Whoever you are and whatever you want to do, you’ll never run out of ways to explore Teton Valley. From an action-packed adventure to a scenic, slow horseback ride, there’s something for everyone.
Located along the slopes of the Teton Mountain Range, straddling the borders of Idaho and Wyoming, the Teton Valley sits close to the Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park: an expansive area, covering 310,000 acres of pure haven for adventurous and prudent travelers alike.
The great wilderness that forms part of this area is lined with mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls – perfect for tourists who like to explore the great outdoors through hiking, biking, skiing and fishing. The park offers breath-taking views of amazing landmass and water forms brimming with wildlife – the bald eagle, black bears, cougars, wolverines and grizzly bears, to name a few.
Check out Teton Valley Vacation Rentals to see where you can relax and unwind after an enjoyable outdoor activity. Whether you prefer a rustic cabin or a five-star, private bedroom for you and your family, there’s something for you.
Six things you should do when in Teton Valley
US tourism was greatly impacted by the pandemic due to travel restrictions and lockdowns. Fortunately, tourists and business travelers are trying to turn the situation around. Make Teton Valley your first post-lockdown travel destination, and gain access to the following activities:
1. Lace up your boots and hit the trails
Hiking is not for everyone. But in Teton Valley and the nearby Grand Teton Park, you can choose from short and long lake trails traversing the forest, mountain, river and lakes.
If you’ve got enough time to spare, check out these famous hiking trails in the Teton Valley:
Palisades Creek Trail. This track is surrounded by Idaho falls in the southeast and Jackson Hole, part of Wyoming state, in Swan Valley. The 6-mile trail leads you to the Upper Palisades Lake, which offers jaw-dropping views of the mountains that form part of the Snake River Range.
Big Elk Creek Trail: This trail offers exceptional views of flower-filled meadows, and wildlife such as the black bear, elk, moose and mountain goat populate the area. This trail connects through a network of tracks that form part of the Snake River Range.
Taggart Lake Trail: This is one of the most visited trails, as it’s perfect for expert hikers and beginners alike. This path only stretches for 3.3 miles. If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can proceed to Bradley Lake, which will take roughly three more miles.
Lakeshore Trail: This trail offers a view of the other site of Grand Teton National Park. It’s typically accessed via Colter Bay and Jackson Lake. By hitting this trail, you’ll see the best of both worlds: the serene lake and the stunning mountain view.
2. Wear your gear and mount your bike
If you’d rather go biking than hiking, there are many things for you at Teton Valley. You don’t even need to take your bike with you, as rental shops dot the area. You can either walk right in or reserve your bike earlier online.
So, saddle up and ride through the most popular trails for mountain biking in Teton Valley:
Aspen Trail: This trail provides the best views of Teton Valley, and accommodates newbie bikers as it’s quite easy to traverse.
Horseshoe Canyon: Because it’s composed of a network of trails, it can be quite confusing to traverse Horseshoe Canyon; we suggest that you pay for a guided tour, or make sure that you’re with someone who’s taken the trail before. You don’t want to get lost in the maze.
Rick’s Basin: This loop ride takes approximately an hour to complete and is very accessible, making it one of the more popular trails. It offers a breath-taking view of the valley.
Targhee Downhill Network: Kids and novice bikers will love this highly accessible trail. Bike rentals are lined up at the mountain base.
3. Saddle up and go horseback-riding
Horseback riding is perfect for travelers with small kids, or those who prefer to stay on the safe side while enjoying the sights.
Linn Canyon Ranch: This is perhaps one of the most famous areas for horseback-riding in Teton Valley; it offers a wholesome, outdoorsy feel for families.
Grand Teton and Jackson Hole Horseback Riding and Hunting: They offer exclusive group bookings that take your team to a unique and remote hourly trail around the Jackson Hole area. The horseback tour includes wildlife views, creek crossings and flower-laden trails all around Teton Valley; make sure you don’t miss out!
Teton Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a wholesome and educational wilderness exploration with Teton Outdoor Adventurers, a perfect option for tourists taking their kids and family members along.
4. Prepare your bait and go fishing
Fly fishing is one of the major attractions in Teton Valley. The area is said to be the best location for this activity. Its nearby Snake River is teeming with trout.
Below are the most popular places to fish within or near Treton Valley:
Teton River: Over 75 miles long, the Teton River is a great destination for anglers who love fly-fishing with a view. The river houses several species of fish, and accommodates adventurous tourists with white water rafting.
Henry’s Fork of the Snake River: This area stretches for about 150 miles, and gives you an amazing view of the valley. It’s the country’s top destination for fly-fishing, but its’s also one of the most challenging trout streams, so don’t go by yourself if it’s your first time.
South Fork of the Snake River: Trout and other fish are plentiful in this area, which is said to house over 5,000 species of fish for every mile. It also boasts picture-perfect river terrain, which extends for over 60 miles.
5. Go on and chase waterfalls, or explore the lakes
Teton Valley and its nearby Park boast about more than majestic land masses. They’re teeming with water formations, too. Whether you want a rapid waterfall or a peaceful lake, you should take a quick visit to each of the following destinations.
Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The Upper Mesa Falls features a spectacular drop from several hundreds of feet, as tall as a 10-story building. Located below it is the equally amazing Lower Mesa Falls. To view it in all its glory, it’s best to visit in the summer. In the winter, it can only be accessed with snow mobiles and skis, and only for a limited time-period.
Hidden Falls. Concealed in the thick forests of Teton National Park, the Hidden Falls is one of the top tourist attractions in the area. This is understandably due to its 200-foot cascade drop, 80-feet of which is truly mesmerizing. Hidden Falls is – ironically – the most accessible waterfall in the Park, via Jenny Lake loop Trail or by boat.
Most of the destinations in the area are best for summer visits, even if most are open all year-long. Hidden falls is only accessible in the summer months.
Jenny Lake: Located in the foothills of the Teton mountain range, Jenny Lake is at the heart of Teton National Park. Its clear-blue, serene waters serve as the primary access to several points of interest, including Inspiration Point, Hidden Falls and Cascade Canyon.
Phelps Lake: Tourists won’t run out of things to do in Phelps Lake. Located within Grand Teton National Park, you can do anything from setting up a picnic to trying your hand at fishing. To truly enjoy the sights, it’s recommended that you take the Phelps Lake Loop or the Phelps Lake Overlook.
6. Put the pedal to the metal and enjoy the sights
If you’re not into hiking, or don’t have enough time to spare, hop in your car and just go for a drive through the area. It’s better to go in the morning if you want the really spectacular views.
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway: Almost thirty miles of road leading straight to the Targhee National Forest, and running all the way out to the Island Park area. Get ready to stop at major attractions such as Upper Mesa Falls, Lower Mesa Falls and Harriman State Park.
Teton Scenic Byway: Start your scenic drive via Idaho 31 at Swan Valley. This road is almost 69 miles of abundant flora, fauna and wildlife. It’s best to visit during the spring; you have to be super careful in the winter, as there’s a good chance the road will be covered with snow.
This route offers majestic views of the Teton Mountains, Ashton to Tetonia Trail, Targhee National Forest, Teton Geo-Tourism Center in Driggs town and the famous Grand Targhee Ski Resort.
Teton Park Road: This 20-mile stretch offers a picturesque view of the mountain ranges, and takes at least 30 minutes. That is, if you can resist the constant urge to stop and take pictures.
Antelope Flats Road: Aside from the majestic mountain views, get ready to be surprised by the rich wildlife along the way. You’ll pass by the Mormon Row and the Gros Ventre Mountains.
Signal Mountain: This area is very peaceful and serene, a great place to relax before jumping into your outdoor adventures.
Other locations such as Snake River Overlook, Togwotee Overlook and Big Kahuna River Overlook likewise offer some amazing views of the Grand Teton Mountains.
Final thoughts
Whoever you are and whatever you want to do, you’ll never run out of ways to explore Teton Valley. From an action-packed adventure to a scenic, slow horseback ride, there’s something for everyone; whether you’re a world-traveler longing for an adrenaline rush, or a tourist happy to be amazed by natural wonders, Teton Valley is the place to be.
