Epic Adventures
Epic Adventures: Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Unleash Your Wild Side
Welcome to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest—more than 3 million acres of untamed playground stretching across southeastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and a touch of northern Utah, plus the 47,790-acre Curlew National Grassland in southern Idaho. This is your launchpad for epic adventures, from towering peaks and hidden caves to sagebrush plains and roaring waterfalls. Ready to dive in? Here’s your guide to the forest’s most unforgettable experiences.
Conquer the Tetons: Hiking
Strap on your boots and tackle the trails of the Teton Range, where the Jedediah Smith Wilderness awaits with 123,451 acres of rugged glory. Hike the Alaska Basin Trail (18 miles round-trip) for jaw-dropping views of wildflower meadows and granite spires—no permit required, just grit and a good map. Summit Table Mountain (11,106 feet) for a panoramic payoff that includes Grand Teton itself. Pro tip: Start early to beat the afternoon thunderstorms.
Paddle the Wild Waters
Grab a kayak or raft and hit the forest’s rivers for a wet-and-wild ride. The Bear River snakes through canyons with Class II–III rapids—perfect for a day of splashing fun (check put-ins near Grace, Idaho). For a calmer vibe, paddle the glassy waters of Henrys Lake, where moose sightings are as common as the trout tugging your line. Want a multi-day epic? Launch a canoe on the Snake River’s South Fork and camp along its banks—just watch for bald eagles overhead. Check out the local outfitters for rentals and guided trips.
Shred the Slopes: Winter Thrills
When snow blankets the forest, it’s time to shred. Grand Targhee Resort, on the western slope of the Tetons, delivers 500 inches of powder annually—light, fluffy, and begging for tracks across 2,602 acres. Ski groomed runs or dive into backcountry bowls; rentals are on-site. Near Idaho Falls, Kelly Canyon Ski Area (off Hwy 26 near Ririe) packs 1,000 vertical feet into 640 acres of family-friendly terrain. With four chairlifts, a rope tow, and night skiing six days a week, it’s a local gem. South of the forest near Pocatello, Pebble Creek Ski Area ups the ante with 2,200 feet of vertical drop and 1,100 acres, where over half the runs are advanced or expert. Short lift lines and Snake River Plain views make it a must—rentals are slope-side. For off-grid epics, Caribou-Targhee NF offers snowmobilers 600 miles of groomed forest trails. Snowshoe to Mesa Falls for frozen splendor—pure winter magic.
Explore the Underworld: Caving
Beneath the forest’s surface lies a labyrinth of limestone caves begging to be explored. Darby Canyon’s Wind and Ice Caves are the stars—crawl through tight squeezes to find icy formations and echoing chambers (bring a headlamp and extra layers). Minnetonka Cave, near St. Charles, offers a guided tour through half a mile of stalactites and stalagmites—tickets at the cave. Cave safely: Check conditions with the ranger district, as some entrances close seasonally.
Chase the Big Catch: Fishing
Anglers, this is your paradise. Cast a line into the South Fork of the Snake River for legendary cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout (try Palisades Reservoir access points). Henrys Lake delivers trophy-sized fish amid mountain views, while Aldous Lake offers solitude and brook trout. Guided trips? Hit up local permitted outfitters in the area, grab an Idaho fishing license and let the battle begin.
Ride the Trails: Mountain Biking and Horseback
Pedal or saddle up for a wild ride through rolling hills and alpine meadows. The Big Hole Crest Trail (16 miles) dishes out singletrack thrills with sweeping vistas—mountain bikers, this one’s for you. Horseback riders can trot the Teton Highline Trail, tracing ridgelines into Grand Teton National Park. Check trail conditions with ranger stations.
Roam the Curlew Grassland: Off-Road and Birding
Down south, the Curlew National Grassland (47,790 acres near Snowville, Utah) trades peaks for wide-open sagebrush and desert vibes. Rev up your ATV or dirt bike on designated trails—over 50 miles of motorized routes crisscross this hidden gem (grab the latest MVUM from the Westside Ranger District). Rather slow it down? Bring binoculars for world-class birding—spot sage thrashers, sharp-tailed grouse (peak strutting in March-April), and ferruginous hawks. Camp at Curlew Campground by Stone Reservoir for a starry nightcap. It’s a different kind of wild, just 7 miles off I-84.
Camp Under the Stars
No epic adventure is complete without a night in the wild. Pitch a tent at Bear Creek Campground for starry skies and morning moose visits, or try Curlew Campground in the grassland for a desert twist. Want solitude? Dispersed camping is free across most of the forest and grassland—just follow Leave No Trace rules. Book the Green Timber Lookout tower (8,500 feet) via Recreation.gov for 360-degree views. Firewood permits are sold at all ranger districts.
Wildlife Encounters: Eyes Wide Open
This forest is a safari in its own right. Scan for grizzly bears in Winegar Hole Wilderness (10,721 acres near Yellowstone), elk herds in the valleys, bighorn sheep on Big Hole cliffs, and ospreys diving near Palisades Reservoir. In the Curlew Grassland, watch for sage grouse and golden eagles. Bring binoculars and keep your distance—wildlife rules the roost here.
Plan Your Epic Escape
- When to Go: Summer (June–September) for hiking and paddling; winter (December–March) for snow sports. Spring and fall offer solitude but pack for fickle weather. Curlew’s best in spring for birding.
- Gear Up: Rent kayaks, bikes, or snowmobiles from Teton Whitewater, Habitat, Peaked Sports, Island Park Sports, or Snake River Kayak & Canoe. Ski rentals at Grand Targhee, Kelly Canyon, or Pebble Creek; Idaho Mountain Trading covers Kelly’s vicinity.
- Stay Safe: Cell service is spotty—download maps offline. Tell someone your plans, especially for backcountry or Curlew trips.
- Get Info: Ranger districts in St. Anthony, Soda Springs, Dubois, Ashton, Driggs, Montpelier, or Westside (for Curlew) have permits and updates. Vendors like Ashton Quick Stop, Driggs Hardware, Soda Springs Super Save, Montpelier NAPA, and Pocatello Cash & Carry sell permits too.
Your Adventure Starts Here
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland aren’t just destinations—they’re challenges, thrills, and stories you’ll tell for years. Pick your passion, pack your courage, and dive into one of the West’s wildest corners. What’s your epic adventure going to be?