There are an abundance of things to do and places to visit within a short distance of Pocatello. Yellowstone and Teton National Parks are within three hours' drive, as are Sun Valley and Grand Targhee ski resorts. Pebble Creek ski area offers intermediate and expert skiing within twenty minutes of downtown Pocatello. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and river sports are within minutes of Pocatello and offer uncrowded availability for outdoor recreation. The area also offers blue ribbon trout fishing. And, within town, there are two public and one private golf courses, plus a frisbee golf park.

Here is a sampling of the beauty that surrounds our community:

• Yellowstone National Park

America's oldest and largest national park is located 168 miles northeast of Pocatello. Camp, backpack, hike or bicycle while you enjoy the wildlife, hot springs, paint pots, geysers, canyons, rivers, waterfalls and, of course, Old Faithful. Yellowstone encompasses 2.2 million acres of scenic beauty. Accommodations in the park are open May though October and December through March.

• Grand Teton National Park

Encompassing some of the most spectacular scenery in all of North America, this park includes 10 mountain summits which tower more than a vertical mile above the flat valley floor. Glaciers cling to mountain faces and jewel-like lakes sparkle in the bright alpine sun. Elk, bison, moose, bald eagles and trumpeter swans can be seen. Canoe rentals, mountain climbing classes, float trips and scenic walks are all offered at the park.

• Jackson, WY

About 150 miles from Pocatello, Jackson is a historic town that will simply amaze you. It includes two ski areas and several galleries, shops, theaters, motels and resorts. The nearby historic Elk refuge allows visitors to view winter feeding of migrating elk.

• Sun Valley

Sun Valley resort area is located in the Sawtooth Wilderness, about 190 miles northwest of Pocatello. The wilderness is home to more than 300 alpine lakes, which provide ample opportunities for fishing, hiking and winter skiing. Secluded guest ranches, motels, resorts and gift shops are plentiful. Sun Valley is most famous for its skiing -- 16 lifts, 66 runs and snow-making equipment make this area a premier ski resort which draws people from around the world.

• Lava Hot Springs

Heading 35 miles south from Pocatello, take a soothing plunge in Idaho's World Famous Hot Springs. These 110-degree natural hot water springs are sulfur-free, odor-free and chlorine-free. During the summer, enjoy an Olympic-size swimming and diving pool or rent some tubes and float down the Portneuf River through town.

• Bear Lake

In the southeast corner of Idaho is Bear Lake, with some of the bluest water in Idaho. This beautiful 209-foot deep lake is 20 miles long and eight miles wide. Located 110 miles from Pocatello, the lake boasts sandy beaches, campgrounds, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, sailing and wind surfing.

• Bighorn Crags

This rugged area is located in the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in central Idaho.

• Copper Basin

About 3 hours from Pocatello, Copper Basin is a remote area in the the Pioneer Mountains, the second highest mountain range in Idaho. The basin contains the head waters of the Big Lost River and offers excellent trout fishing in the river, its tributaries and in the high mountain lakes surrounding the area.

• Chesterfield Reservoir

Chesterfield Reservoir is located about 1 hour from Pocatello. The reservoir is a popular fishing hole for large rainbow trout.