Pocatello, a small city of 55,000 is a classic western American ‘college town’ with a small, friendly population but activities and resources typically only available in much larger cities. Sitting in a beautiful valley, Pocatello is nestled in the Rocky Mountains and is only a couple of hours away from a major metropolitan area (Salt Lake City) as well as numerous national parks and top ski resorts. Located in one of the U.S.’ fastest growing regions, there is a full host of educational and leisure activities year-round.
Close By
Pocatello boasts of wonderful recreational opportunities for the mountain biker, hiker, rock climber, skier, kayaker, and horseback riding enthusiast within minutes of the city center and the university.
Pebble Creek Ski Area and the Scout Mountain Nordic Center, only 20 minutes away, offer 54 runs and groomed cross country trails and skiing instruction at low cost.
For the hot springs enthusiast, Lava Hot Springs, 30 minutes away, offers 4 thermal hot spring pools year round, and the quaintness of a small Western town. An Olympic aquatic pool is available in the summer months.
Powwows (Indian dance festivals), a folk dance and a choir festival hosting groups from around the world, are among the festivals offered to the public in the summer months.
A natural history and county history museum take the visitor into the past of the area and a zoo allows visitors to see Rocky Mountain wildlife close up. The Old Fort Hall Replica gives a glimpse of pioneer life and host mountain men rendezvous.
The Aquatic Complex across the street from the zoo has swimming pools and water slides promising water fun and a tan!
Classical, folk music, and popular music concerts, American and foreign movies, as well as theater productions and dance performances are offered in the brand new Stephens Performing Art Center as well as in summer outdoor venues.
For sports enthusiasts, rodeos, university football, basketball, soccer, rugby and volleyball games are on the menu as are university track and tennis matches.
A Little Further Away
Sun Valley and the Alps of Idaho, the Sawtooth Mountains
Located just 270 kilometers away (3 hours) is the world-famous ski resort of Sun Valley, home to many international celebrities and fabulous resorts and restaurants. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, rock climbing, and skiing in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area are favorite activities here. A year-round outdoor ice skating rink brings in Olympic medallists in the summer for exhibition performances.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming & Park City, Utah:
Less than 3 hours away are two more of the top Ski Resorts in North America (as ranked by Ski Magazine), Park City (home of the 2002 Winter Olympics) and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. At each resort, enjoy miles of downhill trails, amazing champagne powder (dry, light, fluffy snow) and runs for every level of ability.
Yellowstone National Park
Located 2 ½ hours away on the Idaho border with Montana and Wyoming is the world-famous Yellowstone National Park, the world's oldest national park. Yellowstone is home to the well-known "Old Faithful" geyser and its architectural treasure, the Old Faithful Inn. The geyser faithfully erupts erupts 18-21 times per day with water reaching an average maximum height of nearly 40 meters. There are hundreds of other geysers, hotpools and waterfalls throughout the park. The area abounds in wildlife watching opportunities and is home to moose, elk, grizzly bears, buffalo, and many other species.
Backcountry hiking, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing make Yellowstone a great weekend or day visit destination any month of the year.
The Grand Tetons:
Less than 3 hours away, is the Grand Teton National Park just north of the famous Jackson Hole summer and winter resort, a cowboy town of the Old West. It is visited by over 4 million people a year who enjoy the park’s 125,000 hectares of rugged mountain beauty and more than 100 alpine lakes.
Bear Lake and the Oregon Trail Museum:
About 1 ½ hours away visitors can explore the Caribbean turquoise-blue waters of Bear Lake and its white sandy beaches, camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. The nearby bird refuge is home to snowy egrets, sandhill cranes, pelicans, herons and many other wildlife species.
Minetonka Caves is another popular tourist destination offering a 90 minute tour through the wonder world of stalactites and stalagmites.
The interactive Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier allows the visitor to relive the hardships and bravery of the pioneers settling the American West.
The Rocky Mountain Inter-West
Within minutes of the University & city center, one finds oneself in mountains rising up to over 3000 meters. Within hours of Pocatello are numerous national parks, monuments, refuges and forests. In addition to Yellowstone & Grand Teton, one can easily drive to Craters of the Moon National Monument, Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Parks with the Grand Canyon just a bit further. To the north are many other parks and preserves, most famous of all perhaps being Glacier National Park on the border with Canada.
