Winter Activities

Island Park is one of America's top snowmobile destinations. The cabin has direct trail access — ride right from your door onto hundreds of miles of groomed trails through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Popular routes include Two Top Mountain, Bear Gulch, and trails connecting to West Yellowstone.

Rentals available at several local outfitters (High Mountain Adventures, Island Park Rentals). Full-day guided tours into Yellowstone are available through West Yellowstone operators. Trails are groomed from mid-December through mid-March depending on snowfall.

Harriman State Park offers some of the best Nordic skiing in Idaho with 30+ miles of groomed trails through pristine forest and meadows. The park's flat terrain and reliable snow make it perfect for all skill levels.

Ski rentals available at the park and local shops. Trail passes required ($7/vehicle). Trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Season typically runs December–March.

Experience Yellowstone in its most magical season. The park is open to snowcoach and snowmobile tours from the West Entrance (December–March). See geysers erupting in sub-zero temperatures, bison dusted with frost, and landscapes blanketed in pristine snow.

Guided snowcoach tours depart from West Yellowstone daily. Snowmobile tours require a guide inside the park. Book well in advance — these sell out fast. Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the only wintertime accommodation inside the park.

Henry's Lake and other local lakes freeze solid by December, offering excellent ice fishing for trophy cutthroat and brook trout. Henry's Lake is famous for producing some of the largest trout in Idaho.

Idaho fishing license required. Ice typically safe from late December through early March. Local guides available. Bring or rent an ice auger, heater, and shelter for the best experience.

Explore winter forests at your own pace. Harriman State Park and the surrounding national forest have trails perfect for snowshoeing. Watch for moose, elk, and the tracks of wolves and mountain lions in the fresh snow.

Snowshoe rentals available locally. No special skills required — if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Harriman SP and Mesa Falls area are the best starting points.

Experience the thrill of mushing through Idaho's backcountry. Local outfitters offer guided dog sled tours through the forest — a truly unique winter adventure.

Tours typically 1-2 hours. Book through local outfitters in Island Park or West Yellowstone. Great for families with older children.