A Guide to Fall Foliage & Fun in Teton Valley Idaho

Autumn in Teton Valley is perfect for so many reasons! The mountains and trees put on a glorious show with lots of golds, oranges, and reds. It’s rut season, which means the moose, elk, and deer are much more active. The weather is warm during the day and cool at night, and the trails, rivers, and restaurants can be enjoyed without worrying about too many people around. 

One more great thing about Fall? Rates for many of our vacation rentals are reduced for the season, making this the perfect time to visit.

There’s never a shortage of things to do in Teton Valley, no matter the season. We’re a year-round kind of place and as the seasons change, so do the opportunities for fun and adventures.  

Fall Foliage Touring 

If you’re here for some serious leaf peeping, we’ve got lots to keep you oohing and aahing! Grab your camera and start touring the valley. There’s color everywhere, but if you need some places to get started try these: 

  • Grand Targhee: The drive up Ski Hill Road to the resort is beautiful, but even more stunning is taking a scenic chair lift ride to the summit where you’ll have valley-wide 360-degree views. (Be sure to check operating hours on the Grand Targhee website, as they often close for the season mid-September.) 
  • Darby Canyon: You’ll find golden aspen groves here with bits of orange and red peeking out. 
  • Teton Pass: Driving over the Teton Pass during the Fall can be distracting with all the gorgeous color, so be sure to take your time and stop at the top to get all the photos you want. 
  • Fall Foliage Drive: The best fall foliage drive in Teton Valley is a loop starting here in the Valley, then through to Swan Valley, down to Alpine, up to Jackson Hole, then back home again. We’ve provided full driving directions and places to stop along the way on the blog here: Best Fall Foliage Drive in Teton Valley. 

Autumn Hiking & Biking

If you’re planning a trip this autumn to our corner of paradise and want to find some great trails for nature hikes or bike rides, here are a few that are fun to explore and guaranteed to provide some beautiful sights.

DARBY CANYON: On this nearly 3-mile trail you can see waterfalls, mountain views, aspen and evergreen groves, and flowering meadows. You can make this hike as easy or as long as you like, and several miles in you can reach the famous Darby Canyon Wind Caves, a popular destination. 

ASPEN TRAIL:  The entrance to Aspen Trail is about 2 miles before you get to the trailhead for Darby Canyon. There is not a marked parking lot for this trail, but you can park on the side of the road and in a couple small pullout areas. Here’s a useful link to help you get there: Trailforks Aspen Trail. 

SHEEP’S BRIDGE TRAIL: From downtown Driggs, take Ski Hill Road and exit right on Teton Canyon Road. The first trailhead you’ll see is for Sheep’s Bridge. This is a great trail for an easy hike or bike or if you have young kids. The parking area has breathtaking views of the Teton mountain range, perfect for photos. 

TETON CANYON TRAILS: A few miles past Sheep’s Bridge is the Teton Canyon Trailhead. There are a few places you can hike or bike, including Table Mountain and Devil’s Stairs. If you’ve got little ones, don’t let the longer hikes scare you away. Just off the parking area to the northeast there is a short trail that parallels a stream with pretty waterfalls that’s not too strenuous. While the other trails are attractive for longer, more advanced hikes, even if you just go a mile or so in, you’ll be treated to beautiful mountains and cliffs, wildflower-filled fields, and fall foliage that never disappoints.

For details, locations, and wildlife safety tips, check out “Best Fall Hiking & Biking Trails in Teton Valley.” 

Fall on the Fairways: Golf in Teton Valley

With sunny skies, mild temperatures, and mountain views full of shimmering golden aspens, Fall is the perfect time to golf in Teton Valley. Take in the beautiful autumn colors while spending a day on the greens at one of the five golf courses in the valley. Seasonal closing dates can vary, but are usually late September to early October, so be sure to check their websites. 

Bronze Buffalo Championship Course at Teton Springs: This is an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole Nelson short course designed in collaboration with golf legend Byron Nelson, PGA Touring Pro and U.S. Open Champion Steve Jones, and renowned golf course architect Gary Stephenson. Nationally recognized by numerous golf and leisure magazines, the resort’s courses were designed to complement the area’s natural terrain. 

Teton Reserve Golf Course: Designed by 3-time U.S. Open Champion Hale Irwin, Teton Reserve Golf Course has plenty to offer golfers of all abilities, and is one of the few in the nation that can actually be played (and enjoyed) in reverse. This 7426-yard, par 72 layout public course has spectacular mountain views all around, a fully stocked Pro Shop, and is surrounded by green valleys, majestic mountains, and an exclusive community of homes for an unforgettable experience.

Tributary Golf Course: Featured in Golf Week and Golf Magazine as one of the outstanding courses in Idaho and the nation, Tributary Golf Course is a private 18-hole golf course that boasts approximately 1,350 acres of beautiful Teton Valley wetland. The course, designed by David Mclay-Kidd, features greens that average 10,000 sqft, over 150 bunkers, and is abundant with wildlife including moose, deer, and fowl. 

The Links at Teton Peaks: The Links is a 5-star 18-hole golf course located in Driggs, Idaho, designed by David Druzisky. One of the holes, number 16, has double fairways which is similar to how several links courses in Scotland and England are designed. Many plein air artists have been known to feature The Links in their artwork, and this public course is known as a fun but challenging course for all skill levels.

Targhee Village Golf Course: Targhee Village is a fun 9-hole regulation course located in the foothills of the Targhee National Forest and an absolute gem of a public golf course. While it’s a little more off-the-path (a few miles off Ski Hill Road), it has the stunning beauty and local friendliness you can expect from a golf course here in Teton Valley. Don’t forget the moose and elk, which can often show up and steal the scene while you wait to play through. In Fall, the changing colors combined with the clear, crisp mountain air make golfing at Targhee Village a special time.

Fantastic Fishing in the Fall

Teton Valley is centrally located to some of the best fishing spots in the country. Teton River, Snake River, Swan Valley, Jackson Hole, Henry’s Fork, Ashton, and Island Park are all meccas for people who love to fish in some of the most scenic and iconic rivers in the world. Fishing in the Fall is just as great with cooler temperatures, great wildlife encounters, and less people on the rivers for a great experience. For more details about fishing and guides in the Teton Valley, check out our article “Best Fishing in Teton Valley.”

Pickleheads Unite: Pickleball in Driggs

As temperatures cool, pickleball in Teton Valley is staying hot, hot hot. You’re welcome to join other pickleheads here in Teton Valley at courts located just north of the Courthouse in Driggs that have permanent nets and windscreens. Teton Valley Pickleball offers open play on Saturdays and Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. 

A Great Time to Giddy Up: Horseback Riding

Nothing says "Western getaway" like a day spent in the mountains on horseback. Plus, the cooler temps and fall foliage make for an even better experience. Here are a few of the companies in Teton Valley Idaho that offer horseback rides: 

The Best Thing About Fall in Teton Valley

Perhaps the best part of any autumn escape to Teton Valley Idaho is the peace, quiet, and take-your-breath-away beauty. You know, the kind of vacation where you find a great place to stay and just relax and enjoy. Take in the fall colors while sitting on the deck sipping a favorite cocktail. Light a fire in your backyard firepit and roast some marshmallows while watching the stars. Here at Teton Valley Vacation Rentals, we offer a wide selection of accommodations, so you can find exactly what you want. From cozy romantic cabins to luxurious estates and everything in between, we've got exactly what you need for the best Fall vacation of your dreams. 

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