Winter Outdoor Recreation

Idaho Falls generally has some snow on the ground December through March, though this can vary season to season.

Trail Grooming


Parks and Recreation works hard during the winter to keep Freeman Park, Tautphaus Park, Sunnyside Park and Old Butte Soccer Complex Park groomed for the public. All can be used anytime during the week or weekend and is free. They will be groomed for the entire winter depending on snow conditions.

**Please remember to be respectful of others and use the trails for their intended use. Cross country skiers should use the grooved trails while cross country skaters, fat bikers and walkers should all use the flat groomed path to the side. Please also remember to pick up after your dogs.

Groomed Trails


Groomed trails are open to:
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fat Biking
  • Snow Skating
  • Winter Walking
Tautphaus Park Trail Map here
Sunnyside Park Trail Map here
Old Butte Park Trail Map here
Freeman Park Trail Map here
*Maps are an estimate

** Trails are generally groomed Mon, Wed, and Fri. depending on snow and weather conditions. 
Freeman Park last groomed February 19, 2021
Tautphaus Park last groomed February 19, 2021
Old Butte Park last groomed February 16, 2021
We will not be grooming Sunnyside Park this season.

Groomed Trails 2016
Two people cross country skiing in the snow.
sledding

Sledding at the Parks

Thanks to our wonderful and hilly parks, we have several amazing( and FREE!) locations for families to spend an afternoon sledding this Winter. Remember, sledding is always done at your own risk. 

  • Freeman Park
    • There are many hills throughout this park. The most popular sledding hill is located near the top of the hill at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, and people sled down towards the Bandshell.
  • Community Park
    • This sledding hill is located directly west of the Gazebo near the parking lot and playground. 
  • Sandy Downs Dune Area
    • This sledding hill can be located by entering the secondary, smaller entrance of Sandy Downs Arena, located just a few hundred years East of the main Sandy Downs entrance. Enter that smaller entrance, and drive down the entrance driveway for a few hundred years. The sledding hill is the largest of our sledding hills, and will be located on the left-hand side.


Outdoor Ice Rinks in Idaho Falls


Ice Skating can be enjoyed by the entire family and can be done inside between October and March or outside during the real cold months of the year. (Weather pending)
An outdoor ice skating rink surrounded by snow.

Skate Rentals for Tautphaus Park Rink


Skate rentals will be available this winter for the outdoor rink that will be put in the field just east of the ice arena. Rentals will be available inside the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena as weather permits. Keys or driver's license will be required for a deposit. 

When conditions are good!!!

Check Ice Arena homepage for the most accurate information..