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Caribou-Targhee National Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,278 Google reviews · Running trail in Idaho Falls, Idaho · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Caribou-Targhee National Forest's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Caribou-Targhee National Forest
“This is a beautiful forest area with access to all the activities that make for great experience, forests, high desert plains, lakes, creeks, and waterfalls.”
Amazing scenery! Kinda crowded but the hike to the cave is beautiful! The trees are nice and green and wildlife is plentiful. Expect to see squirrels and chipmunks. Great place to take the family! Amazing Natl. Forest, one of the best I have seen. Truly a beautiful sight.
I love this place. I've ridden several of the the thousands of miles of ATV trails. They range from very easy to difficult. I've rolled my atv a few times out here but continue to return. (Rider error) my most recent visit I took my son and brother out for an overnight camping trip.
Nothing like a climb up a steep steep hill to reach a destination quicker. It also helps if you go with a strong male friend that’s really good at navigating steep terrain. It was a beautiful view from the top amongst the sun bleached rocks and old cedars oh and rock chucks. Lots of them.
Peaceful, plenty of camp sites, lots of trails to hike, handicap availability, easy access to water for handicapped persons for fishing and handicap bathrooms. Trails and camp sites groomed nicely and easily accessible for motorized wheelchair or just a plain wheelchair. Fishing is great.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful forest area with access to all the activities that make for great experience, forests, high desert plains, lakes, creeks, and waterfalls.”
“Nothing like a climb up a steep steep hill to reach a destination quicker.”
“Trails and camp sites groomed nicely and easily accessible for motorized wheelchair or just a plain wheelchair.”
“The sun was setting and the light cut through the limestone carved canyon at the perfect angle.”
Plan your run at Caribou-Targhee National Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 208-557-5900
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Idaho Falls
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cress Creek Nature National Recreation Trail
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Smith Park
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Porter Park
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Riverside Park
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Evergreen Park
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Open grassy area with a picnic shelter; small, contemporary playground & 2 soccer fields.
