Everybody loves the spring and summer in Rexburg. The sun begins to shine and the snow starts melting to let the summer fun begin. The Spring Semester at BYU Idaho takes place in the months of April through July. The average temperature high ranges from 62˚F-90˚F; although Rexburg weather can be very sporadic, so don’t be surprised if snow is falling in July. There are many outdoor activities to do during the warm summer months including: hiking, mountain biking, camping, picnicking, boating, white water rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming, bridge/cliff jumping, rock climbing, motorbike riding, marathon running, and floating the dry bed. This page will focus on cliff jumping, rock climbing, and white water rafting, giving all the information necessary to have an enjoyable day activity.

White Water Rafting

Tired of being cooped up during Winter Semester? When the sun starts shining in the spring/summer start planning a whitewater adventure. We’ve got the perfect trip for you. Take a weekend off and visit Jackson Hole Wyoming for some white water adventures. There are several rafting companies to choose from including Sands Wild Water, Jackson Hole White Water, Dave Hansen White Water and Scenic Trips, and Mad River Rafting. All companies offer similar trips, but we will focus on Mad River Rafting.


Cost

Trips range from $54 per person for the cheapest trip to $86 for the full day adventure. Most trips include either a breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Also include the cost of gas to travel to and from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Directions

Be ready to travel about 2 hours to get to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Although it is a lengthy drive, the adventure in the river will be well worth the drive! Here are the driving instructions: (map to Jackson is found at this link: http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=43.637105&lon=-111.330655&zoom=10&q1=Rexburg%2C%20ID&q2=Jackson%20Hole%2C%20WY map to Mad River is at this link: http://mad-river.biz/map.html)

  1. Take US-20 going west.
  2. After 15.1 miles, take exit #318 (County Line Road)
  3. Turn Left on E 145 N
  4. After 6 miles turn right on N 105th E
  5. Turn Left on US-26 and go 29.6 miles
  6. Turn Left on ID-31 and go 21.0 miles
  7. Turn Right on ID-33 and go 5.5 miles
  8. Continue on WY-22 and go 17.6 miles
  9. Turn Left on W Broadway Ave (US-26)
  10. Turn Left on N Cache Drive (US-26)
  11. Continue to follow US-26 and go 10.5 miles
  12. Once in Jackson, the Mad River Wedge is located 2 miles south of the Jackson Town Square at 1255 S, Highway 89.

Preparation

You will want to plan this trip several weeks in advance. Near the beginning of the spring and summer, pull out a calendar and figure out which weekend will be your whitewater adventure. Discounts are available if the trip is booked early in the season. Most boats hold 8-12 passengers each, so get a group of friends to commit to the trip and make it an even more enjoyable get away.

The day before the trip check the weather report so you know what to expect. The weather is unpredictable and there could be a cold front in the middle of the summer.

Suggested Gear:

  • Basic attire: swim suit, nylon shorts/lightweight pants, and soft-soled shoes (old tennis shoes or strap on tevas work well)
  • In warm weather (in addition to basic attire): hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • On colder days (in addition to basic attire): jacket, fleece sweater, or blanket for bus ride back from the river

All of these materials as well as wetsuits can be rented or purchased at the Mad River retail and rental department. Life jackets, safety helmets, and paddling jackets and pants are provided by Mad River for whitewater trips.

Departure times for the trips start as early as 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning and leave every hour. Make sure you leave Rexburg about 3 hours prior to your trip departure time in order to arrive at Mad River 30 minutes before the trip takes off. Start the morning with a full tank of gas and a map to make sure the travel to Jackson goes smoothly.

Safety

Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating activity, but some safety and caution needs to be taken into account. The river guides have been trained and are experienced in taking rafts down the Snake River. They are certified in First Aid and CPR in case of an emergency. During the trip, you and your boat mates will be required to help paddle through the rapids. You will be instructed in the proper procedures before and during the trip. To ensure your safety, be sure you are physically capable of paddling the raft. Also, because of the nature of this activity, there are unavoidable risks such as: injury, property damage, and death. The experienced guides will give you the best ride on the river and take necessary precautions to inform you of and prevent these risks.

For Your Information: Because the weather and river conditions are unpredictable and can vary, be aware that trips may be cancelled or rescheduled on short notice for safety reasons.

Additional Ideas

Want proof you made it through the rapids? Float-O-Graphs and Whitewater photos are companies who take photos as you battle the rapids. You can visit their websites (floatographs.com or snakeriverphotos.net) for more information on viewing and purchasing photos.

Information was taken from: http://www.mad-river.com/whitewater.cfm

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Rock Climbing

Feeling cooped up and need to let some energy out? Try rock climbing. There are many options for rock climbing depending on your skill level and experience. Either visit a rock climbing gym (Sticks and Stones) or climb a structure nearby (Heise Rock Climbing).



Cost

Stick and Stones: $8/day with gear included; $5/day if you have your own gear

Heise Rock: (rental at ORC) harness= $6, helmet= $4, shoes= $7


Directions

Stick and Stones is located at 49 E Main Street, Rexburg ID (356-7116)

Heise Rock Climbing is a further drive. Follow these directions:

  1. From Idaho Falls, take HWY 26 E towards Palisades Reservoir.
  2. Travel past the Ririe turnoff, continuing through the farms until you come to the turn marked Heise Hot Spring.
  3. Travel north following the signs to the hot springs. The road meanders around a little until it crosses the Snake river, where it turns to the right, heading east, hugging the hillside.
  4. You will eventually pass Heise hot Springs, the associated campground and golf course.
  5. Continue another ¼ mile. The Heise Rock is just off the road to the left. The location is on private land so be respectful.

Preparation

If climbing at Stick and Stones gym, all gear will be provided for you. If you have your own gear, (rock climbing shoes, harnesses, and a helmet) bring them along and the fee will be reduced.

If traveling to Heise Rock, be sure to bring your own gear. This can be rented at the ORC a day in advance. At Heise Rock you will want to have someone in your party who is familiar with rock climbing so they can set up the harnesses, ropes, and belay while someone climbs. It is best to climb when the sun is out shining on the rocks so they are warm to the touch. Use the map to the right to decide where you would like to climb.


Before climbing, familiarize yourself with this rock climbing terminology (taken from: http://www.coolsportz.com/rock-climbing-signals/default.htm) :

  • "On Belay" - given by the belayer; means the belay is in effect, a fall will be caught from that point on, the climber may begin climbing.
  • "Belay On" - given by the climber; confirms that the belay is on.
  • "Climbing" - given by the climber; tells the belayer that the climber is starting to climb.
  • "Climb Away" - given by the belayer; tells the climber that the belayer knows the partner is climbing. Do not climb until you hear this; it is confirmation that the belayer is paying attention. Climbers have been hurt falling in the first few feet of a climb because the belayer was not aware the climber had started.
  • "Slack" - given by the climber; requested when the rope is too tight.
  • "Up Rope" - given by the climber; means that too much slack has developed and the climber wants the belayer to take it in. This is what you yell instead of" Take up the slack."
  • "Falling" - given by the climber; means the climber is actually falling or, just as likely, thinks he or she is about to fall - when climbers are really Calling, they usually yell "Aaahh!"
  • "On Rappel" - given by the climber; tells others that the climber is about to rappel.
  • "Oft' Belay" - given by the climber; tells the belayer that the climber is anchored or on the ground and that the climber no longer needs the protection of the belay.
  • "Belay Oft" - given by the belayer; tells the climber that the rope is out of the belay device.
  • "Rock" - given by anyone; means something is coming down, look out-should be yelled by anyone who sees something falling.

Safety


When rock climbing there are a few safety precautions to take (taken from http://www.coolsportz.com/rock-climbing-safety/default.htm):

  • Make sure all knots are tied properly and harnesses are strapped into place before beginning the climb.
  • At gyms, be aware of those climbing around you. Also, if belaying a climber, stay focused on their climb and keep communication with the climber.
  • In outdoor climbing, be sure of the rock and weather conditions.
  • Wear helmets to protect from falling rocks. If climbing and you kick a rock loose, be sure to call out “Rock!” to warn climbers and bystanders below. If you hear someone yell “Rock!”, stay in place, keep your head level, and pull your arms down to your sides. It is best to always wear your helmet to protect your head from falling rocks.
  • Know your own limits and don’t push them. Common injuries don’t come from falls, but from overuse of muscles.
  • Keep a first aid kit nearby just in case. Have tape and supplies for blisters.


Additional Ideas

After climbing you can visit Heise Hot Pools, less than a mile away! For more information visit: http://www.yellowstoneteton.org/thingstodo/RockClimbing/Heise.html
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Monkey Rock

On a hot friday afternoon, after studying endlessly for a chemistry test you can't stand the library anymore. Take a break and head over to Monkey Rock! This is a main attraction for many BYU-Idaho Students. Monkey Rock is a waterfall where you can go cliff jumping and bridge jumping. It ranges in height with some rocks about “two stories” high.
(Photo found at: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/2282801)

Cost
There is no cost to go to Monkey Rock. Just keep in mind gas money and money for any snacks you would like to bring along.
Directions

Monkey Rock is a quick drive from Rexburg, taking about 15 minutes. Follow these directions:
  1. Take Hwy 20 going North
  2. Turn right on 300 North
  3. Turn right on 300 North
  4. Drive over the railroad tracks and continue on 300 North
  5. The road will bank to the left
  6. Turn right at the "T" in the road
  7. Follow the road a little ways and Monkey Rock will be on the right


Preparation

Depending on the time of the spring or summer, the water can be quite cold. Here is a list of supplies you will want to bring along:

  • Swim Suit/Board Shorts
  • Water Shoes
  • Towel
  • Sun Glasses
  • Camera
  • Warm Clothes for after Jumping
  • Life Jacket
  • First Aid Kit
  • Cell Phone

Also be aware that it is about a 1/2 mile walk from the road to get to the location of Monkey Rock.

Safety

Cliff jumping is an exhilarating activity, but it can be dangerous if the water conditions aren’t right and the jumpers aren’t smart about when and where to jump. Take these precautions and suggestions when jumping to avoid risk of accidents (http://www.letsgocliffjumping.com/index/2008/05/how-to-cliff-ju.html) :

Before the Jump:
  • Wade into the water: Swim around and search for submerged rocks and objects. This can help gauge depth. Do this especially where you will be landing. Monkey Rock has many sharp slippery rocks around the area.
  • Test the jump-off point: Stand on the jumping platform (i.e., rock) to ensure it is stable.

In the Air:

  • Lean slightly forward: Many people get scared as they fall and start leaning backward. It hurts to land on your back, so be sure to lean forward!
  • Landing: As you jump, keep your legs straight and held tightly together. A pencil dive is the best landing position, with your legs together and arms tucked against your sides.

In the Water:

  • Stay tucked: If the jump is over 45 feet, make sure to keep your body tucked even after entering the water until your body has completely descended into the water. Untucking too early may cause your body to be tossed around by the water.
  • Feel the rush: Enjoy the greatest adrenaline rush you've ever felt!
If possible, check online for recent water flow updates to check the water conditions before jumping at Monkey Rock. Be cautious of undertows because jumpers can get caught and drown. Also, if anyone is weary of jumping, don’t pressure them into taking the plunge.


Additional Ideas

There is a small flat picnic area at the base of the water falls. You may want to plan a picnic lunch/dinner for after your dip in the river. Also if there are people in your group who are cautious of jumping, bring tubes and rafts for them to float on in the reservoir.

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