Eastern Idaho Park N' Ski Locations

Park N’ Ski parking permit required November 15th through April 30th

Brimstone/Buffalo River Park N’ Ski

Location: From Ashton travel N. on Hwy 20 approximately 26 miles.
The Brimstone trail is located .25 miles north of the Island Park Ranger Station on Hwy 20 near Ponds Lodge Resort.
Location map
Trail map
Harriman/Brimstone Connector trail map
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate – Expert
Distance: 17.9 miles/28.8km
Grooming: Yes, set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Not allowed on the groomed ski trails but numerous off-trail opportunities
Yurts: No
Warming hut: No
Backcountry skiing potential: No
Restrooms: No
Dogs: No, not allowed

The Brimstone/Buffalo River Park N’ Ski area has many great opportunities for Nordic skiing in a beautiful setting next to Island Park Reservoir, the Buffalo River, Henrys Fork and Box Canyon. A 2.1 mile interpretive trail with information about nature in winter is a great loop for kids and families. The 2.8-mile Moose Loop is a little longer and connects to three other loops; Thurmon Ridge, Boggy Springs and Antelope Park. The Brimstone Trail, a 10.8-mile one-way trail, connects from Ponds Lodge to Harriman State Park Link this to the Premium Nordic page for Harriman State Park Visitors Center. For more information and grooming report call Ashton Ranger Station at: (208)652-7442.

Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls Park N’ Ski

Location: From Ashton travel E. on Mesa Falls Forest Hwy 47 approximately 12 miles.
Location Map
Trail map
Difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced
Distance: 9.1 miles/14.7km
Grooming: Yes, set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Not allowed on groomed ski trails, but numerous off-trail opportunities are available.
Yurts: No
Warming hut: No
Backcountry skiing potential: No
Restrooms: Yes, at trailhead and at Upper and Lower Mesa Falls
Dogs: No, not allowed

The Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls trail system is one of the most scenic anywhere in Idaho, particularly because the ski trails cruise along the rim overlooking both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, and views of the Teton Mountain Range are possible on a clear day. It’s a 9.1-mile round-trip trek to the Upper Falls (where the water drops 110 feet), but well worth the effort for the strong and hardy. Shorter loops of 3.9 miles/6.3km or 5.9 miles/9.5km also are available closer to the trailhead. The trailhead and a short section of the ski trail are shared use areas with snowmobiles. For more information and grooming report call Ashton Ranger Station at: (208)652-7442.

Fall River Ridge Park N’ Ski

Location: From Ashton travel E on Mesa Falls Forest Hwy 47 approximately 6 miles then right onto Cave Falls Rd approximately 6 miles.
Location map
Trail map
Trail description
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Distance: 7.1 miles/11.4km
Grooming: Yes, set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Not allowed on groomed ski trails, but numerous off-trail opportunities are available.
Yurts: No
Warming hut: No
Backcountry skiing potential: No
Restrooms: No
Dogs: No, not allowed

Three loops await Nordic skiers here on a mountain bench that overlooks the Fall River canyon. There is a 2.2-mile easy loop immediately accessible from the trailhead, then a more difficult 3.4-mile second loop and a third loop that covers a total of 7.1 miles, roundtrip from the trailhead. Skiers may see an occasional moose nearby. The trailhead is shared with snowmobiles. For more information and grooming report call Ashton Ranger Station at: (208)652-7442.

Mink Creek Park N’ Ski

Location: From Hwy 15 at Pocatello take Exit 63, travel S. on Portneuf Rd approximately 2 miles then S. on Bannock Hwy approximately 10 miles. The area consists of seven plowed parking areas.
Location map
Trail map
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate – Expert
Distance: 15 miles/24km of ski trails
Grooming: Limited grooming with set track for kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Yes
Yurt:  No, but Pocatello City Parks and Recreation Department has yurts for rent near the East Mink Creek Nordic Center.
Warming hut: No
Backcountry skiing potential: Yes
Restroom: Yes
Dogs: Yes, on un-groomed trails only

The Mink Creek Park N’ Ski area is loaded with great ski and snowshoe trails close to Pocatello. The area has seven plowed parking areas, providing great access to five different trails. The West Fork of Mink Creek and Valve House offer out-and-back experiences in a mountain draw, while the Porcelain Pot area provides more loops. The Porcelain Pot trails can be combined with a ripping downhill on the Corral Creek Trail. For more information call the Park N’ Ski area manager at : Westside Ranger District (208) 236-7500.

The East Mink Creek Nordic Center  is managed by the Pocatello City Parks and Recreation Department and is located at the end of the Scout Mountain Road. For an additional fee you can access their groomed ski trails and designated snowshoe trails.

Island Park Area Snow Depth

For information on hourly snow depths and temperatures check out this
Snotel site Just select Island Park as the site name, select 2-5 days for the report period and then hit generate report. You will then find an hourly history of snow depths, temperatures and total snow depth at that site. The site is located near the community of Island Park at 6290 feet in elevation