Activity #5, Hiking Palisades Creek Trail

This has been my favorite hike to date. It has been absolutely incredible to travel to this place and see all the neat things along the way. I loved the scenery of the mountains through Swan Valley. Even more, I was taken back by the amazing views along this trail. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

I left at about 10:15 AM in the morning. The drive is about an hour long and I arrived at the trail head at about 11:15 AM. From Rexburg, travel to Ririe and then to highway 29. Palisades Creek road is about 40 miles down the highway towards Swan Valley.

I packed warm clothes just in case and I certainly used them. I brought a sandwich, carrots/cucumbers, protein Nature Valley bar, and a Clif bar to snack on during my trip. Also brought lots of water. Make sure your shoes are good support because there are many rocks on the trail.

The hike took me about 5 hours to do for a total distance of close to 14 miles. That included breaks to take pictures, a lunch break for about 15 minutes, and 20 minutes take in the view at the upper lakes. 

The trail head starts off of Palisades Creek road.  There is a gate where the sign is at to drive your car through and a parking lot on the other side. I parked my car just before the gate and walked the extra little way to the trail head.

In the shade, the trail was definitely cold at this time of the year. Make sure you have some warm clothes. Don't get freaked out by the bear sign. Be on the lookout for one but it is a very rare occasion. I didn't personally see any large wildlife from the trail.

This was one of my favorite trails to hike. It follows the creek for most of it which is a beautiful sight at many points along the way. The trail goes in between the mountains which provide some amazing shots to take with a camera. I took so many because it was incredible to see.

The lower palisades lake is about 5 miles in. The trail is not difficult but again do take some good shoes because you'll be stepping on lots of rocks. The lower lakes view is great and nearby are some campgrounds to take a rest. The upper lakes is another 2.5 miles after that which I went to. If you can make the trip, I would certainly recommend it because it is just amazing to see. This trail is more strenuous to do because of the rising switchbacks. Make sure you can get there and back before dawn because it took me just over 2 hours to get back to the car from the upper lakes at a quick walking pace.

I did this trail alone and I would recommend you bring someone if possible but it can be done alone if you feel comfortable. There is no cell service from the time you turn on to the road for the trail, so be aware. There is a notepad log that you should sign to let the rangers know when you entered and left the trail in case something were to happen.

I decided to make this trip even more fun personally after the hike and I traveled out to Alpine, Wyoming about 20 miles further down highway 29. The drive there is absolutely gorgeous as you travel along side the huge reservoir or water up against the mountains. When I arrived in Alpine, I celebrated to myself by eating at Yankee Doodles cafe... pure American! It's a fun little restaurant to try out and you'll love the history they have throughout that restaurant.

Overall this trail was my favorite so far. It was very refreshing and enlightening  to think and reflect along the trail. I certainly recommend it! Go out there and have fun!