Thousand Springs Scenic Byway: Discover Hidden Gems in Southern Idaho
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is a magical drive through Southern Idaho that will lead you to gushing waterfalls, hidden springs, and ancient fossil beds. This road trip begins in Bliss and follows the Snake River all the way to Twin Falls. The 67 mile journey travels across extraordinary landscape that will leave you awestruck!
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway Summary
Where to begin/end this road trip: Begin this road trip in Bliss, Idaho. Bliss is 90 miles south of Boise. Coming from Boise drive on Interstate-84 and take exit 137 for Bliss. Follow Highway 30 to Twin Falls where the byway ends.
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway travels through a landscape literally bursting with natural spring water! The spring water gushes out of steep canyon walls to create beautiful waterfalls and pools with Caribbean-blue water.
These springs originate from the Snake River Aquifer which is one of the largest groundwater systems in the world. The aquifer is fed by the Lost River which disappears into porous lava rocks 90 miles east near Craters of the Moon National Monument. It then creeps through an area of several thousand square miles before emerging here… two hundred years later!
You can see these springs and other remarkable geologic wonders at Thousand Springs State Park. There are six different units and each place offers a unique experience along with the opportunity to enjoy adventurous activities like hiking, finding hidden swimming holes, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Here’s a guide to all of the best stops along Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.
Best Stops on Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
Malad Gorge
Malad Gorge State Park is the first stop on this Thousand Springs Scenic Byway driving itinerary. This state park is one of six units that come under the Thousand Springs State Park umbrella — all of which you can visit on this road trip.
Malad Gorge is home to a 250-foot deep canyon that was carved out by the Malad River. At the park you can walk across the deep chasm on a steel footbridge.
On one side of the bridge you can look down at the beautiful turquoise-colored Malad River which meanders over giant basalt rocks to join the Snake River. Looking out over the other side of the bridge is a thundering cascade named the Devil’s Washbowl. The 60-foot waterfall is literally hiding under Interstate-84!
Once you cross the frighteningly-high steel footbridge you’ll see a paved path that leads to another overlook of the gorge. It’s a short walk and worth taking the time to see the huge slice in the earth’s crust from a different angle.
Directions to Malad Gorge: Coming from Boise on Interstate-84 take exit 147 for Ritchie Road and follow the signs to the park. You will need to go back to I-84 and head north and take exit 137 for Bliss/Buhl to begin the drive on Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.
>>Read: Malad Gorge State Park: Visit A Hidden Gem in Southern Idaho
Hagerman
Hagerman is a quiet little country town situated near the Snake River. It is a significant place notable for being home to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, an area that protects the world’s richest known fossil deposits from the late Pliocene era!
More than 180 species of animals and plants have been found here — some that have not been found anywhere else in the world!
Species that have been found here include mastadons and saber-toothed cats, but the most famous of all is the Hagerman horse, a zebra-like ancestor of today’s horse. The Hagerman Horse Quarry is where the largest deposit of horse fossils on earth have been found including 20 complete skeletons.
To learn more about the ancient fossils found in Hagerman stop by Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center where you can see fossils on display and other fascinating exhibits. There is also a small gift shop, bottle-fill station, restrooms, and picnic tables at the visitor center.
The Visitor Center is located one mile north of Hagerman on Thousand Spring Scenic Byway (Highway 30) and is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm during the summer.
Directions to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument: Drive about five miles south of Hagerman and cross the Owsley Bridge to get on the south side of the Snake River. From the other side of the bridge take Bell Rapids Road to Hagerman Fossils National Monument. Be sure to stop at the Snake River Overlook and Oregon Trail Overlook on the way to see sweeping views of the Snake River Valley.
Highway 30 runs straight through downtown Hagerman where you’ll find thrift stores, several restaurants, and a wine tasting room. If you’re hungry visit Hagerman RV Village to find Bullz-Eye BBQ food truck which serves mouthwatering meats like pulled pork and brisket to smoked fish & chips.
Hagerman has two great RV parks; Hagerman RV Village and Rustic Edge RV Park & Cabins. Both are located on Highway 30 and within walking distance of restaurants. If you’re planning to spend a few days in the area and looking for somewhere that is blissfully quiet and relaxing, Hagerman sure fits the bill!
Ritter Island and Thousand Springs Preserve
Ritter Island is a place where pure spring water bursts from the rock walls of the Snake River Canyon. The island is nestled beside the Snake River and is part of the Thousand Springs State Park complex. It is an especially scenic destination that will show you exactly why this region has been dubbed “Thousand Springs”.
On the island is a two mile trail that visitors can take to see pretty views of the Snake River. Also on Ritter Island is a historic farm and barn that was built in the early 1900s. From the farm you can follow a short trail to see Minnie Miller Falls which is actually a wide series of springs, one of the largest among the remaining springs that make up Thousand Springs.
Across from Ritter Island is Thousand Springs Preserve, a green space that protects the area’s natural springs and Ritter Creek. It is a popular summer destination for picnics, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Don’t leave Thousand Springs Preserve without visiting Lemmon Falls, a stunning waterfall that you’ll find at the end of a short trail along the canyon floor. The trail starts at the parking lot and runs alongside the Snake River offering serene views as you walk beside it.
Ritter Island is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend from Thursday to Sunday between 10am and 3pm. The park is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Even if Ritter Island is closed, Thousand Springs Preserve is worth visiting to see Lemmon Falls. You can also still swim and picnic here.
Box Canyon
Hidden amongst the flat farmland and dairy pastures you will find a secluded canyon where crystal-clear water seeps from rock walls into a brilliant blue pool. This spring-fed pool known as Box Canyon is the 11th largest spring in the United States and flows at an astonishing 180,000 gallons per minute!
You can see Box Canyon and its Caribbean-blue waters from an overlook at the top of the canyon’s rim. It is a wonderous sight seeing the tropical-like water and lush vegetation at the bottom of the canyon against the featureless agricultural fields that surround it.
If you love adventure you’ll be pleased to know there is a hiking trail that will take you down to the canyon’s floor. It’s a fun hike! In the canyon is a beautiful icy-blue waterfall that is well worth making the effort to see.
The hiking trail is only 4.3 miles out and back and although there is a steep descent to the bottom of the canyon, it is short-lived. In summer you can cool off in the refreshing spring water before making the trek back up.
>>Read: How To Hike Down Into Box Canyon & Where To Swim
Niagara Springs
Niagara Springs is part of Thousand Springs State Park and like its name states is a place where fresh spring water surges to the earth’s surface.
At this park the natural springs tumble down the side of grass-covered canyon walls at a flow rate of 250 cubic feet per second. The gushing water is the icy-blue of glaciers and a sight you won’t soon forget.
These percolating spring waters are always a cool 59° degrees which is the perfect temperature for raising trout. This is why there are several trout hatcheries in the surrounding area that rely on spring water found here.
You can see Niagara Springs from a viewing area that is not too far from the parking lot. If you continue driving down the graded road for another 1.4 miles from the parking lot you will reach Crystal Springs.
Crystal Springs is a series of springs that look like a waterfall which trickle down into Crystal Springs Lake. The lake is stocked with trout so don’t be surprised to see local fisherman casting a line.
Directions to Niagara Springs: You’ll need to drive down a very steep and narrow road that descends 350-feet into the Snake River Canyon. Motorhomes and other wide vehicles should not attempt to drive down this road.
Blue Heart Springs
Blue Heart Springs is a secluded lagoon with unbelievable tropical-blue water! It is one of the most magical places in Southern Idaho and a must visit on this road trip!!!
The hidden cove is situated along a stretch of the Snake River that can only be accessed by boat which makes this oasis an exclusive destination that only the most adventurous travelers visit.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to own a boat to visit Blue Heart Springs. You can rent a kayak or canoe from Banbury Hot Springs and paddle to it yourself.
Note that you’ll need to set aside at least three hours for this adventure because it takes approximately 45 minutes to paddle to the springs and a little longer to paddle back against the current.
Buhl
Buhl is a small farming community with a cute downtown area that Highway 30 travels through. In the downtown area are several antique and boutique stores as well as a farm-to-table cider house, an ice cream shop, and craft brewery. Here is a guide to some of the local businesses you should support.
Visit Magic Valley Brewing in Buhl
At Magic Valley Brewing you’ll find craft beer with names inspired by Southern Idaho’s unique landscapes like Basalt Stout, Blue Heart Blonde and Sagebrush Ale.
They brew small batches of high quality beer that caters to every type of beer drinker. Whether you like IPAs, red ales, brown ales, Scottish ales, or wheat ales, you’ll find something you enjoy here. Their most popular is the El Diablo Corral Jalapeno IPA, an IPA with a pleasant spicy pepper flavor that is not too overpowering.
Non-drinkers can choose from root beer, cream soda, or ginger beer, which are all made in-house using natural ingredients!
Hungry? Magic Valley Brewing is a great place to have lunch or dinner. You can choose from fish and chips, meat pies, Irish mac n’ cheese (topped with chopped corn beef), poutine, and more. The Hog Heaven BBQ Fries is a real crowd pleaser; the fries are beer battered and covered in smoked pulled pork. View their menu here.
Magic Valley Brewing in Buhl is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 11am and 9pm. Note that they are closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Visit Cedar Draw Cider in Buhl
Cider houses have been popping up all over Idaho in recent years and this particular one stands out for its more traditional drier varieties and unique fruit and herbal blends.
Cedar Draw Cider consider themselves to be a nano-cidery producing about 5,000 gallons of cider per year using locally sourced fruit. Take for instance their Sour Empress Plum Cider which is made using plums from an Italian plum orchard located on the owners property. Sounds delicious, right?!
But there are so many other beautiful blends that will have you salivating in anticipation such as the fragrant fresh-pressed apple cider infused with vanilla and lavender known as Le Fleur. A few others that might get you excited is the woodsy tasting cider called Spice Queen which is infused with cardamom, and my personal favorite, the Cherry Bakewell, a tart cherry cider made with fresh cherries and almonds.
Even if you are not a cider drinker it’s almost guaranteed you will enjoy the hard cider beverages here. We thought we didn’t like ciders until a recent trip to Door County in Wisconsin where we decided to give ciders a try at Island Orchard Cider and discovered that they are not always a super sweet tasting drink.
According to the owners, it’s not unusual for visitors who doubt ciders to exclaim that the ciders produced here are the best they’ve ever had. Hopefully this write up has made you curious about Cedar Draw Cider and that you make the decision to stop by and discover how luscious the ciders are here.
Unfortunately they are only open three days per week, Thursdays 5-9pm, Fridays 4-9pm, and Saturdays 3-9pm. But they are well worth planning a trip around!
Visit Cloverleaf Creamery in Buhl
Cloverleaf Creamery are renowned for their delicious homemade ice cream. The secret to the deliciousness of their ice cream is the milk; it is made using an old-fashioned technique that begins with grass-fed dairy cows. All of their ice cream is made with milk from their own pampered pedigree Holstein cows!
There are over 15 different flavors to choose from including Georgia Peach, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Orange Dreamsicle, Peanut Butter, Huckleberry, Licorice, Lemon Custard, and more.
You’ll certainly have a hard time choosing between all of the flavors. Luckily they do double scoops and half scoops too. Besides ice cream, Cloverleaf also sell chocolate milk, fresh cheese, and fruit pies.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is the largest city in Southern Idaho and is packed with really cool things to do! The city is situated on the southern edge of the Snake River Canyon and is home to several natural wonders.
Start your tour of Twin Falls at Twin Falls Visitor Center where you can learn more about the city and Southern Idaho’s history and geography. The Visitor Center is located on the edge of the Snake River Canyon and adjacent to the Perrine Bridge — a manmade wonder and a must see!
Perrine Bridge is the 8th highest bridge in the USA and one of the few places in the country where BASE jumping is legal. There are two scenic viewpoints of the bridge which spans the Snake River Canyon; one on the south rim and another on the north rim. If you’re brave enough you can even walk across the Perrine Bridge!
Next take a short stroll on Canyon Rim Trail. This paved footpath begins at Perrine Bridge and runs alongside the canyon’s south rim for 1.7 miles. On the trail you can visit Perrine-Coulee Waterfall which is another iconic landmark.
Along the Canyon Rim Trail are two top restaurants; Redhawk and Elevate 486. Both restaurants have great food and both have outdoor patios that overlook the Snake River Canyon. They are both fabulous places to grab a drink and watch the sunset.
If you have time head down to Centennial Waterfront Park which is host to a range of fun outdoor activities like this scenic boat tour of the Snake River. You can also rent kayaks in the park and paddle to Shoshone Falls on your own or join this group kayak tour to Shoshone Falls.
Twin Falls is a great place to spend a few days because there are several attractions in the immediate and surrounding area so you’re not likely to get bored. Plus there are good restaurants and affordable accommodation here too. But if you prefer to take it easy, Twin Falls is one of the best places to enjoy a relaxing escape due to its laidback vibe.
If you’re planning to stay overnight see below for hotel recommendations and this list of more awesome things to do in Twin Falls.
>>Read: 21 Really Cool Things To Do in Twin Falls, Idaho
Best hotels in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Twin Falls has a wide range of affordable hotels. The majority of them are located very close to the Snake River Canyon and within walking distance of popular chain restaurants like Applebee’s and Black Bear Diner. See the list below for recommended hotels or see all hotels in Twin Falls.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott: This hotel is one of the top hotels in Twin Falls. It is walking distance to the Canyon Rim Trail, Perrine-Coulee Falls, and the restaurants overlooking Snake River Canyon.
Holiday Inn Express: Holiday Inn Express offers spacious rooms at an affordable rate. All stays come with daily hot breakfast. The hotel is located across near chain restaurants that include Applebee’s, Shari’s, Jack in the Box, and many others.
Comfort Inn & Suites in Jerome: This hotel has clean and spacious rooms for under $100 per night. The property features an indoor pool and all stays come with a hot breakfast. It is located just off Interstate-84 on the north side of the Snake River Canyon in Jerome.
Best RV Parks and Campgrounds on Highway 30
There are several RV parks and campgrounds along Highway 30 (Thousand Springs Scenic Byway). Some are located right on the Snake River, some have hot springs, and others offer glamping and cabins.
Keep in mind that these RV parks and campgrounds are popular during the summer holidays and therefore get booked out in advance during peak periods. Be sure to book in advance if you have specific travel dates in mind. The campgrounds below are listed from north to south.
- Hagerman RV Village
- Rustic Edge RV Park
- 1000 Springs RV Park & Campground
- Banbury Hot Springs
- Miracle Hot Springs
When is the best time to visit Southern Idaho?
The best time to visit Southern Idaho and take this road trip is between June and September during summer. However keep in mind that July and August are extremely hot with temperatures regularly reaching double digits. But don’t worry because there are plenty of places to cool off on this route!
In winter the landscape is bleak, and occasionally there is a dusting of snow. Although you won’t be able to go swimming, soaking in hot springs will be more enjoyable.
