Staying on the west side of the Tetons gave us plenty of time to explore a side of the park that is a little harder to get to but just as remarkably beautiful as the east.
Here are two of our favorite canyons that we loved exploring!
Teton Canyon
Teton Canyon is just North East of Driggs and has fantastic views and hiking trails. This road is surrounded by nature, and when we visited, we saw a baby bear and a mama moose with her calf!
The drive itself is worth it!
You will want to travel on Teton Canyon Road, where there are a few stops you can pull off and explore. One of the first stops is Sheep Bridge Trial, a 4.5-mile hike following the Teton River.
There are few views on this trail of the mountains, but the scenery is beautiful!!
The next trailhead is Mill Creek Trail; this out-and-back trail is just under 5 miles and leads to a beautiful viewpoint at the end!
Then as you continue, you will find the end of the road with two different areas you can hike from. One is the North Teton Creek Trail which you can follow up to Table Mountain for a 13-mile out-and-back. This is a strenuous hike, so be vigilant and prepared if you hike this trail.
A little further up the road leads to the end of the North Teton River Trailhead and the Alaska Basin Trail leading to the Devil’s Staircase and other destinations.
We hiked a little on the Alaska Basin Trail and the North Teton River Trail. Both of these hikes were magnificent just from the little bit we did. I love how this area has many hiking opportunities close together on less populated trails. If you go on these hikes, be prepared and bring hiking essentials.
Darby Canyon
The other Canyon that we loved exploring was Darby Canyon. This Canyon is just east of the Town of Darby in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, which offers multiple hiking trailheads.
Several trailheads within Darby Canyon cater to different skill levels and interests. The most popular trailhead is the Darby Canyon Trailhead, which provides access to the Wind Cave and the beautiful meadows and forests of the Canyon. This trail is moderately challenging and offers a round-trip hike of approximately 7 miles.
We ventured on this trail in an attempt to reach the Wind Cave, but we had to end our hike early due to the amount of snow and needing proper gear to proceed. Even though we did not reach the end destination, the journey was incredible.
We hiked past Black Bear Rock, and as you ascend, you hear cascading waterfalls across the valley, and wildflower-filled meadows add to the enchanting atmosphere of the Canyon.
Darby Wind Cave, our attempted end goal, is a unique cave system featuring a large natural arch with several interconnected chambers. Exploring the cave requires some climbing and scrambling, but it rewards visitors with fascinating geological formations and breathtaking views from its entrance.
Another notable trailhead is the Palisades Creek Trailhead, located at the southern end of the Canyon. This trail leads to Upper and Lower Palisades Lakes, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrops. The Palisades Creek Trail is a longer and more strenuous hike, covering around 15 miles round trip, but you are rewarded with breathtaking alpine scenery.
In addition to these main trailheads, several other smaller trails and routes within Darby Canyon allow visitors to explore different sections and enjoy various aspects of the Canyon’s natural beauty.
Overall, Darby Canyon offers diverse outdoor experiences, from exploring unique cave systems to embarking on challenging hikes through stunning landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, Darby Canyon is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Idaho.
We loved our time on the west side of the Grand Tetons, and we hope you will explore the area too!
