Best Hiking Trails in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Overview

Caribou-Targhee’s 3 million acres spill across the borders of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and contain everything from wildflower-filled meadows, to 100-foot waterfalls, to stalagmite-filled caves. The forest is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. As such, its known for its pristine wilderness and rich biological diversity. Moose, elk, antelope, grizzlies, mountain lions, lynx, wolverine, wolves, and over 300 species of birds all call the park home.

Getting Started

Caribou-Targhee National Forest is about 100 miles northwest of Jackson, Wyoming, and about 60 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho. It's best accessed by car, as public transportation in the area is limited.

The Mesa Falls Visitor Center (only open in summer) is a great place to start. From there, take the 2.5-mile Mesa Falls Nature Trail to see both Lower and Upper Mesa Falls. The falls are 65 feet high and 114 feet high, respectively, and some of the most iconic sights in the national forest.

For a more difficult hike, try summiting 10,341-foot Taylor Mountain. The 4.2-mile Taylor Mountain Trail wanders through alpine meadows and up the peak's east ridge, affording climbers great views of the surrounding landscape. Or, if you have several days to spend in the national forest, camp at the Teton Canyon Campground and make a sunrise trek to the top of Table Mountain. It's just 3.8 miles, but the 4,000+ feet of elevation gain make it a real workout.

There are dozens of campgrounds in Caribou-Targhee, as well as plenty of opportunities for dispersed camping, making the forest ideal for staging multi-day backpacking trips, as well. (See the Permits section, below, for more information on how to secure campsites.)

When to Go

Summer is the most popular time to visit, but September and October bring cooler temperatures, golden aspen leaves, and the rut, during which broad-antlered bull elk are easiest to spot.

The national forest is also known for its ample winter snowfall, which provides plenty of opportunity for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry touring. You’ll even find a full-size ski area, the Grand Targhee Resort, within the national forest’s borders.

Permits

Caribou-Targhee currently accepts interagency passes, like the America the Beautiful national parks pass. You can find out more about required permits and passes on the national forest permits page.

You’ll need to make separate arrangements for camping. You can secure a backcountry camping permit (usually free but with some restrictions on stay length) or a wilderness permit by contacting the ranger district where you hope to stay. For a spot in one of Caribou-Targhee’s dozens of frontcountry campgrounds, make reservations online at recreation.gov

Dog Info

Leashed dogs are allowed throughout most of Caribou-Targhee National Forest. However, there are some exceptions: Dogs are allowed unleashed in a select few places, and dogs are forbidden in others. Check up-to-date regulations online before you go.