Top 10 things to do in Teton Valley Idaho (a locals guide)
1. Ride a Side-by-Side into the Big Hole Mountains
While I am obviosly a little biased on this one, I genuienly do believe this is the best thing you can do while you’re here in the valley. The Big Hole Mountains rise on the west side of the valley, laced with hundreds of miles of forest roads and trails that lead to views normally just locals get to enjoy. With the advantage of not being inside the park, like the Jackson side, you can take these UTV’s all over the mountains.
A side-by-side (UTV) is the easiest way to get up there. You don't need any off-road experience, if you can drive a car, you can drive a UTV and in a single afternoon you can cover country that would take days to reach on foot. The riding season typically runs from late spring through October, depending on snowpack. We rent side-by-sides right here in Teton Valley and send every renter out with trail maps and route recommendations matched to their comfort level, so you spend your day exploring instead of guessing.
2. Picnic at Packsaddle Lake
Tucked into the Big Holes northwest of Driggs, Packsaddle Lake is a small, quiet mountain lake that makes a perfect turnaround point for a beginner-friendly ride or hike. Pack a lunch, cool your feet, and keep an eye out for moose. The access road is single-lane in places and shared with hikers and mountain bikers, so ride courteously and keep speeds down.
3. Float the Teton River
Something I do multiple times every summer in float the river. The Teton River winds lazily through the middle of the valley, and the stretch between Victor and Driggs is calm enough for total beginners, think slow current, glassy water, and postcard views of the Tetons the whole way down. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and tubes all work. Local outfitters in Driggs and Victor rent gear and run shuttles so you don't have to juggle two cars. Idaho law requires kids under 15 to wear a life jacket on the water.
4. Cast a Fly for Native Cutthroat
The Teton River is also a legitimate fly-fishing destination, known for its wild Yellowstone cutthroat trout and steady dry-fly action on summer evenings. Within an hour's drive you've also got the South Fork of the Snake and the Henry's Fork two of the most famous trout rivers in the country. Local fly shops can set you up with gear, flies, and honest advice, or book you a guided drift boat trip.
5. Hike to the Darby Canyon Wind Cave
The best-known hike on this side of the range, and for good reason. The trail climbs about three miles up Darby Canyon through wildflower meadows to a gaping cave mouth with a waterfall pouring out of it. It's a steady climb but manageable for most fitness levels, and the payoff is one of the most unusual sights in the Tetons. The trailhead is about 25 minutes southeast of Driggs via Darby Canyon Road.
6. Take on Table Mountain (If You Want to Earn It)
For strong hikers, Table Mountain is the crown jewel: a longer hike out of Teton Canyon that ends face-to-face with the Grand Teton, close enough that it fills the sky. There are two routes you can take up there and depending on which one you take and your hiking experience it could be a full day commitment or a 4 hour hike. The view from the top is one photographers travel across the country for.
7. Ride the Chairlift (or the Bike Park) at Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee Resort sits about 25 minutes east of Driggs in Alta, Wyoming, and summer might be its best-kept secret. The scenic chairlift carries you to the top of Fred's Mountain for a huge panorama of the Tetons ride it back down or hike back to the base. Mountain bikers can lap the lift-served bike park, which has trails from mellow flow to expert, with rentals and lessons available at the base area.
8. Bike the Victor-to-Driggs Rail Trail
An easy, mostly flat pathway runs the eight miles between Victor and Driggs, perfect for a casual morning ride with coffee at either end. Want more? The Ashton–Tetonia Trail follows an old railroad grade for roughly 30 miles across farm country on the north end of the valley, crossing historic trestles with nonstop Teton views. Bike rentals are easy to find in both Victor and Driggs.
9. Catch Music on Main in Victor
On summer Thursday evenings, Victor City Park fills up with live bands, food vendors, and half the valley on picnic blankets. Music on Main is free-spirited, family-friendly, and the single best way to feel like a local for a night. Bring a camp chair and get there early for a good spot.
10. Shop the Teton Valley Farmers Market
Driggs hosts a farmers market on summer Fridays with local produce, baked goods, cheese, crafts, and art from around the valley. It pairs perfectly with a stroll through downtown Driggs, pop into the free Teton Geo Center while you're there to get oriented on the area's geology and history.