Overview

The Civil Defense caves are large tubes formed from lava that snake underground for thousands of feet. Because of the insulating qualities of Lava, the interior of caves are cold, even on the hottest days of the summer.

It’s really fun to explore. The caves vary from 50 feet high to areas that you need to crawl through.

Direction

The first right off North Salem Road (which is is about 16.8 miles this is also the North Rexburg exit, from the I-20 interstate at N 44°06.273′ W 111°48.285′.

The next turn, a left turn, is about 3.7 miles from the first turn off and is located at N 44°08.656′ W 111°45.803′.

Go one more mile or 4.7 miles from the main road and you will arrive at the cave. N 44°09.326′ W 111°46.551′.

You will need…

• A jacket
• good footwear
• flashlights or head lamps (with extra batteries)
• To be mindful and remember the path you take in so you can backtrack and get out (which isn’t hard, but it’s worth pointing out…)

You may want…

• A snow hat or beanie
• Gloves – the rock can be rough
• Glow sticks (for fun and for back up)
• A camera

Bridge jumping right by monkey rock!

Overview

Have you have ever wanted to play in a waterfall? If so,  Monkey rock is the place. It’s not a large cascade, but this little lagoon style location is perfect for a summer swim and hang out. You can swim around in the lagoon or up explore up behind the waterfall. In the summer the water temperature is just right. Just get in and get used to it!

When you go, make sure you walk under and behind the falls. It’s a rush to have that much water rush over you… Depending on the water level the falls might be bigger or smaller.

CAUTION: Be careful around the little concrete “water slide” up top where the canal feed the waterfall. At the bottom of the slide is little rapid or “hydraulic” which is unassuming, but is surprisingly powerful. It’s been known to give quite a few people a scare. What it will do is sweep our feet out from underneath you and roll you.

SAFETY TIPS:

1. Don’t be scared of it, just take a second to understand it and you’ll have nothing to fear… And don’t be the idiot that thinks he’s stronger than it.
2. Know your ability level
3. Always have some else up there with you, and
4. Have a good time!

If you get tired of playing around the falls, you can walk down the street and jump off of the bridge. It’s high enough to give a thrill, but not so high that it is very dangerous. Be careful and wise at both spots and you will have an enjoyable time.

Directions

You Will Need…

• Sandals / water shoes: The lagoon floor is pretty rocky
• Towels
• Sunscreen

You May Want…

• Snorkel mask
• Camera
• Lunch: It’s a great place to picnic…
• Nun-chucks,  naturally… right?

Overview

Not to be mistaken with the Civil Defense Caves (which are near by) , the Ice Caves are about 45 minutes outside of Rexburg. The Ice Caves (also known as the Lava Tube Caves) were originally formed as lava tubes. Over the years they have maintained fairly cold temperatures and as moisture and water seeped in it froze. The ice now remains frozen year round and makes for a wonderful adventure. There are two different sets of caves, fairly close to each other in the middle of the desert.  Both sets of caves are a few hundred yards deep and require good footwear, warm clothes and a flashlight to navigate.

Directions

The turn off is just about 25 miles past walmart or 14.5 miles past the sand dunes RV camp place. You will drive over a metal cattle guard. (A big grated metal thing that crosses the road.)

Immediately after the third cattle guard there is a dirt road turnoff to the right. This turnoff goes diagonally northeast. There is another turn-off that connects with the first one about 200 yards down the road that is pretty much parallel to the main road (There is a 3rd dirt road past the first two….it doesn’t lead to the ice caves).

Continue on the dirt road (for which a not going faster than 10-15 mph for about 30 minutes. You will feel like you have probably passed the caves, but just when you are about to turn around the road forks completely.

Take the right fork, but drive slowly… you could very well drive right into the gigantic hole in the ground. Climb down into the hole and you should see the cave entrance.
Special thanks to Alyson for these directions. (www.rexburgic.com)

You will need…

• Flashlight
• Good hiking/tennis shoes
• Warm clothes: Sweatshirt, long underwear, jacket, gloves, beanie/snow cap.

You may want…

• Glow Sticks: It’s fun to brake them open and sprinkle the glow goo around and play “hide and go seek”. Please remember to bring a bag and pack your trash out.
• Energy Food: It’s a fun place to have a snack… and you’ll probably need one.
• Camera: (Hint- for need photos, increase your shutter speed to 1 second or more. Then email SpiffyList your photos! We’ll post ‘em.)

Overview

R Mountain is a popular hike located about 20 minutes from Downtown Rexburg. Its actual name is The Menan Buttes, but because of the obvious giant “R” painted on its side it is popularly known as “R Mountain”.

Formed by lava, this dormant volcano makes for a great morning, afternoon or even night time hike. Climbing to the crater takes about.5-1.5 hrs depending on your speed and the trail you take. The view from the top is amazing! You can see the Snake River, the City of Rexburg, the Sand Dunes and the Tetons all at the same time.

The best and easiest trail is the front side. (The side without the “R”) To get to it you turn right at the four way stop right before the mountain. (You’ll see a sign advising you to turn left to get the “Mountain Butte”) Continue down that path until you get to the Entrance. (You can’t miss it)

Directions

You will need…

• Good shoes – The trail is rocky with lots of weeds and bushes
• Camera – The View is something you’ll want to remember and show others
• Flashlight / Head Lamp – If your going at night (or late evening)
• Snack – The hike can make you hungry
• Bug Repellent – There are mosquitoes
• Be aware of snakes - There are rattlers out during certain times of the year. But they’ll warn ya!

1. Capture the flag in the sand dunes
2. Cook foil dinners at sand dunes
3. Go to the sand dunes and have a bon fire
4. Go to the sand dunes and have a fire and play games in the sand
5. Jump off the sand dunes
6. Play glow in the dark Frisbee at the sand dunes
7. Play hide and go seek at the sand dunes…in the dark.
8. Play tackle football at the sand dunes
9. Ride four-wheelers at sand dunes
10. Sand boarding at sand dunes
11. Sand Dunes and a cookout
12. Sled down sand dunes
13. Take turns burying each other at the sand dunes, and then enjoy a fire with smores and stargazing
14. Volleyball at the sand dunes