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Kelly Canyon Ski Area wilderness guide
Ski Area · ID

Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Kelly Canyon Ski Area offers a quaint and family-friendly skiing experience with diverse winter activities in the scenic landscapes of eastern Idaho.

Ski Area6404+ Trails

Designation

Ski Area

Total Wilderness Area

640

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Kelly Canyon Ski Area offers a quaint and family-friendly skiing experience with diverse winter activities in the scenic landscapes of eastern Idaho.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kelly Canyon Ski Area is a beloved local ski destination located in eastern Idaho, approximately 26 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. Nestled in the mountainous terrain of the Targhee National Forest, this ski area is particularly popular for its accessible and affordable winter sports opportunities. Historically, Kelly Canyon has served the community since 1957, providing terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The area features 640 acres of skiable terrain spread over 26 runs and is equipped with four lifts. Notable for its night skiing, which covers over half of its run, the ski area extends its accessibility beyond daylight hours. Additionally, Kelly Canyon is also a summer destination, offering mountain biking and scenic hiking opportunities. The surrounding forested landscape supports a diverse array of wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts. The laid-back atmosphere, coupled with stunning vistas, makes Kelly Canyon a cherished winter getaway for families and avid skiers alike.

Field Guide · Ski Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Walk Through Nature's Enclave at Kelly Canyon Foot Trail★ 6.5⌖ 5 miHiking
Kelly Canyon Foot Trail

Walk Through Nature's Enclave at Kelly Canyon Foot Trail

Explore Kelly Canyon Foot Trail near Ririe, Idaho. This easy hike offers gentle terrain through diverse ecosystems, perfect for wildlife viewing and picnicking. Ideal for families, it's best visited in spring or fall for a peaceful outdoor experience.

Majestic Waterfalls of Caribou-Targhee★ 8.4⌖ 11 miHiking
Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Majestic Waterfalls of Caribou-Targhee

Explore Caribou-Targhee National Forest's waterfalls near Idaho Falls, ID. Ideal for hiking and fishing in spring with scenic forest trails. Drive-in access with wildlife viewing opportunities.

The Scenic Beauty of Idaho Falls★ 7.5⌖ 23 miScenic Viewing
Idaho Falls

The Scenic Beauty of Idaho Falls

Explore Idaho Falls and enjoy scenic views of the Snake River. With easy access, it's a popular spot for families and photographers seeking outdoor relaxation and urban amenities.

Scenic ViewingView Details→
Strolling Along the Idaho Falls River Walk★ 7.0⌖ 23 miWalking
Idaho Falls River Walk - Greenbelt Trail

Strolling Along the Idaho Falls River Walk

Explore the Idaho Falls River Walk - Greenbelt Trail along the Snake River in Idaho Falls, ID. This easy, family-friendly trail offers walking and biking with scenic views and cultural landmarks. Ideal for spring and fall visits.

The Serene Charm of Victor, Idaho★ 7.8⌖ 25 miHiking
Victor

The Serene Charm of Victor, Idaho

Explore Victor, Idaho, surrounded by the scenic Teton Valley. Enjoy various activities like hiking, fishing, and mountain biking in a peaceful setting. Close to Caribou-Targhee National Forest, it's an ideal spot for adventure seekers looking for tranquility away from bustling crowds.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Night Skiing over more than half the ski runs.✦ Access to mountain biking trails in summer.✦ Family-friendly atmosphere with ski school services.✦ Proximity to the Targhee National Forest.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kelly Canyon Ski Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Kelly Canyon Ski Area
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Kelly Canyon Ski Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kelly Canyon Ski Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permit required, lift tickets available for purchase.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kelly Canyon Campground

A basic campground offering close proximity to the ski area, open seasonally.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ririe
⌖ 9.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ririe, Idaho

A quiet rural gateway for outdoor enthusiasts seeking river paddling, hiking, and winter sports near the scenic Targhee and Caribou National Forests.

Late Spring to Early Fall and WinterExplore Town
Rigby
⌖ 17.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rigby, Idaho

A gateway to diverse outdoor adventures with easy access to mountain trails, rivers, and winter sports in Eastern Idaho's scenic Plateau.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Ammon
⌖ 19.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ammon, Idaho

A quiet town offering close proximity to varied outdoor opportunities with easy access to both urban amenities and rugged landscapes of eastern Idaho.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Rexburg
⌖ 20.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rexburg, Idaho

A charming town offering easy access to diverse outdoor adventures including hiking, fishing, and skiing in its beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Eldon
⌖ 24.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eldon, Idaho

A quiet, remote lakeside community offering serene water adventures, forest hikes, and peaceful backcountry exploration near the southern edge of Idaho's expansive wilderness.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Troy
⌖ 24.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Troy, Idaho

A peaceful small town surrounded by forests and rivers offering year-round outdoor recreation in the scenic Idaho Panhandle.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.