There are few very easy hikes that I feel are worth writing about here, but the fact that I did today is a testament to the beauty of the area and the stunning views you can expect to find at Mesa Falls. Near Ashton, Idaho, these are two of the few falls in Idaho that have been left in their pristine natural state. That’s right, I said two separate falls. This is a package deal. You get the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.
I came out with a group of weekend warriors looking for a short yet rewarding hike. It took less than forty five minutes to arrive from Rexburg. The whole thing ended up taking up a good chunk of our day, as we chose to stay and enjoy the scenery for a few hours. There is a parking lot here, and you’ll have to pay five dollars per vehicle to park here, but it’s worth it. There is a free parking lot at a distant overlook of the lower falls. It’s really a cool view but there is no trail there.
The upper falls are about a mile upriver from the lower falls. The upper falls are basically right next to the parking lot. A short, paved walk takes you to a scaffolding over which you can see the entirety of the Upper Mesa Falls in its majesty. As we leaned over the rail in awe, a rainbow erupted over the edge as thousands of gallons of water roared over the edge. Mist from the falling water caressed our faces. Here you do see a lot of other visitors, not really a lot of hikers, but it is worth the view and some photos. If you want to escape the touristy feel, you’ll need to hike down to the lower falls.
Top photo borrowed from fishandgame.idaho.gov
We decided it was time for the hike to begin, so we made our way from the upper falls down the roughly one mile long trail to the lower falls. We passed through the parking lot and passed over a paved road before going off on a trail through the trees and into the woods. Eventually the trail takes you to the edge of a small cliff. This is where the trail ends. But the view is spectacular. The Warm River snakes its way through a canyon lined with volcanic black stone and evergreens ahead, and off to the right you gain a vantage of the lower falls. The lower falls is the smaller of the two. This is a good spot to just relax and breathe in the beauty that only the Rockies can deliver.
Was this my favorite hike in the world? Admittedly no, but it is a beautiful, short hike perfect for a weekend afternoon. A great place to escape civilization and just drink in the wild splendor of Southeast Idaho.
THINGS TO NOTE
This site is NOT open year-round. As far as I was able to find out, it opens in mid-May and closes for winter in October.
As always, bring water. There are places to refill your water at the visitor center near the Upper Mesa Falls, but you should bring water with you on the hike. Even on a short, easy hike like this, water is important to bring.
There is a restroom at the parking lot/visitor area at the Upper Falls.
A few hikers like to climb down the small cliff edge at the end of the trail at the Lower Falls. I would not recommend this. I did it myself, admittedly, but I found the rocks slippery and I fell down and had to catch myself a number of times trying to get close to the falls. It is easy and tempting to climb down, but it is a dangerous spot to find yourself and severe accidents could easily occur. It didn’t take me long to realize I needed to be back on top of the ridge, and before I got close to the falls, I turned right around. It isn’t worth risking major injury or worse just to get a better view. You can enjoy the view just as much from a safer vantage point.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you are coming from Idaho Falls or Pocatello, you will pass through Rexburg by taking Route 20. I-15 branches off onto 20 in Idaho Falls. From Rexburg, continue north on 20 until you arrive in Ashton. Shortly after your arrival in Ashton, you will have the option of veering off to the right onto Highway 47. Follow the signs. You’ll continue about 16 miles until you arrive at Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Follow the signs and you should get there just fine.
Idaho Trail Junkie 