Get Outside in Rexburg
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Rexburg sits at 4,865 feet on the Snake River Plain, surrounded by mountains, lava fields, and wide-open high desert. Most students don't realize how much outdoor recreation is within an hour or two of campus until a friend with a car shows them. This guide covers what's accessible and what to know before you go.
You Need a Car (or a Friend With One)
Most of the best outdoor spots require driving. R Mountain is only 3 miles away but has no bus service. Yellowstone and the Tetons are 90-minute drives. Getting involved in your ward and apartment complex is the best way to find people with cars headed to these places. Many students organize group day trips. See the Transportation Guide for carpooling tips.
Parks in Rexburg
Walkable or short-drive options for everyday outdoor time
Porter Park
The main city park. Has a pond, walking path, pavilions, and a seasonal splash pad. Good for picnics and evening walks. Free and open year-round.
Location: Central Rexburg
Good for: Picnics, walks, FHE activities
Smith Park
Small neighborhood park near downtown with a playground, open lawn, and benches. Popular with families and students living nearby.
Location: Downtown area
Good for: Casual hangouts, frisbee
Hart Building Recreation Fields
On-campus outdoor sports fields adjacent to the Hart Building. Used for intramural sports, pickup games, and recreation. Free for students.
Location: On BYU-I campus
Good for: Intramural sports, ultimate frisbee
Rexburg Nature Park
Wetlands and natural area along the river with walking trails. Quiet spot for birdwatching and short walks away from campus noise.
Location: 1-2 miles from campus
Good for: Walking, birdwatching, quiet time
Most Popular Student Hike
R Mountain
The giant white R visible from campus marks a basalt butte 3 miles from BYU-Idaho. The out-and-back trail is about 1.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. The view from the top takes in the whole Snake River Plain, the Teton Range to the southeast, and the city below.
Most students can complete the hike in 45-60 minutes. The trail starts near the base of the butte and follows the hillside up to the R. Best in spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Summer mornings are fine; avoid the midday heat. Winter is possible with good boots but the trail can be icy.
Distance
~1.5 mi round trip
Elevation Gain
~500 feet
Drive from Campus
10 minutes
Best Season
April-October
Day Trip Options
Eastern Idaho has world-class destinations within a 90-minute drive
R Mountain
The most popular student hike in Rexburg. A basalt butte with a large white "R" visible from most of campus. Trail is about 1.5 miles round trip with 500 feet of elevation gain. Views of the Snake River Plain are worth the effort. Best April through October.
Mesa Falls
Two waterfalls on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. Upper Mesa Falls drops 114 feet and has a paved viewing platform. Lower Mesa Falls requires a short walk on a dirt trail. One of the most accessible scenic stops in eastern Idaho.
St. Anthony Sand Dunes
A 10,600-acre state recreation area with sand dunes up to 400 feet tall. Popular for ATVs and off-road vehicles, but also accessible on foot for sandboarding and exploring. The dunes extend for miles and feel surprisingly remote.
Yellowstone National Park
World-famous geothermal park with geysers, hot springs, bison, and over 900 miles of trails. Old Faithful is near the West entrance and is the most visited feature. Lamar Valley (via the Northeast entrance, farther away) is best for wildlife. A day trip is doable but plan to arrive early.
Grand Teton National Park
Dramatic mountain scenery with the Teton Range rising straight from the valley floor. Jenny Lake area has excellent day hikes. String Lake is free to access and popular for swimming in summer. Wildlife viewing is reliable along the highway.
Craters of the Moon
National Monument covering a massive lava field that looks like something from another planet. Lava tube caves you can walk through, cinder cone hikes, and miles of black rock. Genuinely strange and worth seeing.
Winter Outdoor Activities
Rexburg winters are cold, but there are ways to get outside
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
18 miles west
Small, affordable ski resort close to Rexburg. Not a large mountain, but vertical drop is enough for intermediate skiers and ideal for beginners. Lift tickets run $30-$50 - significantly cheaper than larger resorts.
Sledding at R Mountain
3 miles from campus
The slopes near R Mountain are a popular student sledding spot when snow conditions are right. Free and accessible. Bring your own sled or cardboard.
Nature Ice Skating
Various locations
When temperatures stay below freezing for an extended stretch, some ponds and flat areas freeze well enough for skating. Check current conditions - do not skate on ice that hasn't been confirmed as thick.
What to Bring
Gear that makes a difference for day hikes and outdoor trips from Rexburg
Day Hike Essentials
- •Water: At least 2 liters per person. A Nalgene 32oz wide-mouth bottle holds up well to cold temps and is easy to refill.
- •Layers: Even summer mornings start cold at elevation. Bring a light jacket.
- •Sunscreen and sunglasses: High altitude means stronger UV exposure than you expect.
- •Day pack: A lightweight 20L daypack is plenty for R Mountain or Mesa Falls. Carry snacks, water, and a first aid kit.
- •Sturdy footwear: Trail runners or hiking boots. Road shoes are fine for R Mountain; rockier trails need more grip.
For Yellowstone & Backcountry
- •Bear spray: Required when hiking in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Counter Assault Bear Deterrent is a reliable option used by rangers. Keep it accessible, not buried in a pack.
- •Snacks: Trails are longer than you expect. Trail mix, bars, and fruit hold up well in a pack.
- •Thermal layers: Thermal base layers are useful even in summer at Yellowstone elevation (7,000+ ft). Mornings can be in the 30s even in July.
- •Park pass: An America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Craters of the Moon. Worth it if you plan more than one trip.
- •Download offline maps: Cell coverage drops to zero inside most national parks. Download the area on AllTrails or Gaia GPS before you leave.
Basic Safety Reminders
- !Tell someone where you're going before any hike or remote trip. Leave a note or text a friend.
- !Cell coverage is unreliable in Yellowstone, the Tetons, and Craters of the Moon. Download offline maps before you go.
- !Rexburg weather can shift quickly. A clear morning can turn to rain or snow in the mountains within an hour. Check the forecast and bring layers.
- !Stay on marked trails in Yellowstone - the thermal features are dangerous. Several visitors have been seriously injured by stepping off boardwalks.
- !Give bison and other wildlife space. The minimum safe distance in Yellowstone is 25 yards for bison, 100 yards for bears and wolves.
More Ways to Get Out
Outdoor recreation connects well with many other parts of student life in Rexburg. Check these guides for more ideas.