Upper Mesa Falls to close in August for major renovations

ASHTON, Idaho (KIFI) — Travelers planning a trip to the iconic Mesa Falls Recreation Area will need to pack their bags for the early part of summer. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has announced a major renovation project that will temporarily shutter the entire Upper Mesa Falls area starting this August.

The closure will begin on August 10th and continue into the winter. During the construction, the Entire Upper Mesa Falls complex, including the visitor center and main boardwalks, will be closed off to the public.

While autumn is traditionally one of the best times to witness the falls, Forest Service officials it also provides the window needed to complete this necessary renovation project. The project will focus on important road repairs and chip sealing.

Forest Engineer Steve Jenkins emphasized that the timing was a careful balancing act.

“The timeline was chosen to minimize the impact to the public while still offering environmental conditions needed for success of the project,” said Jenkins. “We want to get the word out early so visitors aren’t surprised at the end of summer.”

If you are traveling to the area after August 10, you can still explore the nearby Lower Mesa Falls area.