

TThis 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 having more than its share of wind, the terrain is everchanging 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 10,600acre 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.

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 ROAD 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.

If you continue north on Red Road you will come to Eighteen Mile, that connects you to the Lost Gold Trails Loop. The farther north you go, the closer you get to all the Island Park trails that are west of Island Park Reservoir.

RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY

BITCH CREEK TRAIL RED ROAD TRAIL

HANSON BASIN TRAIL

SAND CREEK ROAD TRAIL SAND DUNES

BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL

TO MCGARY TRAIL

TRAIL

BPA ACCESS TRAIL

BIG SPRINGS LOOP

SAWTELL PEAK ROAD

JACKPINE / PINOCHLE LOOP

SAND CREEK ROAD TRAIL

EASY ACCESS FROM ST. ANTHONY. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

Just east of St. Anthony, the Sand Creek Road heads north toward Blue Creek Reservoir and Hidden Reservoir. Along the route there are numerous access roads which allow you to tie into other county and BLM dirt roads which make for some good riding.

The farther north you travel, the higher the elevation until you climb into the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District of the Targhee National Forest. Eventually you can connect to the Fir Trail, part of the Antelope trail system in Island Park.

HANSON BASIN TRAIL

SCENIC RIDE ON WIDE TERRAIN. EASY.

Skirting the northern side of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Hanson Basin Trail features a jeep trail (FS 2220) that offers a scenic route through sagebrush and lava rocks.

Like most trails in this area, Hanson Basin connects with other BLM and county roads. To the northeast you can work your way over to Siddoway Sheep Road.

Swan Valley

FROM BONE TO ALPINE, SCENIC TERRAIN AND GREAT RIDING

EEast of Swan Valley there are countless county, BLM and Forest Service roads that access the Palisades area. Although 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

Since there is a lot of livestock throughout the area, you will occasionally come across closed gates along designated routes. Rule of thumb is that if the gate is closed, close it behind you when you pass through. If it is open, leave it open. Some routes will dead-end at private property lines. Please respect posted areas and No Trespassing signs.

MORE TO KNOW

In the late 1800s Caribou Jack discovered gold on Caribou Mountain in Eastern Idaho. Soon, about 1,500 residents occupied Caribou City, many were Chinese miners, climbing all over the mountains in search of instant riches. Now, over a century later, the gold is gone, the remnants of the city is a ghost town, and the terrain looks much like it did when Caribou Jack first wandered up McCoy Creek to seek his fortune.

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.

TOP TRAILS | SWAN VALLEY

BEAR CREEK/JENSEN CREEK

LONG LOOPS WITH LOTS OF CREEKS. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

Starting at the trailhead/parking area just off Highway 26 at the 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.

Eventually you can head back north up Skyline Ridge Road 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

GREAT CLIMB UP TO SCENIC VIEWS. ALL SKILL LEVELS. 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 Porcupine Creek Trail back to the Fall Creek Road.

Or you can head southwest along the Blacktail Canyon Trail where you can connect with the Nelson Trail that takes you west toward Antelope Creek or head south to the Indian Fork Connector.

ECHO CANYON/INDIAN CREEK

LOTS OF TWISTS AND TURNS. INTERMEDIATE TO CHALLENGING.

Starting at the Fall Creek Road just off of Highway 26 near the Snake River bridge, the Echo Canyon trailhead climbs is way 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 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 Creek Road when it connects the South Fork Fall Creek Trail. This trail carries a 50-inch width restriction usage.

Elevation changes are light to moderate.

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.

Madison

PINEY PASS

BPA LINE TRAIL

BALDY KNOLL TRAIL

BEAR CREEK / JENSEN CREEK

ECHO CANYON / INDIAN CREEK

FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL

RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY

BITCH CREEK TRAIL

RED ROAD TRAIL

SAND CREEK ROAD TRAIL DUNES

BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL

S. ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE

KELLY CANYON SOUTH FORK SNAKE ROAD

BLACKTAIL CANYON TRAIL KEPPS CROSSING

RELAY RIDGE

JACKPINE / PINOCHLE LOOP HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL

Teton Valley

GREAT TRAILS MAKE FOR THE BEST VIEWS

LLocated on the western slope of the Teton Mountain Range, the Teton Basin represents a quaint farming/ ranching 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.

TOP TRAILS | TETON VALLEY

BALDY KNOLL TRAIL

SHORT RIDE INTO THE WILDS. SUITABLE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS.

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 you east and ends at the boundary of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness.

Kilgore

The trail starts at the mouth of Darby Canyon and is only 2.5 miles long. There are other BLM trails available in the area that skirt the mountain and can get you access to the Pinnacle Trail (FS 912) and Spring Creek Trail (FS 032).

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 large ATV trail that follows a powerline at the Southern end of Teton Valley, running east to west and extending about 8 miles along the lower portion of the mountains.

The east access is just off Highway 33 at Mike Harris Creek. It will take you through Nordell Canyon and Smith Canyon before reaching Blanchard Ridge. The Western end of the trail combines with the Woods Canyon 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 recreation.

The west end of the trail goes back to Highway 31 just north of Pine Creek Pass.

HORSESHOE/PACKSADDLE TRAIL

VARIED TERRAIN WITH MIXED USE. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

On the west side of the Teton 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).

The trail system will take you to Packsaddle Lake (FS 381) and Packsaddle 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 restriction signage.

Trails heading west up the mountain will tie you into the Big Holes trail system in Madison county. Trails heading north will take you back to Highway 33.

JACKPINE/PINOCHLE LOOP

CONVENIENT ACCESS FROM HIGHWAY 32. EASY TO INTERMEDIATE.

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 and reconnects to Highway 32 about 3.5 miles to the north.

This loop is accessible to all wheeled vehicles. On the eastern edge of the loop you can turn back south on the South Jackpine road (FS 254) and head over to Indian Meadows. Or you can take the Steep Creek Trail (FS 255) or the Rammell Mountain Trail (267) back to the west.

On the north edge of the Jackpine/Pinochle Loop you can access the Briggs Cabin Trail (FS 809) which goes east five miles to the edge of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness.

Madison

TRAIL

BALDY KNOLL TRAIL

FISH CREEK / MOODY TRAIL

BIG BEND RIDGE TRAIL

S. ANTELOPE / N. ANTELOPE

RELAY RIDGE

JACKPINE / PINOCHLE LOOP

HORSESHOE / PACKSADDLE TRAIL

RIDING AREA

NATIONAL FORESTS AIRPORTS

SKI AREAS

POINTS OF INTEREST

LODGING

Eastern Idaho yellowstoneteton.org

To plan your trip, visit: www.yellowstoneteton.org

For an interactive map with ATV trails visit: www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/atv-motorbike

Grab a Bite

GREAT DINING IS CLOSE TO GREAT RIDING.

Off-roaders like to eat. It’s just that simple. And often when we go riding, we’re out on the trails from mid-morning until late in the afternoon.

When it comes to restaurants, every town or city in Yellowstone Teton Territory has a solid list of places to eat. That’s great if you choose to have that big meal before you start your ride or wait until the end of the day, after you’ve gotten cleaned up, to chow down.

But let us offer some other suggestions depending on where you choose to go riding.

If you head north toward Island Park & Ashton, one of our favorite stops is at Frostop Drive in or Dave’s Jubilee Market on Highway 20 in Ashton. Although it is mostly a supermarket, its deli has a broad assortment of dishes, including fried chicken, that we like to pick up for our lunch on the trail. You’ll also find a selection of

delicious ice cream flavors from eastern Idaho creameries Reed’s Dairy, Farr’s Ice Cream and Manwaring Cheese in Idaho Falls.

Since Island Park is such a popular destination in the Yellowstone Teton Territory, there are several other restaurants we frequent during the course of the winter. Connie’s, at Island Park Village, tends to be your good old-fashioned restaurant that offers lunch and dinner … and is a good place to get out of the snow and relax. Or you can hit the Lakeside Lodge & Resort that offers the best burgers and bar menu around. Stick around for live music on weekends.

If you’re looking for something a little different, Café Sabor has some of the best Mexican food anywhere. And if you want something fancy, the Lodgepole Grill at The Pines at Island Park is a great place.

Now if you’re heading east to ride, although the country is more remote and accommodations are few and far between, there are some restaurants

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that are worth going a little out of your way to try out.

First, if you’re riding the Big Holes trail system you have to swing by Heise Hot Springs and try Heise Pizza. Not only does the menu include world famous pizza, but also has salads and sandwiches to please any taste bud. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, stop into Big Hole Barbecue in Victor.

A little farther east along Highway 26, in the Swan Valley area, the Snake River Roadhouse features soups, salads and burgers. It also has some signature dishes that include pizza, pastas, salmon and steak.

Even farther east at Alpine, WY, the Flying Saddle Resort features a steakhouse that offers a first-class dining experience. So whether you visit our trails to the north or to the east, there are some great places to satisfy any appetite after a long day of riding.

Pick Your Toy

WITH VARIOUS TRAIL RESTRICTIONS, YOU ARE SOMEWHAT LIMITED TO WHERE YOU CAN GO DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF TRANSPORTATION.

For example, it you choose to walk, you can obviously go about anywhere. If you choose to travel via motorcycle (single-track), you are prohibited from hiking trails but you can access all other trails.

If you travel via ATV (four-wheeler), most all will qualify for the 50-inch trail restricted routes and other designated motorized routes. However, you are not allowed to ride on singletrack or hiking trails. If you chose a sideby-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 fourpassenger vehicles.

Some routes are designated for jeeps and fourwheel drive vehicles which are much heavier than UTVs. And some routes are designated for all wheeled vehicles.

So depending on your particular needs (size and age of family), you may find that certain vehicles will make more sense … but will also come with more restrictions on where you can ride.

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 gates across the trail. Please close gates as marked. Also be aware of cattle grazing and other domestic animals, as well as wildlife, that you may encounter on the trail. Most trails will have designated use. Be aware of hiking trails, 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.

REGISTRATIONS

All off-highway vehicles must comply with State regulations and restrictions. Trail permits are available at most ATV/UTV dealerships. Please make sure to check your State’s laws before enjoying OHV routes on public lands.

• HELMETS ARE ADVISED. SOME OF THESE TRAILS ARE RUGGED AND TREACHEROUS.

• FENCED AREAS MARK SENSITIVE WILDLIFE AND PLANT HABITAT AND ARE “CLOSED” TO VEHICLE USE.

• ALL VEHICLES MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE APPROPRIATE STATE AGENCY WHERE REQUIRED.

• MOTORCYCLES AND ATVS SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH AN APPROVED SPARK ARRESTER AND MUFFLER THAT MEETS STATE REGULATED NOISE STANDARDS.

• 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.

Medical Resources

HOSPITALS/CLINICS

ASHTON

Ashton Medical Clinic

23 South 8th Street

208-652-3396

www.ashtonmemorial.com/services/ashtonmedical-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/islandpark-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

If you’re looking for some great websites to find more detailed information about off-trail opportunities for motorized vehicles, you may want to check out these links.

GENERAL TRAILS MAP FOR IDAHO

www.trails.idaho.gov/

IDAHO STATE PARKS & RECREATION

www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

FOREST SERVICE

www.fs.usda.gov

BLM www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/OHV

VISITOR CENTERS/ CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Ashton Chamber of Commerce 512 Main St., Ashton 208-652-3355

www.ashtonidaho.com

Eastern Idaho Visitor Information Center 355 River Parkway, Idaho Falls 208-523-1010

Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce 365 River Parkway, Idaho Falls 208-523-1010

www.Idahofallschamber.com

Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce Island Park 208-558-7755

www.islandparkchamber.org

Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce 167 West Main Street, Suite 2, Rexburg 208-356-5700

www.rexburgchamber.org

Rigby Chamber of Commerce Rigby 208-745-8111

www.rigbychamber.com

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

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St. Anthony Tourist Information Center at Idaho Art Lab

2355 South Yellowstone Hwy., St. Anthony 208-932-0893

Teton Regional Economic Coalition 60 South Main Street, Driggs 208-354-2500

www.discovertetonvalley.com

Yellowstone Teton Territory 167 West Main Street, Suite 2, Rexburg 800-634-3246

www.yellowstoneteton.org

FEDERAL, STATE GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

Caribou-Targhee National Forest 208-524-7500

www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation 208-334-4199

www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

National Park Service www.nps.gov

Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov/id

TRANSPORTATION

Idaho Falls Regional Airport 2140 North Skyline Dr., Idaho Falls 208-612-8221

www.idahofallsidaho.gov/181/airport

LODGING

There are a wide variety of motels/ hotels, lodges, cabins, resorts and other accommodations scattered across the region.

Visit www.yellowstoneteton.org and click on the “Lodging” tab.