Hiking trails of East Idaho
strolls to summitsVolcanic buttes, waterfalls, lava fields and the back side of the Tetons, all within an easy drive of Idaho Falls, Rigby and Rexburg. Find your next hike on the map, then check the stats before you go.
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Tap a pin for the stats, or filter by region and difficulty.
Pins mark approximate trailhead locations. Distances are round trip unless noted, and drive times are estimates.
What makes each trail worth it
Idaho Falls Greenbelt
Paved loops on both banks of the Snake River past the falls, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the temple. Mix and match the Memorial, Temple and Freeman loops.
North Menan Butte
Climb switchbacks up one of the largest volcanic tuff cones in the world, then walk the crater rim for big views of the Snake River and the Tetons. Bring poles for the steep start.
Cress Creek Nature Trail
A short BLM loop with interpretive signs, a spring-fed creek and overlooks of the South Fork of the Snake. A great after-work hike.
Kelly Mountain Loop
Forest and meadow singletrack around Kelly Canyon ski area. Shared with mountain bikers, and beautiful in fall color.
Sidewinder Trail to Stinking Springs
Sagebrush hills above the South Fork with wide river views. The main route is shared with ATVs and bikes, with a separate foot-only option.
Hell's Half Acre Lava Trail
Paved and marked paths through a 4,000-year-old lava field, right off I-15 at the rest area. Longer routes lead deeper into the lava for the adventurous.
St. Anthony Sand Dunes
Hike white sand dunes up to 400 feet tall at the Egin Lakes access. Climbing sand is a workout. Go early or late in summer, and watch for off-road vehicles.
Darby Canyon Wind Cave
A forested canyon climb to a waterfall and a huge cave mouth with an icy breeze. Bring a strong headlamp and a warm layer if you plan to explore inside.
Table Rock (Huckleberry Trail)
East Idaho's bucket-list day hike. A steep climb from Teton Canyon to a flat summit eye-to-eye with the Grand Teton. Start early and carry plenty of water.
Alaska Basin via Teton Canyon
Waterfalls, wildflowers and alpine lakes beneath the back side of the Tetons. Most hikers make it an overnight backpacking trip.
Moose Creek Trail
A gentle walk along a creek to a footbridge, with wildflower ponds along the way. Keep an eye out for moose and deer.
Fall Creek Falls
A short path to an overlook where Fall Creek pours over travertine ledges into the Snake River. One of the prettiest quick stops in the region.
Lower Palisades Lake
A steady climb along Palisades Creek to a quiet mountain lake. Moose are common, so give them plenty of room.
Upper Palisades Lake
Keep going past the lower lake to a turquoise alpine lake. Most of the climbing is in the last mile. A long day hike or an easy overnight.
Big Elk Creek Trail
A creekside trail with gentle grades, side waterfalls and wildflowers. Turn around whenever you like.
Mesa Falls Nature Trail
Connects Upper Mesa Falls, a 114-foot waterfall on the Henrys Fork, to the Lower Falls overlook. Day-use fee at the upper falls.
Sheep Falls
A short walk to a wide, roaring falls on the Henrys Fork. The dirt road in is rough, so a high-clearance vehicle helps.
Box Canyon to Rosie's Waterfall
A shady trail above the Henrys Fork's famous Box Canyon, ending at a bench facing a little waterfall.
Coffee Pot Rapids
An easy river walk from Upper Coffee Pot campground to whitewater rapids on the Henrys Fork. Great for wildlife watching.
Harriman State Park
Miles of easy trails past Silver Lake and the historic Railroad Ranch, with trumpeter swans, elk and moose. State park entry fee.
Cave Falls to Bechler Falls
Reach Yellowstone's quiet corner through Ashton. Walk the Bechler River from wide Cave Falls to Bechler Falls. Bring bear spray.
Craters of the Moon
Climb Inferno Cone and walk the North Crater Flow through a landscape that looks like the moon. National monument entry fee.
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Trail tips for East Idaho
Black and grizzly bears live in the Tetons, Island Park and the Palisades. Keep spray on your hip, not in your pack.
Moose are common along creeks and can be more dangerous than bears. Back away slowly if one notices you.
High trails can hold snow into July. Lower trails like the Menan Buttes, Cress Creek and Hell's Half Acre are good spring and fall options.
Roads and trails can close for weather, fire or wildlife. Check the Forest Service or park website before you head out.
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Trail stats from Hiking Project, East Idaho News, the Idaho Trails Association, Teton Valley Trails and land-agency websites, October 2026. Conditions change, so verify before you go. Photos: BLM Idaho (public domain); Idaho Falls by Natecation (CC BY-SA 4.0); Menan Buttes by Matt Lavin (CC BY-SA 2.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Also see the East Idaho park map.