Without a doubt, Idaho is one of the most underrated states in the US. Most people associate the state with potatoes and the ski area of Sun Valley, however, this state offers so much more than that. Southern Idaho, in particular, has an incredible diversity of geography, which is perfect for a driving adventure. Here is your guide to the most unique places to visit on a southern Idaho road trip.

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For a free map guide to all of the places listed in this article, check out our GoogleMaps link.

– Responsible Travel Tips

for Southern Idaho –

Please be respectful of the local environment as you explore southern Idaho. Don’t litter, stay on designated roads/trails and leave places better than you found them. It always helps to pick up a piece of trash or two as well! 🙂

Additionally, try to support small businesses in the places you are visiting. This area is full of incredible locally owned restaurants, shops and hotels!

1. PERRINE COULEE FALLS

This wild waterfall, which is right in Twin Falls, looks like something you would see in Iceland. You can even walk behind it (just make sure to have a raincoat or you’ll get drenched!) For the best conditions, visit in the spring when the water levels are the highest.

2. CENTENNIAL WATERFRONT PARK

Only a couple of minutes from the Perrine Coulee Falls, this lovely park is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon/evening. The park provides spectacular views of the Snake River, Snake River Canyon and also the surrounding lush golf courses. Additionally, there are several hiking options here as well as kayak/SUP rentals, boat tours and a zip line course.

3. MAGIC RESERVOIR

You’ll find this peaceful and quiet spot about an hour north of Twin Falls. You can kayak, boat, fish, picnic and also camp here. There are multiple free BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campsites located around the edge of the reservoir. As well as beautiful views, most of these sites offer fire rings, picnic tables and lovely sunsets.

4. NIAGARA SPRINGS

About 45 minutes from Twin Falls, these incredible and unique springs seem to “spring” out of nowhere. You’ll find the best view at the Niagara Springs viewpoint, which is separate from the state park area. However, the state park, which is a 5 minute drive away, is also a lovely place to visit. There are picnic tables, fishing spots and also walking areas where you can see more of the gorgeous turquoise blue waters that make up these springs.

5. CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT

Unlike anything else on this list, Craters of the Moon is a wild looking National Monument about 2 hours from Twin Falls. These lava flow fields cover over 1,100 square miles in this area, however, the park only makes up a small percentage of this. Things to do here include exploring the visitor’s center, visiting the lava tube caves and wandering around the hiking trails.

Just a note: most of the park is closed due to snow from November to April. So, if you visit during the summer months, you’ll have a lot more to explore!

Keep reading for the remainder of the unique places to visit on a southern Idaho road trip.

6. SHOSHONE FALLS

This magnificent and thundering spot is located 5 minutes from Twin Falls. While certain other waterfalls in the US receive more attention (ahem, Niagara Falls), these are actually higher at 212 feet tall. There are a couple of ways you can explore Shoshone Falls:

• Drive to the parking and picnic area, which costs $5 per vehicle.

• Walk to here along the Canyon Rim Trail. This trail spans a couple of miles along the Snake River Canyon and ends at Shoshone Falls. For a more fun adventure, rent bikes from the Twin Falls Visitor Center, which costs $15 for a 2 hour ride.

• Lastly, you can also take a guided kayak tour hosted by AWOL Adventure Sports. This amazing tour takes you 2 miles up the Snake River to where you can get up close and personal with the falls!

Just a note: all of the springs and waterfalls listed in this guide will be flowing the most in the spring (April/May.) You can go outside of these months, however, be prepared that the water levels will not be the same.

7. WILD ROSE HOT SPRINGS

Found about 15 minutes south of Craters of the Moon National Monument, these free and natural hot springs are a hidden gem (literally.) They are found right off the highway, however, the best thing about the springs are they are completely hidden from the road view. There are 2 small clear turquoise blue pools for soaking, each of which can fit a couple of people. If you visit, please respect the natural environment and future visitors by cleaning up after yourself.

8. THOUSAND SPRINGS STATE PARK – BOX CANYON

This state park is comprised of 5 separate units around the Hagerman, Idaho area (about 30 minutes from Twin Falls.) The Box Canyon section of the park is a beautiful canyon with multiple blue springs where you can also swim. Additionally, there is one main hiking trail located within Box Canyon where you can view and access all of the falls.

9. PERRINE MEMORIAL BRIDGE

Last, but certainly not least, is visiting the Perrine Memorial Bridge, which forms the edge of Twin Falls across the Snake River. This 486 foot high bridge is famous due to its location as well as hosting BASE jumpers year round. You can view the bridge from many viewpoints along the Canyon Rim Trail, Twin Falls Visitor Center or also the Centennial Waterfront Park.

Where to Stay in Southern Idaho

As stated previously, most of the places listed in this guide are centered around Twin Falls. The closest big cities to here are Boise (2 hours from Twin Falls) or Salt Lake City (3 hours from Twin Falls.) If you can, start your journey from Boise (or add it to your trip) as it’s an incredible city with many outdoor recreation opportunities.

We’ve included some camping options as well as a unique “glamping” option, but Twin Falls also has many hotel and rental options.

CAMPING OPTIONS

• Balanced Rock Park Campground – A quiet and peaceful free campground that is about 45 minutes away from Twin Falls. All sites are first come first served, are riverside and also have picnic tables. Be sure to check out the nearby hiking “Balanced Rock” area that provides the name for the campground!

• Lava Flow Campground – This campground is literally located on a lava field within Craters of the Moon National Monument. Besides having an incredible location within walking distance to trails, there are also toilets, picnic tables and grill. All 42 sites are first come first served.

• Silver Creek Sites – These amazing free campsites are about 30 minutes from Craters of the Moon. There are multiple sites in this area, however, only 3 have a covered picnic table, fire pit and access to toilets. All spots are located along a tranquil river, however, it can be windy in this area.

UNIQUE LODGING OPTIONS

• Miracle Hot Springs Glamping Domes – These comfy and cozy domes are a unique place to stay in the Southern Idaho region (about 35 minutes from Twin Falls.) There are several options and each come with free entry into the hot springs as well as a soak in the private pools.

Enjoy these unique places to visit on a Southern Idaho road trip!

Caroline & Jonathan