270 sites · IdahoThe smaller of the two parks in Caribou-Targhee National Forests, Caribou is a welterweight not to be underestimated. Just south of its older brother, this land spans Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, and is a crucial spot for supporting caribou populations. None of the animals here are bashful: bison, moose, deer, mountain lions, falcons, elk, and even black bears abound! Beautiful to snap shot from a distance.
Just south of the forest, Bear Lake is a fun spot to take a dip after you hike one of Caribou’s dozens of peaks (Mead Peak and Hawks Peak have gorgeous views, as does Big Elk Mountain at the northern tip of the park). At the south end, you’ll find campgrounds, fast flowing creeks, and the Minnetonka Cave at St. Charles Canyon. This is a site to see, but it stays 40 degrees down there all year so be sure to pack a coat, even if you’re sweating above ground. When you’re done, stop in the charming small town of Montpelier, surrounded by rolling hills and full of retro grocers and kitschy eateries. Yum!
