Wander the West

Driggs Idaho

	Teton Valley with Big Hole Mts. Backdrop

October 2006

Truly the best kept secret of the Teton Mountains, this small town sits smack-dab in the middle of the Teton valley along the Eastern Idaho border at the base of the Teton mountain wilderness. To the west are the Big Hole Mountains and their beauty is second only to the Tetons which are just to the east. Driggs is the gateway to the Teton valley and Grand Targhee Ski Resort which is known for its fluffy, consistent powder dumps. Driggs is only 30 miles from Jackson Hole, WY and Teton Village Ski Area and about 60 miles south of the west entrance to Yellowstone and the Madison River.

Along with Driggs, the towns of Tetonia and Victor make up the Teton Valley. It is mostly farming and ranch land. Although growth is starting in this small town, it is relatively little at this point. There are areas of farmland conversion to open residential and some condominium type living. There is a serious lack of amenities in the area. There are no movie theaters and limited restaurants; but most people don’t come here for those reasons. Solitude, beauty, outdoor activities, and skiing attract these people like bees to honey. Outdoor sports ranging from hiking in the Jedadiah Wilderness to fishing the Teton River and mountain biking in the Big Hole Mountains. Property values are rising at a rate of about 15-20% a year and the average home cost is somewhere around $250.000.00.

From a vacation standpoint this would be a stop to make on your way to Yellowstone or The east Tetons and Jackson. Camping and backpacking abound. Fly fishing in the Teton River and South Fork of the Snake River are excellent. From a residential viewpoint it is starting to get expensive, but not nearly as bad as nearby Jackson. Take a look if you get a chance.

Driggs Idaho Photos

- Eric Davis