Ashton to Tetonia Trail

The Ashton to Tetonia Trail is a 29.5-mile rail-trail in southeastern Idaho that follows the abandoned Union Pacific Railroad corridor through the scenic Teton Valley. This paved multi-use pathway offers stunning views of the Teton Range to the east and the Big Hole Mountains to the west, making it one of Idaho's most scenic recreational trails. The trail connects the communities of Ashton, Felt, Tetonia, and Driggs, serving as both a recreational amenity and an alternative transportation corridor for residents and visitors to the Greater Yellowstone region.

The trail corridor supports diverse wildlife adapted to the high mountain valley ecosystem at elevations between 5,100 and 6,200 feet. Moose are frequently spotted in willow thickets along the trail, while mule deer and elk graze in adjacent agricultural fields and meadows. Red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and occasionally golden eagles hunt above the open terrain. The riparian areas near stream crossings provide habitat for beaver, muskrat, and various waterfowl including great blue herons and sandhill cranes during migration seasons.

The trail passes through a mosaic of agricultural lands, native grasslands, and riparian corridors characteristic of the Teton Valley. Sagebrush steppe communities dominate uncultivated areas, featuring big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and native bunchgrasses including Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. Cottonwood trees, willows, and aspens line the waterways crossed by the trail. Wildflower displays in late spring and summer include arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, Indian paintbrush, and various asters that attract pollinators throughout the growing season.

The Teton Valley through which the trail passes is a fault-bounded basin created by the same tectonic forces that uplift the Teton Range. The valley floor consists of deep alluvial deposits washed down from surrounding mountains over millions of years, creating the fertile agricultural soils that characterize the region. The dramatic Teton fault scarp visible to the east represents one of the most active normal faults in the Rocky Mountains, with the peaks rising nearly 7,000 feet above the valley floor in a remarkably short horizontal distance.

The trail experiences a continental mountain climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Average winter temperatures range from 5 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with annual snowfall exceeding 100 inches in some sections. Summers are pleasant with daytime highs typically reaching 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and cool nights. The trail is generally snow-free from May through October, though early and late season snow is possible. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, and lightning poses a hazard on this exposed route.

The Teton Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, first by Native American peoples including the Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce who used the area for hunting and as a travel corridor. European-American trappers arrived in the early 1800s, followed by Mormon settlers who established agricultural communities in the 1880s. The Oregon Short Line Railroad, later acquired by Union Pacific, built the rail line in 1912 to serve the valley's agricultural economy, primarily transporting seed potatoes and grain until passenger and freight service ended in the 1980s.

Following the abandonment of the rail line, local communities and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation worked to convert the corridor into a recreational trail. The first sections were developed in the early 2000s, with the full 29.5-mile trail completed by 2014. The conversion from rails to trails preserved the gentle grades and smooth alignment that make the route accessible to users of all abilities. The trail has become an economic driver for the region, attracting cyclists, walkers, and winter users who contribute to local tourism.

The fully paved trail offers gentle grades never exceeding four percent, making it ideal for family cycling and accessible recreation. Key attractions include dramatic Teton views from multiple overlooks, historic railroad trestles, and connections to the communities of Ashton, Felt, Tetonia, and Driggs. The Warm River section near Ashton provides access to fishing opportunities. In winter, the trail is groomed for cross-country skiing and fat biking, extending recreational use year-round. The trail connects to the Yellowstone-Teton Loop, a regional cycling route.

Trailheads with parking, restrooms, and information kiosks are located in Ashton, Tetonia, and Driggs. The trail is paved and suitable for road bikes, mountain bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs. Services including restaurants, lodging, and bike shops are available in Driggs and Ashton. The trail is accessible from US Highway 20 at Ashton and Idaho Highway 33 at Tetonia and Driggs. Shuttle services are sometimes available for one-way trips. The nearest major airports are in Idaho Falls (60 miles) and Jackson, Wyoming (35 miles from Driggs).

The trail conversion preserved the historic railroad corridor as permanent open space while providing wildlife movement opportunities across the agricultural valley. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages the trail with support from local governments and volunteer organizations. Sustainable trail management includes native vegetation restoration along the corridor, wildlife-friendly fencing at stream crossings, and educational signage about local ecology. The trail promotes alternative transportation, reducing vehicle traffic between valley communities.