Recreational Opportunities in Island Park Idaho
Island Park Idaho Recreational Activities
Island Park Idaho is an outdoor enthusiast’s heaven. Activities abound every season, and each season possesses its own unparalleled magical beauty here. Island Park is home to the largest Caldera in the United States, though that hasn’t scared many off yet! Although there are only a couple of hundred full-time residents here, there are even more vacation cabins, and the area has become a destination hot spot because of its many  cabin accommodations, its plentiful outdoor recreation,  and its proximity to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. 
Winter is  fantastic . Snowfall often tops 300 inches per year.  Perfect conditions for the 500 miles of first-class groomed snowmobile trail riding available, as well as hill climbing adventures on sleds  up Two Top and Mt. Jefferson for serious “marking”. Back-country areas and groomed cross country ski trails take you to the quieter side of winter. Alpine skiing at Big Sky, Moonight Basin and Grand Targhee are not too far away.  Ever see  a snow ghost? You will here, on Two Top Mountain. Or how about  a massive  waterfall in the dead  of winter? Ride to Mesa Falls! Or ride over Two Top into West Yellowstone, pick up a guide and explore the country’s first national park in winter via snowmobile! Winter is also the time of the West Yellowstone and Island Park Snow Cross, Island Park Winter Fest, and numerous cross-country skiing and snowmobiling races.
Springtime brings snow melt-off and the emergence of beautiful wildflowers. It also brings the newborn animals out in Yellowstone. Take a trip in April to see a grizzly feasting after a long winter, or a bison trying to shed its winter coat. In May, the baby animals are born. Baby elk. moose, deer, bison, bear, wolves, geese, eagles and swans can be seen in the park this time of year.
Summer is the peak tourist season of Yellowstone, and Island Park provides the lodging for many of these travelers. Take time to explore the area , hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and the plentiful wildlife of the area . The many lakes and rivers extend opportunities for excellent still-water and fly fishing, boating, water skiing, white water rafting, and calm river floating. Horseback riding is available, with companies that ride beautiful trails deep into the forest and some that even provide Dutch-oven dinners. The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo is open as are the live summer stock theatres of Island Park and West Yellowstone. Shops in Island Park and West Yellowstone are all open this time of year, as are the many diverse restaurants. The trails formerly claimed for winter snowmobiling are now maintained for ATV and dirt bike use. Summer really is action-packed.
Fall brings serenity to the area . The summer tourists are mostly gone except for the anglers and hunters, who know this is the time to really land the trophy fish and big game that are feeding heavily for winter. Hunting Island Park provides the serious game hunter with opportunities for bear, deer, moose, and elk. Die-hard Yellowstone explorers remain during fall to see the animals re-emerge with the disappearance of the crowds. And photographers love this season as the aspens, shrubbery and ground cover of The Caldera all turn spectacular colors. For those who can get away , a trip to Island Park in autumn is simply sublime!
Whatever the season, an Island Park vacation is sure to be memorable!
