Summer is prime hiking season in Teton Valley, and if you are staying near Driggs, Idaho, some of the best trails in the greater Yellowstone region start just minutes from your door. From wildflower meadows and waterfall canyons to a summit hike with a knockout view of the Teton backside, the Idaho side gives you world-class hiking without the Jackson Hole crowds. Here are the best summer day hikes near Driggs, sorted by effort so you can match a trail to your group.
Why Hike the Idaho Side of the Tetons
Most visitors think of the Tetons from the Wyoming side, but Driggs sits right at the base of the western slope, giving you direct access to Teton Canyon and the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. The trailheads here are less crowded, parking is easier, and the scenery, deep canyons, alpine meadows, and that unmistakable jagged skyline, is every bit as good. From The Barn in Driggs, most of these trailheads are a 15 to 40 minute drive, so you can be on the trail early and back in town for lunch.
Mid to late summer is the sweet spot. By July the high-country snow has largely melted, wildflowers peak, rivers and creeks are running, and long daylight hours give you plenty of margin. Always check current trail and weather conditions before you go, and start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the mountains.
Easy Hikes for Families and Casual Walkers
Darby Wind Cave (moderate-easy, ~5 miles round trip)
Darby Canyon is one of the valley’s signature hikes. The trail follows Darby Creek through forest and meadow up to the Wind Cave, a dramatic limestone opening where the creek pours out of the mountainside. The waterfall at the cave mouth is the reward, and adventurous hikers with the right gear sometimes continue into the cave itself. For most families, the falls make a perfect turnaround point. The trailhead is a short drive south and east of Driggs.
Teton Canyon Trail (easy, choose your distance)
The main Teton Canyon trail is a gentle, wide path along the South Fork of Teton Creek, framed by towering canyon walls. It is a great choice for younger kids, strollers-with-big-wheels, or anyone who wants big scenery without big elevation gain. Because it is an out-and-back, you can turn around whenever the group is ready. In early summer the meadows here fill with wildflowers.
Moderate Hikes With a Bigger Payoff
Devil’s Staircase to Alaska Basin (moderate-hard, all-day)
For hikers who want to get into the high country, the route up Teton Canyon and the Devil’s Staircase switchbacks leads toward Alaska Basin, a stunning alpine bowl dotted with lakes and meadows on the west side of the Tetons. This is a serious day hike with real elevation gain, so it suits fit adults and older teens. Bring plenty of water, layers, and an early start. The payoff is some of the best alpine scenery in the region without a permit lottery.
Grand Targhee Trails (moderate, lift-assisted options)
If you want alpine views without a full-day slog, Grand Targhee Resort opens hiking (and scenic chairlift rides) in summer. You can ride up and hike down, or wander the meadow trails near the top for wildflowers and panoramic Teton views. It is a flexible, family-friendly way to get high without committing to a big backcountry day, and it pairs well with a lunch on the mountain.
The Big One: Table Mountain
Table Mountain is the classic Driggs-side summit hike, and it delivers arguably the best straight-on view of the Grand Teton anywhere. It is a strenuous, all-day effort, roughly 11 to 12 miles round trip with significant elevation gain, depending on the route you choose. The reward is a face-to-face look at the Teton peaks that most Wyoming-side hikers never get. This one is for strong, prepared hikers: start at dawn, carry ample water and food, watch the weather, and turn back if afternoon storms build. Done right, it is the highlight of many Teton Valley trips.
Hiking Smart in the Tetons
A few basics make every hike here safer and better. Carry more water than you think you need, pack layers because mountain weather shifts fast, and bring bear spray, this is grizzly and black bear country, and knowing how to use it matters. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, tell someone your plan, and check trail conditions before heading out. If you are new to the area, an easier trail like Teton Canyon or Darby is a smart first day before tackling Table Mountain.
Round Out Your Adventure Days
Hiking is the free, do-it-yourself heart of a Teton Valley summer, but the best trips mix in a guided experience or two. A scenic river float rests tired legs, a horseback ride covers ground you would not reach on foot, and a guided Grand Teton tour adds the Wyoming-side perspective. Booking ahead keeps your peak-season days smooth.
🗺️ Book These Experiences Near The Barn
- Snake River Scenic Float — Teton Views — A relaxed afternoon float to rest tired legs after a big hike.
- Horseback Riding with Grand Teton Views — Cover more trail on horseback with expert local guides.
- Grand Teton National Park Full-Day Guided Tour — See the Wyoming side and the park’s iconic overlooks on a guided day.
Base Your Hiking Trip in Driggs
The best part of hiking the Idaho side is how close it all is. From The Barn in Driggs, you are minutes from trailheads, a real kitchen for packing lunches and refueling after, and plenty of room for the whole group to recover between adventures. Skip the Jackson crowds and base your summer hiking trip where the trails start.
Ready to plan your Teton Valley summer trip? Book your stay at The Barn in Driggs and hit the trails from the best home base in the valley.
