Ashton IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ashton, Idaho.
1. Mesa Falls
MAJESTIC NATURAL WATERFALLS
Mesa Falls is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the Ashton area, featuring impressive waterfalls on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Visitors can enjoy viewing both the Upper and Lower falls along a scenic byway route with developed viewpoints and interpretive facilities. The falls remain in their natural state, unimpeded by human development, offering a pristine glimpse of Idaho's natural beauty.
2. Ashton to Tetonia Rails to Trails
SCENIC RAILWAY TRAIL
The Ashton to Tetonia Rails to Trails is a 29.6-mile trail that follows the abandoned railroad grade of the Teton Valley Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. Opened to the public in 2010, this trail is administered by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and managed through Harriman State Park. The trail offers spectacular views of the Teton Range and surrounding countryside for hikers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
3. American Dog Derby
HISTORIC SLED DOG RACE
The American Dog Derby is a beloved annual event in Ashton that attracts visitors and participants from across the country. As one of the oldest sled dog races in the United States, it celebrates the area's winter heritage with competitive races through the snow-covered landscape. The event typically includes various race categories, festivities, and opportunities to learn about the sport and meet the mushers and their teams.
4. Yellowstone Golf Resort at Aspen Acres
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GOLF
Yellowstone Golf Resort at Aspen Acres offers golfers a scenic mountain course experience in the Ashton area. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and mountains. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the challenging yet accessible layout in a peaceful rural setting.
5. Frostop Drive-In
ICONIC LOCAL EATERY
Frostop Drive-In is a classic diner and must-visit highlight in the quaint mountain town of Ashton. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere, the restaurant serves American comfort food favorites including burgers, fries, and their famous root beer floats. Locals and tourists alike flock to this iconic establishment for a taste of traditional American dining in a charming small-town setting.
6. Harriman State Park
HISTORIC WORKING RANCH
Harriman State Park is a working cattle ranch with historic buildings that offers visitors a glimpse into Idaho's ranching heritage. Located near Ashton, the park encompasses 11,000 acres of protected lands with stunning mountain views, meadows, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
7. Henry's Fork
PREMIER FLY FISHING DESTINATION
Henry's Fork of the Snake River is internationally renowned as one of the premier fly fishing destinations in North America. The river flows through the Ashton area offering crystal clear waters, abundant trout populations, and spectacular scenery that attracts anglers from around the world. Beyond fishing, the river provides opportunities for scenic floating, photography, and wildlife viewing in a pristine natural setting.
8. Ashton Reservoir
SCENIC RECREATIONAL WATERS
Ashton Reservoir is a picturesque body of water created by the Ashton Dam on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. The reservoir offers multiple recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a scenic mountain setting. Surrounded by forests and mountain views, it serves as a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors seeking outdoor experiences.
9. St. Anthony Sand Dunes
UNIQUE DESERT LANDSCAPE
The St. Anthony Sand Dunes present a unique natural phenomenon with over 10,000 acres of shifting white quartz sand creating dunes up to 400 feet high. Located near Ashton, this unexpected desert landscape offers opportunities for ATV riding, sandboarding, horseback riding, and photography. The contrast between the sand dunes and the backdrop of the Teton Mountains creates a striking visual experience for visitors.
10. Bitch Creek Trail
RUGGED WILDERNESS HIKING
Bitch Creek Trail offers hikers a rugged wilderness experience accessed by taking Ashton Flagg Ranch Road. The trail follows the scenic Bitch Creek through diverse terrain including forests, meadows, and rocky outcroppings. Hikers are rewarded with pristine nature experiences, wildlife sightings, and the sounds of the rushing creek throughout their journey.
11. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
PICTURESQUE MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is a 28-mile route that takes travelers through spectacular forest landscapes and past natural attractions including the iconic Mesa Falls. Beginning in Ashton, the byway winds through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest offering numerous pullouts for photography, wildlife viewing, and scenic appreciation. The route combines natural beauty with cultural and historical points of interest, making it a perfect half-day excursion for visitors.
12. Cave Falls
HIDDEN YELLOWSTONE WATERFALL
Cave Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in the remote southwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park, accessible via Ashton. The waterfall, named for a small cave behind it, is the widest waterfall in Yellowstone at 250 feet across though only 20 feet high. Its relatively accessible location and impressive width make it a rewarding destination for those seeking less-crowded Yellowstone experiences.
13. Big Springs
CRYSTAL CLEAR HEADWATERS
Big Springs is a first-magnitude spring that forms the headwaters of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River near Ashton. The springs produce over 120 million gallons of crystal clear water daily at a constant temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can observe enormous wild trout, enjoy the scenic boardwalk, and experience the pristine source of one of Idaho's most important rivers.
14. Warm River Springs
PEACEFUL RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Warm River Springs is a tranquil natural area featuring crystal clear springs that feed into the aptly named Warm River near Ashton. The area offers camping, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a peaceful forest setting. The springs maintain a consistent temperature year-round, creating a unique microclimate and recreational destination popular with locals and visitors alike.
15. Grand Teton National Park
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Grand Teton National Park showcases the iconic Teton Range rising dramatically above the valley floor just a short drive from Ashton. The park encompasses pristine lakes, diverse wildlife including moose, elk, and bears, and over 200 miles of hiking trails for all ability levels. Visitors from Ashton can easily access this natural treasure for day trips offering world-class photography, outdoor recreation, and scenic driving opportunities.