Caribou-Targhee National Forest sprawls across southeastern Idaho, offering a playground for every type of hiker. The trails here don’t just lead you through forested corridors—they usher you into landscapes fiercely alive, where ancient pines stand their ground and rivers dare you to follow their twist and turn. From Idaho Falls, it’s about a 45-minute drive west to reach trailheads that thread through both dense woodlands and open ridges.

Start your adventure at the Harriman State Park trails for a moderate 5-mile loop that climbs around 800 feet, where each step brings fresh mountain air and viewpoints that expand with altitude. The terrain balances gently rolling forest floors with rugged patches of volcanic rock—demanding respect but fully rewarding effort. Along the path, you’ll spot aspen groves shimmering like mirrors and hear the creek currents pushing forward beneath fallen logs.

For a longer trek, the Red Rock Pass trail is ideal. It spans roughly 9 miles round trip with around 1,400 feet of elevation gain. This trail commands attention with vast horizons, peeling back layers of forest to reveal red rock cliffs that glow warmly in afternoon light. It’s a straightforward route but be prepared for exposed sections where the mountain sun can assert itself strongly.

Planning is essential. Footwear with reliable grip handles rocky patches and occasional mud, while layered clothing helps you adapt to temperature swings between shaded woods and exposed ridgelines. Carry at least two liters of water; the forest’s lively streams might look inviting, but bacterial risks keep them off the safe list for drinking without treatment. Early morning or late afternoon hikes help avoid the hottest parts of the day and introduce golden light that animates the canopy.

Wildlife often enters the scene unannounced—a vigilant mule deer or a bold chipmunk, both players in a landscape fiercely itself, thriving on the forest’s rhythms. Respect the environment’s autonomy; trails can be unpredictable, weather shifting suddenly, marking every step with the reminder that this territory invites cooperation over conquest.

A venture into Caribou-Targhee's trails isn’t only about ticking distances off a list. It’s about reading the story the land writes each day through wind, water, and stone. Prepare well, stay alert, and let yourself be drawn into the forest’s dialogue. The vistas are waiting, steady and unapologetically wild.