1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 1/11

You are here: Home / Blog / (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho’s Yellowstone Teton Territory

(APPROVED) 3 OUTDOOR WINTER DAYS INEASTERN IDAHO’S YELLOWSTONE TETONTERRITORY

JANUARY 22, 2019 BY EMILY T. — LEAVE A COMMENT (EDIT)

     

     

VISIT ROAD TRIPS MAPS & ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

NATIONAL PARKS THINGS TO DO STORIES ENGLISH

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

Save

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 2/11

A quiet and laid-back winter vacation, that’s also a�ordable and authentic? Yes please! Eastern

Idaho’s Yellowstone Teton Territory o�ers travelers adventure, rest and rejuvenation that won’t

rob their wallets. From skiing the slopes of Kelly Canyon to a low-key ski tour to Upper Mesa Falls,

adventures come in every size. This 3-day loop is recommended for travelers venturing from

Idaho Falls, but can be easily modi�ed for any vacation. 

LODGINGLODGING

There is a range of accommodation options in the towns scattered throughout Eastern Idaho’s

Yellowstone Teton Territory. From quaint bed and breakfasts and inns, to luxurious lodges and

chain hotels–there are o�erings for every budget and taste.

DININGDINING

The restaurants throughout Eastern Idaho really showcase their local �air. I was quite impressed

with the quality of food and diversity of options. From the �avorful pies served up at the Heise

Pizza Parlor, to the authentic and �avorful servings at Chiang Mai Thai in Victor, never a dull �avor

on this road trip!

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 3/11

ACTIVITIES – FIRST DAYACTIVITIES – FIRST DAY

HIT THE SLOPES

Finally, a ski resort where lift tickets cost less than $50! Kelly Canyon Ski Resort not only o�ers

a�ordable tickets, but also 51 ski runs lit until 9:30pm. Mountain runs suit all skill levels with a

terrain park for those working on their �ips and tricks. Note: the resort is closed on Sundays.

For travelers who prefer two wheels over 2 skis, try fat biking at Kelly Canyon! The expansive trail

system welcomes bikers for a slight fee, and even rent bikes for those traveling without their own.

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 4/11

…OR SLED DOWN THE SLOPES

Rent a tube and ride the tow lift at 7N Ranch in Ririe. This approachable hill is great fun for all

ages!

SOAK IN THE SPRINGS

Only 7 minutes down the road from the ski resort is Heise Hot Springs–the perfect place to relax

after an adventurous day in the snow. Also located on the Heise compound is the Heise Pizza

Parlor–a favorite place for locals and travelers alike.

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 5/11

ACTIVITIES – SECOND DAYACTIVITIES – SECOND DAY

VENTURE TO VICTOR

The hour drive between Ririe and Victor, Idaho o�ers some of the most scenic views in the state.

Along the way, take the worthy detour to Fall Creek Falls, a picturesque 60′ cascade plummeting

into the Snake River. The ice formations on the falls in the winter are spectacular!

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 6/11

Once you land in Victor, check into your accommodation for the evening, as this little town packs

in a lot of great traveler amenities. There is an array of bed and breakfast style inns to choose

from, and several tasty restaurants also.

TARGHEE

Cross-country/skate skiing in Teton Canyon, typically a lot of snowfall (keep your skis on!), fat-

biking

VIEW WILDLIFE 

The breathtaking 40 minute drive between Victor, Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming ventures over

Teton Pass. Though the highway stays open year-round, it’s not uncommon to see snow drifts

taller than vehicles on the side of the road. Just beyond the town of Jackson, sits the National Elk

Refuge. Winter is actually the best time of year for wildlife viewing in the refuge, and there are

multiple roads–each with unique vantage points. Another popular and festive way to enjoy the

refuge is from the comfort of a sleigh.

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 7/11

In the evening, swing by the Knotty Pine to mingle with the locals and enjoy a range of music–

from regional acts to major shows. For a more unique activity, give axe-throwing a whirl at West

Side Yard (21+ crowd only).

ACTIVITIES – THIRD DAYACTIVITIES – THIRD DAY

GET OUTSIDE IN ISLAND PARK

Some of the best powder and groomed trails for snowmobiling in the state lie in Island Park,

about an hour north of Victor. There is no shortage of scenic landscapes along the way, and

hundreds of miles of backcountry to explore! Our pick of trails is the Two Top Mountain and

Meadow Creek Loop for its ease of access and dramatic mountain views. Choose from one of

the out�tters in the area, o�ering machine rentals, guides and complete tours.

Since you’re already playing in the Island Park area, make sure you swing by the Lakeside Lodge

in the evening to view their spectacular holiday lights display!

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT

1/22/2019 (APPROVED) 3 Outdoor Winter Days in Eastern Idaho's Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit USA Parks

https://visitusaparks.com/?p=5511&preview_id=5511&preview_nonce=66e096c6fe&post_format=standard&_thumbnail_id=5668&preview=true 8/11

…OR GET OUTSIDE IN CARIBOU-TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST

Within Caribou-Targhee National Forest, there’s a huge range of winter activities: from

snowmobiling to snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or even fat biking. There is an ample

selection of trails available for all modes of recreation. One of the most scenic destinations in the

area is Upper Mesa Falls. While this place is bustling during the summer months, the main road

closes in the wintertime with fewer people actually making it all the way to the falls. Snowmobiles,

nordic skiers, and fat-bikers can have an adventure heading out to the falls, which still rumble

under all of the ice throughout the winter. Check the Mesa Falls Visitor’s Center hours, and enjoy

some warming hot cocoa while they’re open.

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. My settings ACCEPT