Are dogs allowed on Lower Mesa Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Lower Mesa Falls but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Lower Mesa Falls?

No, Lower Mesa Falls does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Lower Mesa Falls?

Lower Mesa Falls is rated difficult. It is 10.4 miles long with 2,221 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Idaho trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Targhee National Forest/Idaho

Lower Mesa Falls

Ashton, Idaho

10.4 mi

Distance

2,221 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 4m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

It was easy out-and-back. The first four miles of this trail are bush-whacking. The ascent from the falls is very steep. The falls of Island Park can be seen from the overview on the other side of the Henry's Fork. Don't fall in, this is only feet away.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,656 ft

Max:1,866 ft

677 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:ID

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Idaho hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Lower Mesa Falls

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk & Lookout

Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk & Lookout

Mesa Falls Nature Trail

Bear Gulch to Upper Mesa Falls

Warm River Rail-Trail

Hatchery Butte

Other trails in Targhee National Forest

Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail

Upper Palisades Lake Trail

Mesa Falls Nature Trail

Alaska Basin Trail

Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk & Lookout

Targhee Creek Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)

Warm River

Warm River Cabin

Pole Bridge Campground

Squirrel Creek Guest Ranch

Eagle Peak Lodge

Similar trails in Idaho

Stack Rock Trail

Sawtooth Lake

Scotchman Peak Trail

Hulls Gulch Nature Trail

Upper Palisades Lake Trail

Polecat Loop Trail