The Outdoor Dispatch

New here? Start with these.

Just moved to Pocatello, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification
♥ Featured

Guided Preserve & Plant-ID Hikes

Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust

Seasonal guided hikes & field trips

Rotating preserves (Century Heights, Thunder Ridge, area)

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFreeSummer

Naturalist-led plant-ID hikes and field trips on protected preserves open to the public.

Trail Run✓ Verified 2026-06-25

Wednesday Trail Runs

Pocatello Running Club

Wednesdays · Mar–Sep · multiple pace groups

Rotating foothills trailheads, Pocatello

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropDog-friendlyFreeSummer

3–8 miles with shorter options for newcomers; tracked on the club Strava.

Road Run✓ Verified 2026-06-25

Saturday Morning Group Run

Pocatello Running Club

Saturdays, 8:00am · Mar–Sep · all paces

Rotating locations — check Facebook

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropFreeSummer

Groups split by trail vs. road and pace depending on turnout.

MTB⚠ Needs verification

Weekly Mountain Bike Ride

Barrie’s Ski and Sports

Seasonal shop MTB rides — all abilities

Rotating trailheads, Pocatello area

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer

Shop hosts road, mountain, and e-bike group rides through the warm months.

MTB⚠ Needs verification

Trailwork Team Volunteer Days

City of Pocatello Outdoor Recreation

Monthly trailwork · Apr/May–Oct/Nov

City Creek & foothills trailheads, Pocatello

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer

Structured volunteer program (~8 hrs/month) that builds and maintains the foothills trails; perks include shop discounts and Wilderness First Aid.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Stewardship Workdays

Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust

Year-round workdays — cleanups & tree planting

Rotating preserves, Pocatello area

Beginner-friendlyFree

Volunteer stewardship workdays, community cleanups, and tree planting.

Paddling⚠ Needs verification

Kayaking, SUP & Rafting Trips

ISU Outdoor Adventure Center

Seasonal paddling trips & rentals

Departs ISU campus / area rivers & reservoirs

Beginner-friendlyPaidSummer

Beginner whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paddleboard trips; kayaks, canoes, rafts, and SUPs also for rent.

Climbing⚠ Needs verification

Reed Gym Climbing Wall

ISU Outdoor Adventure Center

Open during the school year — see hours

Reed Gym, ISU campus, Pocatello

Beginner-friendlyCost varies

35-ft wall with top-rope, lead, and a roof section; free for students, low fee for the public. Hosts the annual Pocatello Pump comp.

Birding✓ Verified 2026-06-25

Monthly Program Meeting

Portneuf Valley Audubon Society

Third Thursday, 7:00pm · Sep–May

Marshall Public Library, 113 S Garfield Ave, Pocatello

Beginner-friendlyFree

Free programs open to the public, September through May.

Birding⚠ Needs verification

Field Trips & Eagle Count

Portneuf Valley Audubon Society

Seasonal bird outings & midwinter eagle count

Rotating area birding sites

Beginner-friendlyFree

Member-led field trips plus the annual eagle count between American Falls Dam and the Raft River, open to the public.

Fly Fishing⚠ Needs verification

Monthly Chapter Meetup

South East Idaho Fly Fishers

Monthly meetup — fly-tying & conservation

Pocatello (see chapter for venue)

Beginner-friendlyFree

Trout Unlimited Chapter 720; members gather monthly to talk fishing and Portneuf-watershed conservation.