Scenic single-track and forest roads for all skill levels wind through the Caribou-Targhee National
Forest. The Harriman State Park trails are also open to bikes and offer flat, scenic riding through
meadows and along Henry's Fork.
Bike rentals available locally. Budget tip: the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center (byui.edu/orc) in
Rexburg often has the cheapest bike rentals around — open to the public. The cabin garage has room for
bikes. Popular routes include the Harriman trails, Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, and forest service roads
throughout the area.
Experience the backcountry the way the original explorers did — on horseback. Several local outfitters
offer guided trail rides through meadows, forests, and along rivers with stunning mountain views. Options
range from 1-hour family rides to full-day wilderness excursions. Reservations strongly recommended in
summer.
Most outfitters are seasonal (late spring–early fall). All skill levels welcome unless noted. Book early —
popular rides fill fast in July and August.
Classic guided trail rides through Island Park countryside and nearby ridges. Cowboy cookout rides
available. Family-friendly, just minutes from the cabin.
Trail rides through scenic Harriman State Park — forest and meadow. 1–4 hour rides ($40–$100).
Seven-generation family outfitter. Wranglers tailor routes to your group's skill level.
Casual trail rides and lessons in the Island Park area. Good option for beginners or those wanting a
relaxed ranch experience.
Traditional western ranch experience just south of Island Park. Great for families looking for an
all-around adventure with horses.
Authorized concessioner for Yellowstone National Park and Targhee National Forest. Offers day rides
and multi-day pack trips into the backcountry.
70-year family legacy ranch on the edge of Yellowstone. Guided 1–2 hour trail rides departing at
9:30am, 1:30pm & 4:30pm (May 20–Sep 30). Wagon rides also available. Frequent wildlife sightings —
moose, wolves, elk.
Guided horseback rides through Gallatin National Forest terrain. Often bundled with other outdoor
adventures. A great add-on if you're doing a Big Sky day trip.
From scenic floats on Henry's Fork right in Island Park to thrilling Class III rapids on the Snake River
Canyon near Jackson Hole, there's a river adventure for every comfort level. Local options are great for
families; the Snake River Canyon and Gallatin River deliver classic whitewater thrills.
Season: May–early September depending on snowmelt and river flows. Reservations strongly recommended in
summer. Most outfitters provide gear, safety briefings, and shuttle transport. Trips range from 2–8 hours.
Relaxed 5-mile float on the North Fork of the Snake River (Henry's Fork). Wildlife-rich — moose,
eagles, and trout are common sightings. Raft rentals and guided float trips. The closest option to the
cabin.
Exciting Gallatin River whitewater runs near Big Sky and Yellowstone. Half-day and full-day options.
Also offers ziplining and combo adventure packages.
Whitewater rafting and scenic floats on the Yellowstone River — the longest undammed river in the
lower 48. Half-day, full-day, and inflatable kayak options. Also offers horseback and fly fishing.
Jackson Hole's top-rated rafting company since 1967 — voted best rafting 13 years running. Snake River
Canyon whitewater (Class III) plus gentler scenic floats. #1 on TripAdvisor with 4,300+ reviews.
Family-run since 1971. 8-mile Snake River Canyon whitewater trips plus scenic Teton floats through
prime bald eagle habitat. Small company with personalized, experienced guides.
Classic Snake River Canyon runs with rapids like 'Lunch Counter' and 'Big Kahuna' (Class II–III).
Half-day whitewater and scenic float options. Great for first-timers and experienced rafters alike.
Small boats, big adventure on the Snake River. 3.5-hour trips from $110. Popular for the more intimate
small-boat experience through the canyon rapids.
Highly rated Snake River outfitter with classic canyon whitewater and scenic float combos. Trips run
approximately 2.5–3 hours. Teton views throughout.
Explore hundreds of miles of forest roads and designated ATV trails. Island Park has extensive OHV trail
networks through the national forest, offering everything from easy cruises to technical terrain.
Rentals available at several local outfitters. Some trails connect to West Yellowstone. Idaho OHV sticker
required. The cabin has ample parking for trailers.
Paddle the calm waters of Henry's Lake, Henrys Fork, or nearby Hebgen Lake. The Henry's Fork offers
beautiful flat-water paddling through wildlife-rich meadows, while Henry's Lake is a scenic mountain lake
surrounded by peaks.
Kayak and canoe rentals available at Henry's Lake and through Island Park outfitters. Budget tip: the
BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center (byui.edu/orc) in Rexburg rents kayaks, rafts, and paddleboards at some
of the lowest prices around — open to the public. Henry's Fork sections near the cabin are Class I — calm
and perfect for beginners.
Island Park Village Resort has a scenic 9-hole course set among towering pines. For 18 holes, Aspen Acres
in Ashton offers a full course with Teton views.
Both courses are open June–September. Affordable green fees. Club rentals available. Call ahead for tee
times in peak season.
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is a must-drive, passing Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The Teton Scenic Byway
connects Island Park to Driggs and Victor — charming mountain towns on the back side of the Tetons with
cafes, breweries, and hiking access. Drive over Targhee Pass for panoramic mountain views on your way to
West Yellowstone.
Mesa Falls Byway: 28 miles, allow 1-2 hours with stops. Teton Scenic Byway: connects to Driggs and Victor.
Earthquake Lake (Quake Lake) — created by a massive 7.5-magnitude earthquake in 1959 — is a fascinating
geological stop 45 min north. Virginia City, MT (1.5 hrs) is a preserved 1860s gold rush ghost town with
seasonal reenactments. All routes are stunning in fall foliage season.
Massive white quartz sand dunes rising up to 400 feet — one of the most unique landscapes in Idaho.
Popular for ATV/UTV riding, sandboarding, and photography. The dunes cover 10,600 acres and feel like
another planet.
About 1 hour south of Island Park near St. Anthony, ID. BLM-managed — free access. Bring your own ATV or
rent in Island Park. Great for sunrise/sunset photography. Carry plenty of water — no shade on the dunes.
The volcanic rock formations around Island Park and the Teton Range offer climbing opportunities for all
levels. The nearby City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park are world-class climbing destinations.
Local guide services available. City of Rocks is about 3.5 hours south — worth a day trip for serious
climbers. Closer options in the Teton Range.
Island Park has some of the darkest skies in the lower 48. On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches
overhead in breathtaking detail. The cabin's fire pit area is perfect for stargazing with minimal light
pollution.
Best viewing: July–September for the Milky Way core. August Perseid meteor shower is spectacular from
here. Bring binoculars for an enhanced experience. No telescope needed — the naked-eye views are
incredible.
