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About the Area

Exploring the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland

Welcome to a wild corner of the West where rugged mountains meet rolling grasslands! The Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland stretch across a stunning patchwork of landscapes, offering endless adventure and natural beauty. From towering peaks to wide-open plains, this area is a playground for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. Let’s dive into what makes this region so special!

Caribou-Targhee National Forest: A Mountain Mosaic

Spanning over 3 million acres, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest sprawls across southeast Idaho, nudging into western Wyoming and northern Utah. It’s a land of contrasts—sagebrush flats in the west climb into the sky-high Teton Range in the east, where peaks like Diamond Peak (12,197 feet!) pierce the clouds. The forest hugs the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, cozying up to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Picture volcanic calderas like Island Park, carved by eruptions 1.3 million years ago, and rivers like the Henrys Fork cutting through ancient ash. Whether you’re gazing at Mesa Falls’ misty drop or hiking the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, this forest is a feast of forests, meadows, and wild wonders.

Curlew National Grassland: Open Plains, Big Skies

Down south, the Curlew National Grassland rolls out over 47,000 acres in Oneida and Power Counties, Idaho, brushing the Utah border. Born in the 1930s to heal overgrazed soils, this grassland is a sea of sagebrush and native grasses, dotted with the occasional juniper. It’s flatter and drier than the forest’s peaks, sitting at about 4,700 feet, with Stone Reservoir as a shimmering centerpiece. Famous for sage grouse strutting their stuff in spring, it’s a quiet expanse where the horizon stretches forever—perfect for birdwatching or just soaking in the big-sky vibe.

Where They Fit Together

Managed as one by the Forest Service from Idaho Falls, these two areas complement each other like siblings. The Caribou-Targhee’s mountains and forests tower in the north, while Curlew’s grasslands anchor the south, linked by a shared mission to keep the land thriving. Together, they cover a slice of the West that’s as diverse as it gets—volcanic highlands to grassy lowlands, all within a day’s drive. Highways like 20 and 89 tie them to towns like Ashton, Driggs, and Malad, making it easy to jump from pine-shaded trails to sage-scented plains.

Why Visit?

This area’s got it all—over 1,600 miles of trails, campgrounds galore, and views that’ll stop you in your tracks. In Caribou-Targhee, explore limestone caves like Minnetonka or fish for cutthroat trout in legendary streams. In Curlew, watch sharp-tailed grouse dance or camp under a star-packed sky. It’s a place where nature’s history—from ancient eruptions to grassland rebirth—meets today’s adventures.

Getting Here

Fly into Idaho Falls (45 minutes from the forest’s heart) or Jackson, Wyoming (near the Tetons), or Pocatello, Idaho (just over an hour from several key access points), then hit the road. Highway 20 threads through the forest, while Highway 84 skirts Curlew—just watch for seasonal road updates. Whether you’re chasing peaks or plains, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland are ready to welcome you with open arms—and wide-open spaces!

District Office Locations

Last updated April 23rd, 2025