Idaho Falls

If you've sampled eastern Idaho's spectacular state parks in summer, it's only natural to wonder what the winter experiences might offer. Thanks to Idaho's "Park N' Ski" program, the wilds of winter are calling you for an adventure. There are 17 locations for the program across the state, offering nearly 200 miles of breathtaking backcountry scenery. All it takes from you is a permit purchase, trail gear (Nordic skis or snowshoes) and some reliable transportation onto and off of the property of your choice. A three-day permit runs $7.50, and an annual pass goes for $25. When you buy your pass, you can specify where you want the fees to go. Here in eastern Idaho, it's no surprise that plenty of funding goes to the beloved backcountry paradise of Fremont County. There are three designated areas to keep in mind: Buffalo River, Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls and Fall River. For details on each, as well as maps and trail guides, visit the activities page at parksan- drecreation.idaho.gov. Heading to the hills a few more times before the snow flies? With falling temps, autumn rains and unpredictable trail conditions, it definitely helps to do a little extra prep work. Here are 4 tips to get you started: Upgrade your stock tires. A taller tire means more ground clearance, and that means a better shot at grinding out of a deep rut or muddy hole. Properly vent your rig's moving parts, such as the air intake for the motor, the clutch box intake and in some cases, the exhaust as well as the front and rear differential. Grips matter more than you think, so look for a grip that has a raised pattern with small crevices of at least a quarter inch so the mud and water have somewhere to go instead of creating a slick surface. Get a good winch for the cold, rain and mud. That means a water- proof motor assembly as well as solenoid. These two things may save your brain when you get the machine wet. Source: Dirt Toys Magazine Paradise of Powder Quiet adventures with East Idaho Park N' Ski Hit the Trail, Beat the Mud Late season-tips for ATV riders 24 IDAHO FALLS MAGAZINE  OCTOBER 2018 PHOTO COURTESY JIM DONOVAN

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