The warm weather is upon us, so it would be a shame not to take advantage of it! Get your walking shoes on and step outside. Fill up your Hydro Flask with water. It’s time to breathe in the fresh air and explore all of the natural beauty around you.
The great thing about living in Rexburg is that it’s home to a variety of fun outdoor activities. Specifically, it’s a great place to go for a long walk or hike.
Today, we’re looking at some of the best hikes in Rexburg. Read on, and once you’re finished, take a hike.
Rexburg Nature Park
The Rexburg Nature Park is a popular hiking destination for people who want to take it easy. We previously mentioned it in our post covering things to do in Rexburg during spring. This park, in particular, has some lovely dog walking areas and a disc golf course.
Moreover, it is the perfect place for anyone looking to enjoy a nice, peaceful walk. If you spend your time hiking around the whole park, you’ll find lovely ponds, lakes, and plenty of places to stop for a little picnic. While the Rexburg Nature Park won’t satisfy some of the more adventurous hikers, it’s a great starting point to build up to the more strenuous options.
Webster Dam/Manmade Falls
Just a short drive southeast of Rexburg lies the lovely Webster Dam. Here, you can embark on one of the most popular hikes in Rexburg. This hike will take you up to Manmade Falls. As you can probably guess, the highlight here is a gorgeous waterfall at your destination. It’s a very scenic route that can be slightly challenging, so make sure you’ve got all the right hiking gear on.
Most people say the trail is around 2.7 miles there and back. So, it’ll probably take you close to an hour and a half to complete. It’s the perfect sunny weekend activity if you want to get some fresh air and explore more of Rexburg’s stunning natural surroundings.
Sawtell Peak Mountain
Sawtell Peak is a lovely mountain located slightly north of Rexburg. It is about an hour-long car drive to get there, but it’s worth it for two reasons:
- The drive is said to be one of the best in the whole state.
- The view from the top of the mountain peak is gorgeous. You can see across mountain ranges and the beautiful Henry’s Lake. If you’ve got good eyesight and it’s a clear day, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of Yellowstone National Park.
Of course, you can do this on foot. However, most people choose it as a driving-hike trail. In other words, climb the mountain in your car and then sit at the top.
Cress Creek Nature Trail
By taking a short drive south of downtown Rexburg, you’ll come across the Cress Creek Nature Trail. This trail has received four to five-star reviews from hundreds of people. The reviews highlight the greenery, ease, and paved hiking paths. All of these features make it much easier on your feet and legs. So, you can leave your bulky hiking shoes at home.
The trail runs along the Snake River. In fact, you’ll constantly see it flowing by your side. The photo opportunities at Cress Creek Nature Trail are magnificent. The breathtaking views of the surrounding area are too surreal not to capture with your camera.
Another great thing about Cress Creek Nature Trail is that it is one of the closest hikes to Rexburg. Many reviewers say it’s suitable for young children too. If you want to bring the whole family along for some fun, you totally can!
Castle Lake via Moody Swamp Trail
Next, we up the intensity with a 9.5-mile trail to the east of Rexburg. It’s located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and takes a little over 4 hours to complete. Yep, it’s a tough one…It’s more of an endurance issue than anything else. There’s not much elevation to worry about or challenging trail conditions. If you take it easy and spend time enjoying the forest around you, it’ll be a breeze.
We’ve included this trail as it’s somewhat of a hidden gem in Rexburg. Hardly anyone knows about it, so you’re not likely to find dozens of other hikers on the trail. It’s best enjoyed during the summer months and allows dogs.
Are you wondering how to navigate such a long hike? No worries. You’ll start at Moody Swamp and make your way to Castle Lake. There are some good signposts along the way to direct you. It’s an out-and-back trail too. So, you will have to go back the way you came after taking a short break!
Packsaddle Lake
There are so many beautiful lakes around Rexburg. Be that as it may, Packsaddle Lake is perhaps one of the prettiest you’ll find. Nestled away between high hills and rocky mountains, Packsaddle Lake looks like something straight out of a movie. The gorgeous green-blue water is surrounded by tall trees that frame it perfectly.
You can drive to the Packsaddle Lake TrailHead from Rexburg very easily. It’ll take 50 minutes from the center of town. The route is pretty simple and takes you up the mountains near the lake. You’ll park up at the top and enjoy a 1-mile hike back down. It’s well worth the effort, and you can camp by the lake too. This makes it a wonderful hike for friends or couples in search of a weekend getaway. Bring a cooler and some tents. Hike down to the lake and spend the day enjoying the summer sun before making some toasted marshmallows by the campfire at night.
As you can see, there are many hikes in Rexburg and the surrounding area. With close proximity to so many mountain ranges and national parks, there’s always something for you to do here during the summer. Whether it’s a simple walk, a hike in your car, or something more strenuous, the options we’ve provided should suit everyone!
If Rexburg and its many activities have you ready to become a resident, contact American Avenue for student housing options close to it all. Our community of students provides a welcoming, inclusive environment to experience Eastern Idaho the way it was meant.