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Spring Break Itinerary for Eastern Idaho

Forget the beach – head for the mountains. Plan a WILD Spring Break in Yellowstone Teton Territory!

Day One: Start your itinerary in Idaho Falls

You have arrived in the Big City of Idaho Falls! Kickstart your Spring Break by strolling along the Greenbelt and Riverwalk which offers expansive scenic views of the Snake River, one of Idaho’s mightiest waterways. Whether inside or out, there are so many fun activities to explore in the city. Are you a problem-solver? Decipher clues and solve puzzles against the clock at Idaho Falls Escape Rooms. Or, soak in urban arts and culture at one of the many museums around town.

As the sun sets, take advantage of Idaho Falls’ flourishing nightlife. Dine downtown Idaho Falls at the Snake Bite Restaurant, the Sandpiper, or Jakers Bar and Grill, and then paint the town red. Comedy shows, live music, or theater are always on the roster, thanks to the Downtown Events Center, Mountain America Center, the Idaho Falls Symphony, and the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation. View Yellowstone Teton Territory’s Calendar of Events and plan your evening fun!

It’s time to get some rest for tomorrow! Have a quirky sleepover in a themed suite at Destinations Inn, or if you crave comfortable familiarity, stay at Best Western‘s Driftwood Inn or Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.

Day Two: Hit the slopes and get into hot water

It’s a ski day, and Ririe, ID has snow! Just a half-hour drive east of Idaho Falls, Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is a premier destination for skiing enthusiasts in Eastern Idaho. This intimate ski area caters to novice skiers and seasoned adventurers. With 51 distinct runs, including the exhilarating 6,900-foot-long run, there’s no shortage of excitement. For those without equipment, gear rental services are available on-site.

After a day on the slopes, slip into nature’s hot tub at Heise Hot Springs. This Spring Break, forget the ocean … unwind, recharge, and relax in thermally heated mineral water pools. Spend the afternoon soaking in a 104-degree hot pool for a muscle-soothing therapeutic aquatic experience. Check out our favorite hot springs in Eastern Idaho.

It’s been a full day, and it’s time to think about dinner. Dine at the Heise Pizza Parlor or return to Kelly Canyon, where you can sink your teeth into some ribs at the Blackhawk BBQ Pit.

Night skiing is a signature offering at Kelly Canyon for those seeking evening adventures. Ski until 9:30 PM and then head into town to have a cocktail, listen to live music, play pool, or throw darts at the Ririe Bar.

Day Three: Island Park – there are no palm trees here!

Go to Eastern Idaho’s island to do some surfing over Spring Break. By this, we mean heading to Island Park and “surfing” snow on snowmobiles. Today, you are chasing waterfalls! Rent machines and equipment or book a guided tour to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls through outfitters such as High Mountain Adventures, Island Park Backcountry Rentals, and Teton Valley Adventures.

Snowmobilers can access Mesa Falls from Hwy 20 via Scenic Byway 47, offering a picturesque 14-mile journey. The Big Falls Inn welcomes visitors on weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. between the first week of January and the second week of March, providing a cozy spot to warm up by the fire.

Journey into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest to see the lesser-known Cave Falls. As the broadest waterfall within the Yellowstone Teton Territory, it spans an impressive 250 feet in width, nearly equivalent to the length of a football field, despite its modest 20-foot drop.

Do you hear that? It’s your belly rumbling. Time to eat. Snowmobile over to Connie’s Restaurant and Saloon for some homestyle cooking and a cold beer. Just across the road is the Sawtelle Mountain Resort, a great place to stay the night in Island Park. Refuel on good food, return your snowmobiles, and get ready for a night out.

Island Park has the longest main street in the country, and it is lined with local establishments where you may wet your whistle. The Shotgun Bar frequently hosts live music on the weekends, while the Trouthunter is the perfect place to hear some whopper tales about fly fishing. Although off the beaten path, Lakeside Lodge is a hot spot where you can play bingo, listen to some tunes, and enjoy community events.

Day Four: Teton Valley has it all!

Travel to Teton Valley for some serious mountain time. The Tetons are the ultimate destination for Spring skiing. Grand Targhee Ski Resort boasts late-season snow, sunny skies, and many recreation options in addition to skiing and snowboarding. Take a dogsled tour with Call of the WYld, check out the groomed trails for cross-country and skate skiing, or hit the backcountry with full-service guides such as Yostmark Backcountry Tours.

If you want to stay on the mountain, there are plenty of lodging options. Dining is also good at “the Ghee”! Grab some nachos at The Trap and listen to live music. You can also hit the outdoor heated pool, cocktail in hand, sun on your face, and snow on the ground.

However, if you want to explore, Teton Valley has plenty to do. Spend a morning on the slopes and then head into town. Driggs, ID is a classic Western town with an active Main Street. Visit unique boutiques such as The Velvet Moose or The Local Galleria for some primo souvenir options before heading to Victor, ID where The Emporium serves up THE BEST huckleberry milkshakes.

We know you seek some Spring Break nightlife hotspots, and Teton Valley does not disappoint. Our favorites in Victor? The Guidepost Brewing Company and Highpoint Cider have specialty brews and weekly events. Where to be seen in Driggs? The Royal Wolf and O’Rourke’s Irish Pub are fun local watering holes. What to do in Tetonia? Hit the Tetonia Club for great live music and suds.

Day Five: See the sights in Swan Valley

It’s time to head back to Idaho Falls. But first, stop at Butter or Pampano’s for breakfast. Then, take a gorgeous drive through Pine Creek Pass to Swan Valley, where the South Fork of the Snake River beckons avid fly fishers. If the roads are not too icy, take the US-26 to NF-058/Snake River Rd to Fall Creek Falls, one of Eastern Idaho’s most picturesque natural water features. For lunch, grab a big burger at Snake River Roadhouse Bar & Grill before hitting the road to Idaho Falls. Enjoy the scenic route as you return to the big city along US-26 W.

It’s your last night, and no Spring Break is complete without a good pub crawl. Idaho Falls has plenty of breweries to accommodate. Do you like craft beer? Check out what’s brewing in Idaho Falls.

Heading back home

You might not be as tan as some of your beach-going Spring Break friends, but you will have stories to tell like no other. Have the wildest time – guaranteed!

Idaho Itineraries

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