6 Amazing Places on the Other Side of the Tetons
Idaho Falls
Visitor enjoying the Greenbelt Trail on the Snake River in Idaho Falls
iStock
Why Stop? Stroll the Greenbelt along the Snake River, which is home to shops, breweries, a weekend farmer’s market and even a Japanese garden.
Local Tip: The event of the summer is the Mountain Brewers Fest, the biggest craft beer festival in the area, June 6, 2020.
Learn more: 4 Idaho Falls Secrets to a Fantastic Yellowstone Area Vacation
Island Park
The remaining bed of the old railroad tracks through Island Park are now a favorite spot for recreation
Photo by Russ Taylor via Flickr
Why Stop? This mountain town is home to some of Idaho’s best ATVing. High Mountain Adventures rents ATVs and offers guided tours of the surrounding wilderness.
Local Tip: After a day of adventure, stop in at Connie’s Restaurant & Saloon at 4130 Quakie Lane for Idaho’s best fried green beans.
Learn more: 5 Things to Do in Island Park
Teton Valley
Scenic chairlift at Grand Targhee Resort
Courtesy Grand Targhee Resort
Why Stop? The world-class Grand Targhee Resort is just as beautiful in the summer as it is in winter. Ride the chairlift up and mountain bike or hike down.
Local Tip: For a picture-worthy hike, hit the Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail, 5.4 miles roundtrip culminating in a gorgeous cave with a waterfall.
Learn more: Grand Targhee Resort on the West Side of the Tetons
St. Anthony
Two ATVs ride down a slope at Idaho's St. Anthony Sand Dunes
BLM
Why Stop? The St. Anthony Sand Dunes are famous for their wild beauty. With two separate areas, you can rent a motorized vehicle if you’re interested in thrills or a sand board if you prefer quiet.
Local Tip: Don’t miss Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg.
Swan Valley
Rafting past Fall Creek Falls
BLM/Bob Wick
Why Stop? The best way to explore Swan Valley is by raft or paddleboard. Float down the south fork of the Snake River past Fall Creek Falls, a hidden gem offering beautiful views.
Local Tip: At the end of a long day on the river, Rainy Creek Store is the place to stop. The store’s square ice cream, with a malt ball in the bottom of the cone, has lines forming out the doors.
Ririe
Aerial view of Ririe Reservoir
Flickr/Steven Janke
Why Stop? Heise Hot Springs, situated on the beautiful Snake River, offers natural mineral pools, camping and even ziplining.
Local Tip: On Friday and Saturday evenings, head to the Mountain River Ranch’s dinner theatre for a truly western evening starting with a shootout and a horse drawn wagon ride and ending with a barbeque dinner and show. An unforgettable experience.
Learn more about Yellowstone Teton Territory at yellowstoneteton.org.
