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Discover Teton Valley

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TREC

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Teton Valley: An Extraordinary Vacation Destination

Published August 14, 2024

Mountain Biking in the Tetons

You now have an opportunity to discover Idaho’s most beautiful but lesser-traveled regions, starting with Teton Valley, Idaho.

Located on the western slope of the Teton Mountain Range, Teton Valley encompasses the eclectic towns of Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia. These small towns are perfect for a relaxed start. Once known as “the quiet side of the Tetons,” Teton Valley has become a favorite destination for those seeking the Wild West experience without the crowds. Take a few days to explore all that the western side of the Tetons has to offer.

Top Summer Activities in Town

Teton Valley offers a rich array of activities that cater to diverse interests. Begin your exploration at the Teton Valley Museum, where you can delve into the region's past through fascinating exhibits on native tribes, fur trappers, and pioneers. For a cultural touch, visit Pierre’s Theatre in Driggs, a historic venue that screens classic films and hosts live performances. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the Teton Geo Center, which provides interactive displays and insights into the unique history of the Teton Valley.

Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. The Music on Main concert series in Victor runs every Thursday night from mid-June to mid-August, featuring fantastic line-ups and a lively atmosphere with food trucks and local vendors. Driggs offers its own musical experience with Downtown Sounds, a concert series from June through September at the Driggs City Center Stage. Both events are free and family-friendly. Additionally, the Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival is a major draw, bringing together national and regional bluegrass talent for three days of music and dancing, along with food trucks and late-night shows at the Trap Bar.

For an authentic Western experience, the Teton Valley Rodeo is held every Friday night at the Teton County Fairgrounds, starting in mid-June. This event features thrilling rodeo events like bronco busting and bull riding, set against the stunning backdrop of the Teton Mountain Range. The rodeo offers a genuine taste of Western culture, with skilled riders and classic food truck fare, making it a family-friendly highlight of the summer.

Visit the Teton Valley Rodeo at Teton County Fairgrounds in Driggs, Idaho.

The Red, White, and Blue & You!

The 4th of July in Teton Valley is a celebration filled with community spirit and fun events. Start your day in Victor, with the small-town parade down Main Street. The whole community comes out to watch floats and catch candy thrown into the crowd (bring a bag to store your booty). After the parade, enjoy BBQ at the Knotty Pine, a perfect spot to grab some delicious food and listen to live music. As night falls, head to Driggs for more live music and a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the sky with the Teton Mountains as a backdrop.

The highlight of the holiday is the Teton Valley Balloon Rally in Driggs. Now in its 43rd year, this event features a sky full of hot air balloons launching from the Teton County Fairgrounds at dawn. Watching the balloons rise against the stunning mountain backdrop is a must-see. You can enjoy the view from the ground or take a balloon ride for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on these 4th of July celebrations that perfectly capture the spirit of Teton Valley.

Unique Local Breweries and Distilleries

Teton Valley has a vibrant craft beverage scene. Start at Grand Teton Brewing Company, known for its handcrafted beers like XX Bitch Creek and Sweetgrass American Pale Ale. Guidepost Brewing in Victor offers innovative brews and a fun atmosphere. Visit Refuge Taphouse for an intimate beer and wine experience, or head to High Point Cider to enjoy their signature hard ciders. In Driggs, Citizen 33 Brewery highlights Idaho’s best ingredients in their handcrafted beers.

For spirits, Grand Teton Distillery in Driggs uses local Idaho potatoes and glacial snowmelt to create award-winning vodkas and whiskeys. Tours are available, offering a glimpse into their eco-conscious distillation process.


Explore the Teton River: A Lazy Waterway with Tons of Activity

The Teton River meanders gracefully through the valley, creating a serene playground for various water activities. This 81-mile tributary of the Henry’s Fork is renowned for its exceptional fly fishing, with abundant populations of Rainbow, Cutthroat, Cutt-bows, Brook Trout, and Whitefish. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy big catches on the water, thanks to the river’s prolific spring through fall hatches. For a guided fishing adventure, consider booking with TTR Outfitters, World Cast Anglers, or Teton Valley Lodge, each offering expert guides and top-notch service to enhance your fishing experience.

Beyond fishing, the Teton River is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and tubing. Its gentle current and beautiful surroundings make for a relaxing day on the water. Pack a picnic from Victor Valley Market or Figgie’s Deli in Driggs, and you're set for a delightful riverside lunch. For all your gear needs and shuttle services, visit Peaked Sports, Yostmark River Supply, Wai Mauna Paddleboard Rentals , or Teton River Supply. These local businesses provide everything you need for a fun and hassle-free day on the river, ensuring that your Teton River adventure is enjoyable and memorable.

Hike the Trails

Hiking the Table Mountain Trail in Teton Canyon is an absolute must. This trail offers two routes: the 8.5-mile North Face Trail, known locally as “Huckleberry” for its more gradual ascent, and the steeper 12-mile Face Trail. Both routes provide an unforgettable adventure with significant elevation gains of 4,183 feet, leading to breathtaking views of the Grand Teton. It's essential to plan for a full day of hiking and to pack the necessary supplies, such as lunch, water, and bear spray, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additional trails worth exploring include the Darby Canyon Wind Cave and the Devil’s Stairs to Alaska Basin in Teton Canyon. 

Grand Targhee and More for Biking Adventures

Mountain biking enthusiasts will find Grand Targhee Resort an ideal destination, offering over 2,200 vertical feet of lift-serviced downhill trails and 70 miles of scenic singletrack weaving through meadows and technical routes. Located just a short drive from Driggs, Idaho, via Ski Hill Rd., the resort provides trail maps at the Activity Center to help riders navigate. Check out Peaked Sports and Yostmark in Driggs for bike rentals and gear, which offers expert advice on the best trails. Another excellent spot for biking is the Horseshoe Canyon Trail System, just west of Driggs, known for its diverse and challenging terrain. Packsaddle Lake Trail and the scenic Ashton-Tetonia Rail Trail offer unique experiences for both hikers and bikers. If you need to rent a bike, visit Wheel Wranglers in Victor, ID.

Off-Roading Adventures: ATV and Dirt Biking

The Big Hole Crest Trail is an essential experience for dirt bikes and ATV enthusiasts. This scenic backcountry trail extends from Garns Mountain to Rocky Peak, offering breathtaking views of the Teton Mountain Range. The northern section of the trail features smooth and flowy paths, ideal for a leisurely ride, while the southern part presents a more technical challenge with loose gravel and steep hill climbs, perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush. The trail’s diverse terrain ensures a thrilling ride for all skill levels. Local gear shops like Peaked Sports and Yostmark in Driggs offer rentals and equipment to ensure you’re well-prepared for your off-roading adventure. Many trails in Teton Valley restrict motorized vehicles, so check permitted use before revving up.


Camping Around Teton Valley

Camping in Teton Valley is a great way to experience the area's natural beauty up close. Plenty of campgrounds offer stunning views and a peaceful environment, making it perfect for outdoor lovers. To stay safe, pack essentials like water, a first aid kit, bear spray, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Always follow campground rules, especially regarding food storage, to keep wildlife at bay.

Two top campgrounds to consider are Teton Canyon Campground and Reunion Flats Campground. Teton Canyon Campground in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest provides easy access to hiking trails like the Table Mountain Trail. It has amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Reunion Flat Campground, also in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, is known for its spacious sites and proximity to the Teton River, making it ideal for fishing and kayaking. Both campgrounds offer a serene base for exploring the beauty of Teton Valley.

Horseback Riding in Teton Valley

Horseback riding in Teton Valley offers a unique way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes. Linn Canyon Ranch in Victor is an excellent choice for guided trips, providing well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides who lead you through scenic trails with breathtaking views of the Teton and Big Hole Mountain Ranges. For those trailering their horses, the Hidden Lake Trail and the South Leigh Creek Trail are fantastic options. The Hidden Lake Trail, starting from Coyote Meadows, is a 15-mile loop that takes you through aspen forests and open meadows, culminating in a serene lake perfect for a lunch break and a swim with your horse. The South Leigh Creek Trail offers a more rugged experience, winding through dense forests and along the creek, providing ample opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the solitude of nature. These trails highlight the diverse beauty of Teton Valley and are only two of hundreds that accommodate horseback riding adventures.

Culinary Delights in Teton Valley

Teton Valley’s dining scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something for every palate. In Victor, the Knotty Pine Supper Club serves up classic American fare with a rustic charm and outdoor seating so diners can enjoy Teton Valley’s gorgeous summer weather. If you're in the mood for barbecue, stay in Victor - Big Hole BBQ is the place to go for mouthwatering brisket, pulled pork, and chicken dishes. Over in Driggs, the Royal Wolf offers gourmet burgers and a fantastic outdoor patio, while O’Rourkes Irish Pub provides a welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with hearty pub classics. In Tetonia, Badger Creek Cafe is known for its tasty sandwiches and homemade desserts, perfect for a casual meal.

For those craving international flavors, Teton Valley doesn't disappoint. Teton Thai in Driggs offers an upscale dining experience with a menu showcasing Thai cuisine’s bold flavors. Chiang Mai Kitchen in Victor specializes in Northern Thai cuisine, bringing authentic and flavorful dishes to the valley. If you are seeking Mexican flavor, stop by Agave in Driggs or Guadalajara in Victor for a great meal! Don’t miss visiting Victor Emporium, where you can enjoy their famous huckleberry shakes at an old-fashioned soda fountain, or stop by Corner Drug Pharmacy in Driggs for a milkshake made with real ice cream. 

Where to Stay in Teton Valley

Teton Valley offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's preference, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Teton Homestead has numerous vacation rentals in the valley to accommodate any group size. Teton Valley Resort is a popular choice, providing cozy cabins and spacious lodges with amenities like a heated outdoor pool and pickleball courts, perfect for families and groups. For a more rustic experience, Moose Creek Ranch offers charming cabins, glamping sites, and unique Conestoga Wagons equipped with modern comforts like electricity and running water. In Driggs, the Pines Motel Guest Haus provides a convenient downtown location with easy access to local shops and restaurants, while the Super 8 by Wyndham offers familiar and affordable accommodations. Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, WY, is an excellent option for those seeking a mountain retreat. It offers stunning views and is close to hiking and skiing trails. Teton Peaks Resort in Tetonia caters to those looking for a mix of comfort and adventure, with options like glamping tents, tiny home rentals, and lodge rooms with breathtaking views of the Tetons. 

Want to know the places that locals think are the best in Victor, Driggs and Tetonia? Check out the Best of Teton Valley to make your trip that much better!

Do It All in Teton Valley

Teton Valley is the ideal spot for a memorable vacation, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, local culture, and beautiful scenery. Whether you're hiking scenic trails, enjoying water activities on the Teton River, or trying delicious local food, there's something for everyone. The friendly towns of Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia provide a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to feel at home while exploring the area’s natural and cultural highlights. Plan your trip to Teton Valley today and see why it’s becoming a top choice for travelers looking for adventure and relaxation.

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