Close-by Hiking, Biking Trails and Other Adventures for the Family to Enjoy While Staying at the Bronze Buffalo Lodge!
World-class adventure awaits all guests of the Bronze Buffalo Lodge! The Bronze Buffalo Lodge and Spa, surrounded by the breathtaking Teton and Big Hole Mountains, mixes the thrill of travel with the promise of extraordinary adventure. First-class lodging, dining, spa & salon services, and dynamic activities are all provided by the Bronze Buffalo Ranch, located in the heart of Victor, Idaho. Guests often prefer to travel to this glorious Teton Valley destination by car given there is so much exploring to do in this land of lakes, rivers and mountains. However, it’s also very convenient to reach Teton Valley’s premier resort by air; the Idaho Falls and Jackson Hole airports are only an hour away..
The Bronze Buffalo Lodge is a fully furnished all-suite hotel sporting breathtaking views from each guest’s private patio or balcony. The suites are lovely and quiet with an elegant western flair and the kitchens are well-appointed if cooking up family recipes is so desired on this vacation.
One of the great delights of being at Bronze Buffalo Ranch is the personal attention and camaraderie one can expect from the hotel’s fantastic staff who graciously attend to every detail during your stay. They ‘ll point you in the right direction for every imaginable Summer fun activity. A sampling includes access to the 25 meter outdoor pool, highlighted by a fun Geyser Land for kids, horseback rides, 4-wheeling, hot tub, tennis, pickleball, basketball courts and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Golf enthusiasts also flock to this resort as it’s home to the award-winning, Byron Nelson designed 18 hole Bronze Buffalo Club Golf Course.
All accommodations in the Teton Springs Community border the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This premium location affords guests convenient access to hiking, mountain biking or to simply enjoy a leisure stroll in the serenity of this vast natural resource enveloping the resort. This entire area is particularly a virtual paradise for hiking enthusiasts, of all abilities, with so many trails easily accessible within a short drive of the resort.
Here’s but a sample of some hiking trails that are great for friends and family while staying at the Bronze Buffalo Ranch…
Mill Creek in Teton Canyon
You’ll head to Driggs and then east, crossing State Line into Alta, Wyoming, turning into Teton Canyon off the Grand Targhee Resort access road (Ski HIll Road). The first parking area you’ll encounter off the gravel road leads to the Mill Creek Trail. Lace up the hiking shoes and for slightly over 2 miles the trail meanders through pines and aspens until bursting into a high-flowered meadow. This 4.1 out-and-back moderately challenging hike takes an average of 2 & ½ hours to finish. It’s an ideal trek for hiking and mountain biking, and most often you won’t encounter many other people while exploring it. This is the optimum trail for securing eye-popping views of the Teton Mountains and if your timing is right, this trail is ablaze with wildflowers and wildlife. The months of June through September are ideal for hiking this trek and the vistas of the Grand Tetons from Mill Creek to Colter’s Escape, on the way to Peaked, are well worth the hike up Mill Creek.
Grove Creek in Big Hole Mountains
This 7.5-mile circular path is located in Victor, Idaho. It takes an average of 4 hours to complete this fairly challenging course. This is a fantastic circular path that links various trails in the region. Because this track was recently redone, bikers will encounter several new switchbacks as they climb the mountain. The Grove loop and the Red loop were formerly two separate loops on this path. There is a short path that links the two, although each track may be ridden alone.
This trail can be ridden as an out-and-back, as part of a loop that includes Grove Creek/Big Hole Crest (left at junction)/Drake Creek and returns on W 9000 S/S 4500 W/Grove Creek Rd. Or, as part of a larger loop or partially shuttled ride that starts near W 9000 S and Hwy 31 and pedals or drives up Hwy 31 past the summit of Pine Creek Pass to the Spooky trailhead. It then continues up Spooky/Corral Creek.
Grove Creek is also a fun hiking trail and you’ll find plenty of solitude as you explore this scenic adventure in the Big Hole Mountains.
- https://www.trailforks.com
- https://www.trailrunproject.com
- https://www.freearenas.com
- https://www.trailrunproject.com
Aspen Trail (between Victor & Driggs)
A 4.4 – 4.9 mile non-motorized usage route, located in Alta, Wyoming that is nothing short of stunning in the Tetons Mountain foothills. You’re treated to a shady trek for much of this trail but viewing areas as you climb offer unobstructed panoramic views of green and gold agriculture fields for as far as the eye can see. The Aspen Trail is particularly spectacular when the colors turn and a chill fills the air as summer drifts into fall. This trail is popular among local mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders because of its easy access from the highway between Victor & Driggs. Short steep climbs, rock gardens, water crossings and spectacular views make this a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Summer evenings and weekends frequently see moderate utilization but often it feels like you’re alone with nature on the Aspen Trail. It takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete this hike (longer as you’re compelled to stop often and soak in the surroundings) and the Aspen Trail is often one of the first that is accessible after winter snow melt.
- https://www.tetonvalleynews.net
- https://www.alltrails.com
- https://www.fs.usda.gov
- https://www.trailforks.com
Darby Canyon & Darby Wind Caves
Near Alta, Wyoming, this is a 6.3-mile out-and-back trail. It takes an average of 3 and 1/2 hours to complete this trip. Because this is a popular hiking destination, you’ll almost certainly run into other people while exploring. June through October are the ideal months to sample this path and dogs are welcome.
The Darby Canyon Wind Caves are found in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness near Alta, Wyoming. Waterfalls and a chance to sample fresh spring fed water are treats on this jaunt. Best to start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to return before nightfall. Expect to step to the side of the trail frequently, letting other trail runners and horses pass. Darby Canyon is easily accessible from all Teton Valley towns and thus a favorite among local residents and visitors alike. Arrive early morning as the parking lot is usually full by mid-morning, especially on weekends. But don’t let this trail’s popularity deter you from paying a visit!
Hiking up Darby Canyon to the Wind Caves provides spectacular views of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness and is a fun, yet challenging hike. Hikers love exploring the Wind Caves and you’ll encounter many families with children in tow on this adventure.
Once you pass the trailhead, your trek will take you across the footbridge (as seen in the picture above). The trail will ascend up the mountainside, and you’ll cross the boundary into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area. You’ll mount more than 1,200 feet in less than 2 miles but you’ll hardly notice the climb as your eyes feast on colorful array of wildflowers during summer and spectacular fall colors once autumn arrives. Wildlife viewing is premium, especially during those early morning and early evening jaunts.
About halfway up the hike, you’ll spot the Wind Caves across the canyon. Once you are about 2.5 miles in, the trail splits, so stay to the right to reach the caves. After crossing the creek you’ll encounter multiple switchbacks to reach the caves.
You can explore parts of the cave but will need repelling equipment if you plan on descending the steep drop-offs. There is a passageway from these steep drop offs that connects to a nearby ice cave, which produces a cold wind. This is where the name the “Wind Cave” comes from.
You’re reward for reaching the caves include magnificent views of the valley and surrounding dense, lush forest. It’s easy heading back, simply follow the same trail down.
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