The Ashton-Tetonia Trail: A Hidden Gem for Outdoor Enthusiasts
HOW TO GET THERE?
To get to the trail, first decide where you’d like to begin. You have several options:
- Start from Ashton and head to Tetonia – Click Here for a Google Pin Click Here
- Start from Tetonia and head to Ashton – Click Here for a Google Pin Click Here
Additionally, there are several other parking options available:
- Grainville – Click Here for a Google Pin
- France – Click Here for a Google Pin
- Lamont – Click Here for a Google Pin
- Judkins – Click Here for a Google Pin
- Felt – Click Here for a Google Pin
Things to Know:
- The Ashton-Tetonia Trail is a 29.6-mile point-to-point trail located in Idaho.
- It is a moderately challenging route popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.
- The trail can be accessed from Ashton, Marysville, Felt, and Tetonia and is managed by Idaho Parks and Recreation.
- Must-have equipment includes a mountain bike or bike with tires at least 32 mm wide, water, a day pack, snacks, a first aid kit, and a camera.
- It is popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Activities:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Birding
Park History:
- The Ashton-Tetonia Trail follows an abandoned rail spur that was once operated by the Union Pacific’s Oregon Short Line Railroad.
- The rail spur was built in 1912 and brought prosperity to the Teton Valley, connecting isolated communities and commerce.
- The rail spur was abandoned in 1981 and 1984.
Scenery and Amenities
- A 29.6-mile, moderately trafficked gravel trail that is gaining in popularity.
- Features include:
- 3 large wooden trestle bridges.
- 3 smaller bridges.
- Idyllic countryside and mountain views.
- Numerous waystations (some with restrooms) to allow visitors to do the trail in shorter segments.
- Unsurpassed views of the Tetons.
- Five bridges, restroom facilities, and restored train trestles.
Historical Significance
- Follows an abandoned rail spur that was once operated by the Union Pacific’s Oregon Short Line Railroad.
- Built in 1912.
- Brought prosperity to the Teton Valley and connected isolated communities and commerce.
- Abandoned in 1981 and 1984.
- A living reminder of the important role that railroads played in the development of the Teton Valley.
Access and Safety
- Can be accessed from Ashton, Marysville, Felt, and Tetonia and is managed by Idaho Parks and Recreation.
- Must-have equipment:
- Mountain bike or bike with tires at least 32 mm wide.
- Water, a day pack, snacks, a first aid kit, and a camera.
Tips from Trail Users
- Trail’s surface can be challenging, especially with narrow street tires.
- The part of the trail closer to Ashton is more challenging than the part closer to Tetonia.
- Trail is non-motorized and open to snow machines in winter months.
Fun Facts:
- The trail offers unsurpassed views of the Tetons.
- The trail is gaining in popularity.
Conclusion
- A must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of eastern Idaho.
- Great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing.
- Well-maintained and offers numerous amenities.
- A hidden gem that should not be missed for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors in Idaho.
Nearby Attractions:
- The Teton Valley offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and skiing.
- The nearby Grand Teton National Park offers even more opportunities for outdoor exploration and sightseeing.
- The town of Jackson, Wyoming is also a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Overall, the Ashton-Tetonia Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and history of eastern Idaho. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, horseback rider, or cross-country skier, the trail offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to check with Idaho Parks and Recreation for current fees and trail conditions before heading out on your adventure. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the Tetons and the idyllic countryside.
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Trail Maps
Parking Access
Section Maps
“I recently hiked the Ashton-Tetonia Trail and it was a beautiful experience. The rolling hills were lush and green, thanks to all the recent rain. The views of the Tetons were breathtaking and the old railroad bridges added a touch of history to the hike. I highly recommend this trail for anyone looking for a moderately challenging hike with stunning views.”
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Michael Rodriguez” image=”https://arnel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/68747470733a2f2f7261772e6769746875622e636f6d2f656c61646e6176612f6d6174657269616c2d6c65747465722d69636f6e732f6d61737465722f646973742f706e672f4d2e706e67.png” icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|6px|30px|2%|false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”width:50px;” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”80px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09)” global_colors_info=”{}”]“I recently biked the Ashton-Tetonia Trail and it was a great experience. The trail surface can be a bit challenging, especially with narrow street tires, but the downhill parts were a blast. The scenery was fantastic and the historic trestle bridges were a nice touch. I also appreciated the waystations along the trail for breaks and restroom facilities. Overall, a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Lauren Mitchell” image=”https://arnel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/68747470733a2f2f7261772e6769746875622e636f6d2f656c61646e6176612f6d6174657269616c2d6c65747465722d69636f6e732f6d61737465722f646973742f706e672f4c2e706e67.png” icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|6px|30px|2%|false|false” custom_css_blurb_image=”width:50px;” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”80px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.09)” global_colors_info=”{}”]“I recently took a snowmobile ride on the Ashton-Tetonia Trail and it was a unique and fun experience. The trail is non-motorized but it’s open to snow machines in the winter months. The snow-covered landscape was beautiful and the old railroad trestles added a touch of history. I also appreciated the restroom facilities along the trail. I would recommend this trail for anyone looking for a winter adventure.”
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