Kelly Canyon Ski Area wilderness guide
Ski Area · ID

Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Kelly Canyon Ski Area offers a quaint and family-friendly skiing experience with diverse winter activities in the scenic landscapes of eastern Idaho.

Ski Area6404+ Trails

Designation

Ski Area

Total Wilderness Area

640

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Kelly Canyon Ski Area offers a quaint and family-friendly skiing experience with diverse winter activities in the scenic landscapes of eastern Idaho.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Kelly Canyon Ski Area is a beloved local ski destination located in eastern Idaho, approximately 26 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. Nestled in the mountainous terrain of the Targhee National Forest, this ski area is particularly popular for its accessible and affordable winter sports opportunities. Historically, Kelly Canyon has served the community since 1957, providing terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The area features 640 acres of skiable terrain spread over 26 runs and is equipped with four lifts. Notable for its night skiing, which covers over half of its run, the ski area extends its accessibility beyond daylight hours. Additionally, Kelly Canyon is also a summer destination, offering mountain biking and scenic hiking opportunities. The surrounding forested landscape supports a diverse array of wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts. The laid-back atmosphere, coupled with stunning vistas, makes Kelly Canyon a cherished winter getaway for families and avid skiers alike.

Field Guide · Ski Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Night Skiing over more than half the ski runs.✦ Access to mountain biking trails in summer.✦ Family-friendly atmosphere with ski school services.✦ Proximity to the Targhee National Forest.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Kelly Canyon Ski Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Kelly Canyon Ski Area
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Kelly Canyon Ski Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Kelly Canyon Ski Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permit required, lift tickets available for purchase.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kelly Canyon Campground

A basic campground offering close proximity to the ski area, open seasonally.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ririe, Idaho
⌖ 9.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ririe, Idaho

Ririe, Idaho offers outdoor lovers access to hiking, biking, fishing, and river paddling in a quiet rural setting near Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Winters bring excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing opportunities. It’s a low-key base for exploring southeastern Idaho’s outdoor landscape.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Rigby, Idaho
⌖ 17.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rigby, Idaho

Rigby, Idaho offers easy access to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Snake River, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddling, skiing, and camping in a scenic, less crowded setting.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Ammon, Idaho
⌖ 19.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ammon, Idaho

Ammon, Idaho offers a calm small-town gateway to eastern Idaho’s outdoor wonders. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife watching are all within easy reach, ideal for travelers seeking nature with a low-key atmosphere.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Rexburg, Idaho
⌖ 20.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rexburg, Idaho

Rexburg is an adventure hub with access to stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and snow sports with endless opportunities for outdoor fun in every season.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Eldon, Idaho
⌖ 24.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eldon, Idaho

Eldon, Idaho offers peaceful lake paddling, excellent trout fishing, and forest trails tucked near Henrys Lake. Perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet, scenic basecamp in southeastern Idaho’s wilderness area.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Troy, Idaho
⌖ 24.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Troy, Idaho

Troy, Idaho is a quiet gateway to outdoor adventure with hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and cross-country skiing. Surrounded by forest and the stunning Kootenai River, this town offers a peaceful basecamp for nature lovers year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Kelly Canyon Ski Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Up Close with a Team: Dogs, Gear and a Cart Demo in Driggs
ADVEXPEDITION
Driggs, Idaho
DogsledADV Bookable

Up Close with a Team: Dogs, Gear and a Cart Demo in Driggs

An hour-long outdoor presentation in Driggs led by Call of the WYld Dogsled Tours that pairs hands-on sled and gear demonstrations with dog meet-and-greets and a live dog-team cart demo.

DogsledPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Arctic Cat Catalyst 800 — Backcountry Muscle in Saint Anthony
ADVEXPEDITION
Saint Anthony, Idaho
SnowmobileADV Bookable

Arctic Cat Catalyst 800 — Backcountry Muscle in Saint Anthony

A focused look at riding the Arctic Cat Catalyst 800 with Adventure Idaho Rentals, emphasizing the sled’s AlphaOne Single‑Beam suspension and 600‑Class C‑TEC2 engine for backcountry terrain.

SnowmobilePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip