The Biggest Surprise You’ll Come Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Idaho

 I may be a little biased, but Idaho is home to some of the best hiking trails in the West. We have incredible lakes to hike around, meadows to walk through, and mountains to climb. One trail near the Idaho and Wyoming state line is a hike that needs to be on your bucket list. It’s a little long and a bit of a climb, but it has something surprising, remarkable, and unforgettable. It is the Grove Creek and Drake Creek Loop near Victor, and if you are up for a quiet day outdoors, this is a trail I’m sure you’ll love.

Just a short drive outside of Victor and near Idaho State Highway 31 is the Grove Creek and Drake Creek Loop Trail. This route contains both the Grove Creek Trail and a Forest Service road to Drake Creek. If you wish for a shorter, out-and-back adventure, you can always hike the out-and-back Grove Creek Trail. But for a more scenic adventure, include the forest service road as you’ll form a perfect 7.5-mile loop that’s a beautiful journey outdoors.

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Despite the distance, this hike is not too challenging, and the trail is quite easy to follow, especially since a portion of your hike is along a narrow dirt road. However, you’ll still want to be prepared for a bit of a climb as you’ll gain more than 1,700 feet in elevation.

As you tackle this journey, you'll find a long list of things to love. This route is lesser-known, allowing you to easily enjoy a quiet day outdoors. This trail typically doesn’t have large crowds and a lot of traffic, so you can listen to the soundtrack of nature and enjoy the peace that the great outdoors can bring.

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You’ll also love the variety of terrain you’ll face. You will walk along the side of a mountain, become surrounded by thick forests, and hike near streams and small waterfalls. This is also a hike that is breathtaking no matter the season. In the summer months, colorful wildflowers line the trail. Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage, and winter is a wonderland with snow-covered trees that you can snowshoe around.

However, what may surprise you the most (and what you’ll deeply love) are the views. Yes, you’ll enjoy views of Victor and the Teton Valley. Yes, you may observe wildlife. But the views of the Teton Mountains in the distance will take your breath away. When the Tetons come into sight, stop and soak in the scenery. The view of the Tetons from the Idaho side doesn’t get as much love and attention as it should, and here, you can enjoy it all away from the crowds. Mother Nature sure outdid herself.

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As you hike the Grove Creek and Drake Creek Loop, I recommend bug spray in the summer months and being prepared for muddy portions of the trail during the spring or after heavy rainfall. This trail is also shared with mountain bikers, so always pay attention to these fast-moving thrill seekers. And make sure you don't leave Fido at home, as dogs are welcome.

The Grove Creek and Drake Creek Loop Trail near Victor, Idaho, sure has a lot to love, but the views of the Teton Mountains may surprise you and take your breath away. Idaho is a place of beauty. There is no better place to explore.

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What are some of your favorite Idaho hiking trails with Teton Mountain views? Let me know! I’d love to check them out. And if this is your first time near Victor, make sure you stop and stay for a while. This is a small town that I consider one of Idaho’s rising stars.   

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