7.8 miles
Darby Canyon
Teton Valley
Fee: $0.00
Access:
Take ID Hwy 33 forf 5.3 miles north of Victor, ID. If coming from Victor, turn right onto E. 3000 S. If coming from Driggs, turn left onto E. 3000 S. Drive east on E. 3000 S. road and follow the signs leading to Darby Canyon. Depending on the snow cover, continue driving until the end of the plowed road.
Description:
The Darby Creek trail provides a serene and relatively easy ski or fat bike along the snow-covered road that runs alongside the canyon floor and creek. The trail is open to dogs as well, but wildlife in the area, be sure to keep them close and within voice command.
The outbound journey features a flat to gently uphill grade, making it a delightful winter outing. This trail offers a quiet and gentle skiing experience within the narrow confines of Darby Canyon. The canyon's steep, forested side slopes limit the available skiing space to the snow-covered road running alongside the creek. While the Wind Cave trail, accessible from the summer trailhead, is not recommended due to its steeper track and numerous switchbacks, Darby Creek Trail offers a welcome change of pace for those seeking a gentle ski adventure in the western Tetons.
Darby Canyon is located in the Caribou Targhee National Forest, and is groomed normally once a week by CTNF. Check with the CTNF Ranger station in Driggs for the latest grooming schedule. The upper end of the trail enters into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (no bikes or snowmobiles allowed), where there is no grooming, so be prepared to break trail or follow ski tracks.
Parking: Park on the shoulder near the end of the plowed road ensuring there's enough room for passing vehicles.
Skiing & Fat biking Experience: Darby Creek provides a tranquil and accessible skiing or fat biking experience with a gentle uphill grade on the outbound route. It's an ideal choice for skiers and bikers looking for a serene and easy out-and-back trip within the scenic canyon. Snowmobiles share this trail, though mid week the trail is usually quiet.
