Off-season is the perfect time to visit for those who truly want to get away!

Shoulder Season is the period in Eastern Idaho between high seasons of travel. Summer has wound down and winter travelers have not yet arrived to the region. This is the perfect time to have Idaho all to yourself!

Stop and Watch the Waterfall

Before the roads are covered with snow and ice and after travelers have returned home, Mesa Falls becomes a place of majestic solitude. Those visiting in November (and sometimes into early December) can take their time on walkways to observe the roaring falls. When snowfall is heavy, Scenic Byway-47 closes to automobiles but is groomed for snowmobile traffic and cross-country skiers.

Mesa Falls is located between the mountain towns of Ashton and Island Park . Each charming community is just a few miles drive to Yellowstone and while the National Park's roads tend to close in mid-November, a drive into some sections of the Park early in the month is heavenly once the crowds leave.

Take a day trip to Mesa Falls, stay overnight and have a nice meal in Ashton or Island Park, then have a personal experience with Yellowstone National Park, weather permitting, of course!

In November:
Average Temperature in Island Park/Ashton: High of 33° F

Take a Leisurely Stroll through Idaho Falls

Before the avid snow seekers arrive at the end of November, Idaho Falls becomes of sleepy city. Shoulder-season travelers should take this time to explore the River Walk and Greenbelt Trail that meanders through the city's historic downtown area. Many locally-owned shops and dining establishments line the outer ridge of the walkway.

Thinned crowds make for a day of leisurely meals and browsing in boutiques. Take your time to find that perfect holiday gift and spend as much time as you like over an artisanal cup of coffee. While the Green Belt loses much of its signature color this time of year, it is still a beautiful walk through the natural spaces of the city!

The River Walk covers 5-miles on both sides of the Snake River. Weather in Idaho Falls during November can be unpredictable, but the city does not typically see much accumulated snowfall- instead an occasional dusting, but the snow is not likely to stick.

In November:
Average Temperature in Idaho Falls: High of 43° F

What do Sand Dunes and Saints have in Common?

St. Anthony, ID is synonymous with the 10,600 acres of white quartz sand dunes that surround the town. Peppered with people during warmer months, the dunes clear out once tourist season comes to an end. However, the dunes remain open until January 1st, then are closed through March.

Simply hike, rent ATVs to go off-road, or ride horses to your heart's content without fighting crowds. A day on the dunes without a soul around is a magical experience.

Journey a few miles up the road to Rexburg after sand-duning all day to enjoy comfortable lodging and plentiful dining options . Nearby Ririe and Rigby are charming stops along the way where those interested can visit local museums and learn about the history of the region.

In November:
Average Temperature in St. Anthony: High of 42° F

Downtime in the Teton Mountains

Already known as the quiet side of the Tetons, Teton Valley becomes even more so in Shoulder Season. While businesses and outdoor attractions are increasingly well-traveled in the summer, early November is a great time to visit if you seek solitude on the trail or quality time in local establishments.

Victor, ID:

Situated at the base of the Teton Pass, visitors may stop by local businesses that line Main Street. The Victor Emporium is famous for its huckleberry shakes but in the Summer, the line to get one goes out the door. It might be a little colder during quiet season but the shakes are no less delicious!

Driggs, ID:

Almost 8 miles up the road, Driggs, ID is Teton Valley's largest city. Featuring a robust downtown area, travelers can take a stroll and enjoy local dining and shopping options. In the heart of Main Street is the Teton Geo Center with an interactive museum detailing the history and development of the area.

Tetonia, ID:

The last stop on the way out of Teton Valley, Tetonia features one of the best kept secrets in Idaho, the Ashton-Tetonia Trail , an almost 30-mile non-motorized recreational trail used by hikers, horses, and trail bikes. Known to locals as Rails to Trails, this trail follows the abandoned grade of the Teton Valley Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad.

With gorgeous views of the Teton Mountain Range, three trestle bridges to cross, and a packed dirt/gravel path, Rails to Trails is fun to explore in less traveled months.

In November:
Average Temperature in Teton Valley: High of 34° F