Trying to reach your health and fitness goals, but think East Idaho has other plans? Think again! You just need to know where to go, and I’ve got you covered! Check out this list of paths in Idaho Falls you can hit this winter.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who committed to health and wellness this year! After the holidays, it can be tough to get it in gear, especially with the amount of snow that just dumped on us! If your resolution was to get outside and get moving, don’t let Idaho winters keep you from reaching your goals-it’s a new year a new opportunity to prove that you can do this! Here’s a whole post about local paths to hit for that hurts-so-good, post-holiday burn! (Paths that are maintained year round of course!)
So…who’s in?!
IDAHO FALLS GREENBELT
LOCATION – Along the Snake River
DISTANCE – 1 – 5+ miles (depending on the route you chose)
WHERE TO START: Park downtown, along Memorial Drive (if you are starting in the center)
SECRETS OUT: On almost any given day rain or shine (or snow!), visitors and residents take advantage of the beautiful scenery and the paved paths along the greenbelt. Enjoy the crown jewel of our local parks!
INSIDER TIP: A collaborative project with the Idaho Falls Arts Council, the Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Foundation, the City of Idaho Falls Division of Parks and Recreation and the City Beautification Commission is displayed along the green belt called, Art you can sit on. Various local artists created unique benches that reflect life in Southeast Idaho from all angles. Snap a photo sitting on the various benches and create an ongoing collage of this emerging art project!
Click here for a map of all of the locations of the benches, and here to see a compilation of these works of art.
COMMUNITY PARK
LOCATION – Corner of Holmes and 25th Street
DISTANCE – 0.75 mile loop
WHERE TO START: Park anywhere in the parking lot, and you’ll have quick access to the path
SECRETS OUT: The Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation department has recently improved the walking path that encircles the park, widening it from 8′ to 12′ around the entire path. (Don’t worry, no trees were removed during the construction!)
INSIDER TIP: The paths are maintained well during the winter, but this park is a real treat throughout the summertime! Our family loves spending an evening walking the path while catching the local softball leagues battle it out on the four baseball diamonds in the center.
THE SUNNYSIDE PATH
LOCATION – Sunnyside Road, Idaho Falls
DISTANCE – Varies (out and back style)
WHERE TO START: Park at any public parking area along Sunnyside
SECRETS OUT: The route along Sunnyside Road is another well maintained path on the south side of Idaho Falls. The north side of the street seems to have less ice, due to the exposure to the sun during the day. (The south side is definitely more popular during the summer). For a similar route with less traffic, there is a designated bike lane that runs along 25th Street from Holmes Avenue to Hitt Road (roughly 3 miles).
INSIDER TIP: The walking path along Sunnyside Road is an integral part of the cities plan to connect several trails in Idaho Falls. They’re working to create an intricate system of paved paths for bikers and pedestrians to get around and explore our city!
Honestly-how lucky are we to have such amazing opportunities in our small town?! Make sure you take advantage of these groomed paths our city offers to keep up on any fitness or health goals you set for the New Year! If you’re anything like me, nothing keeps me on track like keeping things simple. Thanks to the great area we live in, working out outdoors is possible year-round!
(Especially when everyone else is sitting around a fire sipping cocoa + you’re out their crushing goals!)
Winter comes whether we’re happy about it or not, whether we’re working towards our goals or we aren’t. Make the most of it, and STAY + WANDER and find ways to enjoy the beauty this season brings! #Idahome
