Hi adventure fam! I’m sure you have heard of The Grand Tetons. I mean, they’re Grand for a reason. But have you ever heard of Teton Valley, Idaho? Let me tell you why you should visit this unknown and underrated spot!
When people think about planning a trip to The Tetons they head up to Jackson Hole and use it as a base for Yellowstone and GTNP. But did you know you can also come from the Idaho side? I was hosted by Tetons Peaks Resort, and it was the perfect gateway to the entire region. Click here for everything you need to know about staying here, and here for their website!
There are three towns that make up The Teton Valley: Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia (where I stayed). These towns are very small, but it only adds to their charm!
Located just over an hour from GTNP and about 1.5 hours from West Yellowstone, this region gives access to the national parks but allows you to get away from the constant crowds you find on the Wyoming side.
And in this region there is plenty to do! Here are 6 of my favorite things to do in and around Teton Valley.
1. Fall Creek Falls
Take the scenic drive south past Driggs and take highway 26E until you hit Snake-River Palisades Dam Road. Drive for about 1.5 miles until the road widens. Park and walk through the brush to reach the top of the falls!
To reach the base of the falls a lot of people kayak in, but a few brave souls take the sketchy climb down the falls themselves, or if you continue on the road a little ways you will see some rope to help you get down to a path and walk to the falls. I did neither and just enjoyed the view from the top!
2. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls
These two waterfalls are absolutely worth a stop! Head north along the Mesa Falls Scenic byway past Ashton, Idaho. Along the way you pass gorgeous views of The Tetons, a winding river and keep an eye out for wildlife! Bears frequent this area (I saw one right off the road so drive carefully).
Park at both Lower and Upper falls to view the waterfalls. I would skip the trail between the two, though! It just leads to an overlook with Lower Falls pretty far away. It costs $5 to park or is free with an annual National Park Pass.
3. Mill Creek Trail
This is a 4.1 mile moderate out and back trail near the town of Driggs. It is a beautiful trail through the forest with plenty of fall foliage to see, but the most epic part is the view of The Tetons at the end of the trail! Be aware this is also a mountain biking trail, and hikers always yield to bikes!
4. Grab a Huckleberry or Fresh Lime Freeze at Corner Drug
Corner Drug in Driggs has an old-fashioned soda fountain where you can grab ice cream, milkshakes, or their famous freezes which are made with soda instead of milk! Delicious and refreshing and huckleberry is the flavor of the region! The Emporium in Victor also has huckleberry ice cream and shakes.
5. Hit up 2 National Parks
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are just over 1 hour away from Teton Valley, making this a perfect region to use as a gateway to explore these spots! The Tetons are my absolute favorite! Click here for my guide to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
6. Smores and a night around the fire at Teton Peaks Resort
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Teton Valley? Check out Teton Peaks Resort! With lodge style rooms, tiny homes, and RV sites they have something for everyone. So grab a complimentary ale, start up a fire and roast some smore’s while watching the Tetons turn pink at sunset. It is surreal. Click here for more information on the resort!
There it is! A few of my favorite things to do around Teton Valley Idaho. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so as always drop any questions in the comments below and subscribe for all things adventure! Happy adventures, fam!
*This post contains sponsored content and the writer received payment for promotion.
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