Things To Do Near Rexburg, Idaho
Kelly Canyon Trail: A Favorite Loop Hike Near Rexburg, Idaho
Kelly Canyon Trail is one of my wife’s and my favorite hikes near Rexburg, Idaho. It’s about a 30 minute drive from town. The trail forms a big, winding loop through the forest. Near the end of the loop, you reach a spot hikers call the Mountain View. It rewards you with a gorgeous view of distant mountain ranges. Just know this is bear and moose country. Always stay alert and give any wildlife plenty of space.
Kelly Canyon Trail Quick Facts
- Location: Ririe, Idaho — about a 30 minute drive from Rexburg
- Distance: 3.8 miles, part loop and part out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate — a steady incline with a few steeper switchbacks
- Time: About 1.5–2 hours — longer with young kids
- Highlight: The Mountain View overlook, about three-quarters of the way around the loop
- Wildlife: Bear and moose country — bring bear spray and give animals plenty of space
- Trailhead: Marked “Kelly Mountain Tr. 289,” with a gate blocking motor vehicles beyond it
About Kelly Canyon Trail
Kelly Canyon Trail sits near Ririe, Idaho, close to the Kelly Canyon Ski Resort. My wife and I hike here often, and it’s easily one of our favorite trails in the area. The trail climbs steadily through the forest before looping near the top of the mountain. A gate blocks motor vehicles past the trailhead, so the path stays quiet and peaceful. Wildflowers line much of the route in season, and the forest offers plenty of shade.
Finding the Trailhead
You’ll find the trailhead off Forest Road 218 near Ririe, about 30 minutes from Rexburg. Look for the sign marked “Kelly Mountain Tr. 289.” A gate sits right at the start, and no motor vehicles are allowed past it. The parking lot fills up fast, so I’d recommend getting there early, especially on weekends. Once you pass the gate, take the right fork in the trail. That fork leads you past the old ski lift near the top of the mountain. The Mountain View overlook sits just beyond it.
The Loop and the Mountain View
Kelly Canyon Trail runs about 3.8 miles total. It’s part loop and part out-and-back. You hike up, circle around near the top, then head back down the same way. The trail climbs at a steady incline with a few steeper switchbacks along the way. None of it feels treacherous, just a solid workout. About three-quarters of the way around the loop, you’ll reach the Mountain View. From there, you can see distant mountain ranges stretching along the horizon. It’s the payoff that makes the climb worth it.
Wildlife on the Trail
This is bear and moose country, so stay alert. Bring bear spray and know how to use it before you go. My wife and I actually ran into a cow moose and her calf while night hiking here. We had to turn around and head back the way we came. Moose can be just as dangerous as bears, and sometimes more so, especially with a calf nearby. Never approach a moose. Give it plenty of space and back away slowly if you see one. Rattlesnakes have also been spotted on this trail, though a little noise usually keeps them away.
Is Kelly Canyon Trail Safe?
Kelly Canyon Trail is a rewarding hike, but it’s still a mountain trail. Watch your footing on the switchbacks, carry bear spray, and keep kids close, since wildlife does pass through here. Cell service can be unreliable once you’re deep in the canyon. Let someone know your plan before you head out, and consider hiking with a partner.
Kelly Canyon Trail Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Canyon Trail
Where is Kelly Canyon Trail located?
The trailhead sits off Forest Road 218 near Ririe, Idaho, about 30 minutes from Rexburg. Tap the Get Directions button above to pull it up in Google Maps.
Is Kelly Canyon Trail a loop?
Mostly. You hike up, circle around a loop near the top, then head back down the same trail you came up on.
How long and difficult is the hike?
The trail runs about 3.8 miles and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s a moderate hike with a steady incline and a few steeper switchbacks.
What wildlife should I watch for?
This is bear and moose country, and rattlesnakes have been spotted here too. Bring bear spray, make some noise as you hike, and stay alert.
What should I do if I see a moose?
Never approach it, especially if a calf is nearby. Back away slowly, give it plenty of room, and turn back if needed. Moose can be just as dangerous as bears.
Where’s the best view on the trail?
Look for the Mountain View, about three-quarters of the way around the loop, just past the old ski lift near the top.
Can I bring an ATV or side-by-side?
No. A gate blocks motor vehicles right at the trailhead. The area around Kelly Canyon is popular for ATVs and side-by-sides, but this trail itself is hiking only.
