Rustic Driggs, Idaho, has been called a "friendly and unpretentious outdoors-adventure capital" by National Geographic Magazine. Nestled at 6,200 feet between the Teton and the Big Hole mountains just six miles from the Wyoming border, Driggs is home to 1,500 people surrounded by a lot of wilderness. The historic business district is a fun place to visit, with its used bookstore, farmers' market and pubs, but what really stands out are the many opportunities for outdoor adventure like horseback riding.
Where To Go
Horse trails near Driggs, Idaho, wind through the mountains of Grand Teton National Park, the Big Hole mountains and Caribou-Targhee National Forest, which contains 1,200 miles of hiking and riding trails, with the Lower Palisades Lake Horseback Trail a local favorite. The southwestern edge of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area, 123,451 acres in the state of Wyoming, is located about 10 miles from Driggs and is a great riding spot to see caves, unique karst limestone features and wildlife. Snowbirds who come to Grand Targhee Resort for skiing in the winter can return in the summer for horseback rides embarking from Crooked Canyon Stables.
What You'll See
Few regions embody the Wild West's wilderness better than Greater Yellowstone. You'll see water features like alpine lakes, beaver ponds and fresh mountain streams, juxtaposed against a backdrop of Douglas Fir forests, rocky hills, mountain ridges and granite basins. Wildlife ranges from fox, bear, moose, elk, deer and wolves to songbirds, hawks and eagles. Your eyes will stay fixed on jagged granite peaks, towering aspen trees, mossy valleys and flower-covered meadows.
Who To Call
Outfitters offer trips on the west side of the Tetons. Trips with Dry Ridge Outfitters range from a few hours for beginners on scenic trails to all-inclusive multiple day adventures, with stays at Moose Creek Lodge or Powder Valley Townhomes. Another local outfitter is Bagley's Teton Mountain Ranch. Their trail rides go through the Big Hole mountains and Caribou-Targhee National Forest, lasting anywhere from an hour to several days.
Where To Stay With Horses
If you bring your own horse, Chuck and Janet Kunz can set you and your pet up at the Marilyn Monroe Farmhouse located near Driggs just one mile from the Wyoming border and 22 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, riding areas. They have four outdoor covered stalls, a holding pen, a pasture by the creek, horse feed, an arena, camper/RV hookups and an apartment that sleeps four people. The Teton Valley Cabin, located moments from Driggs in Victor, Idaho, is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom loft cabin with horse lodging in a 3-acre fenced pasture, two paddocks, a round corral and a 12x12 horse shelter. Also, if you link up with an overnight pack trip through a local outfitter, they'll arrange accommodations for you and your horse.
How To Prepare
Horseback riding is an adventurous way to explore Idaho's backcountry. The US Forest Service recommends reading up on local regulations and securing a few maps before you leave. Pack lightweight camping equipment if necessary, bring lots of water and grab prepackaged, dehydrated or freeze-dried food for your trip. Insect repellent, first-aid kits and sunblock are practical considerations that will make your trip more enjoyable. Even if it's summer, you're advised to wear jeans to avoid cuts on your legs from the saddle or the brush. You should also wear secure shoes or boots, rather than sandals.
Terrain
Trails near Driggs can be steep, rocky and located at high elevation. Don't worry if the horses seem to walk precariously along the edge of a ridge overlooking a steep cliff, this allows them to see the terrain. You don't need to be an experienced rider to enjoy all that Driggs, Idaho, has to offer. The horses have been on the trails hundreds of times and instinctively know where to go.
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