For BYUI students looking for hikes, campouts and adventures, opportunities surround Rexburg during the seven-week break.

This article details a range of adventure opportunities in the southeastern Idaho region for the seasoned explorer and those just looking to try something new.

City of Rocks

Internationally known as one of the greatest rock climbing destinations, the City of Rocks National Reserve attracts hikers, campers, geologists, and, of course, rock climbers, from all over the world.

Emigrants passing through the area in the 1800s described it as "The Silent City" due to the tall, steeple-like rock formations.

The City of Rocks spans over 14,000 acres and is free to visit.

Due to its distance from any major cities and the absence of any light sources within the reserve, the City of Rocks is a prime stargazing destination.

Trails closed to motorized vehicles provide mountain biking opportunities, such as the road from Circle Creek overlook to Stripe Rock.

For a more comfortable adventure, the 49-mile City of Rocks Back Country Byway winds through the reserve. Drivers can view the granite rock formations and historical stops where emigrants signed the rock walls.

Rock climbs vary from beginner 5.6 ratings to professional 5.14 ratings. The reserve boasts over 600 routes with all types of climbing, from traditional to sport routes. No permits are needed for climbing.

Rock climbing gear is available to rent from The Outdoor Resource Center.

Packing food for the trip is a good choice, as aside from the local businesses in Almo, Idaho, the nearest food services are over 30 miles away.

City of Rocks is about 175 miles from Rexburg, or around a 2-hour and 50-minute drive.

Harriman State Park

For an outing closer to Rexburg, 22 miles of trails open for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding criss-cross Harriman State Park.

World-class fly fishing territory covers 8 miles of the park, where moose and elk are common. Trumpeter Swans also call the park home.

Loaner fishing rods provided by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation are available. However, anyone over 14 years of age will still need to purchase a fishing license.

The over-11,000-acre park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, meaning that besides the scenery, visitors should also look out for bears.

The Outdoor Resource Center rents mountain bikes starting at $35, E-mountain bikes and bike racks.

The park is a 50-minute drive from Rexburg, about 50 miles away and charges a $7 entrance fee per vehicle.

Dogs are only allowed in the parking lots and not on the trails.

Henrys Lake State Park

Less than a half-hour drive north on Highway 20 from Harriman State Park is Henrys Lake State Park.

Along with more fishing, visitors can play horseshoes, hike or bike along the trails.

6,000 acres of lake host opportunities for all types of paddle and water sports, from kayaking to sailing.

Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats are available for rent at the Outdoor Recreation Center.

Entering the park costs $7 per vehicle.

Campers may stay overnight in RVs or tents with a reservation and fee.

Bear Lake State Park

For even more water activities, the 8-by-20-mile Bear Lake spanning across the Utah-Idaho border has all the water a swimmer could need.

The shoreline descends at a gentle angle, creating miles of perfect swimming space.

Various Sea-Doo, paddle boards and boat rentals surround the lake.

The North Beach, on the Idaho side, requires a parking pass, which the Idaho Department of Recreation advises reserving in advance as the parking often reaches capacity.

The park holds a free summer-long sand sculpting competition. The rules are posted on the Lake's Facebook page.

Visitors can also fish and play volleyball at Bear Lake.

The closest access point to Bear Lake, the North Beach, is a little over a 3-hour drive from Rexburg.

Yellowstone National Park

Students looking for a one-stop shop to see awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife need look no further than Yellowstone.

Over half the world's active geysers are found in Yellowstone National Park, according to the National Park Service.

Hydrothermal features create a variety of colorful and different-shaped natural wonders. Four main features---hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles and geysers---are found in the park.

Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres of terrain span across Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Visitors may spot grizzly and black bears, wolves, bison, elk, moose, big horn sheep, mule deer and pronghorn in the park.

Biking is one way to see the park and get out of the car. For a list of trails and maps, see the National Park website.

All watercraft, including paddleboards and boats, must pass a Yellowstone inspection test and receive a permit.

Over 1,000 miles of hiking trails zig-zag through Yellowstone's canyons and mountains and require no permit for dayhiking.

Permits are required for overnight camping.

The closest Yellowstone entrance is an hour and a half drive from Rexburg.

Craters of the Moon

Half-mile to three-mile trails wind through the lava flows that created the "moon-like" landscape in the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Paved paths and a 7-mile driving loop make the park extremely accessible for wary adventurers.

The Apollo 14 astronauts trained at Craters of the Moon in 1969 to prepare for collecting scientifically significant rocks when they landed on the moon.

For those seeking a more strenuous day, caves and longer hiking trails offer an in-depth look at the park. Free permits for overnight camping are available at the visitors center; however, camping at one of the 42 designated campsites costs $15 a night.

Plaques inside the park teach about the geological events that led to the landscape's creation.

Bicycles and pets are not allowed on the trails.

The park prices entry at $10 per vehicle and is about a 2-hour drive from Rexburg.

Grand Teton National Park

250 miles of trails cross Grand Teton National Park, offering all levels of hikers a fun experience.

Many trails loop around mountain lakes, providing an excellent view of the Grand Teton.

The park's entrance is a 2-hour drive from Rexburg.

On the border of the park, Table Mountain, a well-known 10-mile loop, offers a close-up and completely unobstructed view of the Grand Teton at the summit.

Increased elevation may cause sickness, and hikers should prepare with adequate food and water.

Pets, bicycles and vehicles are not allowed on hiking trails.

Bikers can pedal along the base of the Teton Mountains from Jackson, Wyoming, on the Grand Teton Pathway. The path winds through Jackson and into Teton County.

With a Wyoming fishing license, anglers may harvest the legal number of fish, depending on the fish species and the fishing location.

A permit is not needed for climbing and mountaineering, but climbers planning strenuous climbs or using technical equipment are encouraged to check climb conditions at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station.

Entering the park costs $35 per vehicle.