For generations, Shoshone Falls has been one of Southern Idaho’s most recognizable natural landmarks. Now, visitors have an entirely new way to experience it.
On September 17, 2026, hundreds of community members, project partners and visitors gathered on the north side of the Snake River Canyon for the ribbon cutting of the new Shoshone Falls Jerome Overlook at Snake River Canyons Park.
The project opens a view of Shoshone Falls that, until now, was difficult for most visitors to access. What was once largely reachable only by high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles now includes improved road access, parking and a new overlook perched above the canyon.
And judging by the crowd that came to celebrate its opening, Southern Idaho was ready for it.
A Project Years in the Making
The September ribbon cutting represented the culmination of an effort that stretched back approximately eight years.
Snake River Canyons Park Board Chairman Bill Bridges told KMVT before the opening that the project began with the work of Larry Hall and eventually grew through partnerships, donations and community support. Idaho Power provided early funding, while Chobani later made a major contribution that helped bring the overlook to completion.
Idaho News 6 reported that the project also benefited from the community’s buy-a-brick campaign and donated labor and equipment from area businesses. The Snake River Canyons Park Board itself is made up entirely of volunteers.
That makes this overlook more than a new place to take a photograph. It represents years of persistence and collaboration between public agencies, private businesses, volunteers and Southern Idaho residents.
A Community Comes Together for the Ribbon Cutting
The official celebration began at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 17.
Hundreds of people gathered at Snake River Canyons Park for the occasion, filling the newly improved area as representatives connected to the project reflected on what it had taken to reach opening day.
Snake River Canyons Park had planned for representatives and partners including the park board, Chobani, Idaho Power, the Bureau of Land Management, tourism organizations and area chambers to be part of the celebration. The ceremony culminated with the official ribbon cutting, with Jerome County Commissioner Charlie Howell designated to cut the ribbon.
For most in attendance, this was the first opportunity to walk onto the completed overlook and see the Snake River Canyon—and Shoshone Falls—from this perspective.
Chobani Makes a $250,000 Investment in the Project
One of the project’s largest private partners was Chobani.
Through the Chobani Legacy Project Fund, the company contributed $250,000 toward the new overlook after the project was nominated and selected by a committee of Chobani’s Twin Falls employees. Chobani describes the Legacy Project Fund as an employee-directed program supporting permanent community spaces where people can gather, enjoy the outdoors and make memories. LinkedIn
Chobani Vice President of Quality and Food Safety Jacob Ball spoke during the grand opening about the company’s involvement in the project. Idaho Business Review
Chobani was also very visible throughout the celebration, including providing free yogurt to those attending the ribbon cutting.
It was a fitting connection for a company with a major presence in the Magic Valley: an investment in a permanent outdoor destination that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy for years to come.
A View Most Visitors Have Never Seen
And then there is the reason everyone came:
the view.
Most visitors experience Shoshone Falls from the City of Twin Falls’ park on the south side of the Snake River.
The new Jerome overlook changes the perspective entirely.
Visitors are now looking across the canyon from the north side, with Shoshone Falls, the Snake River and the dramatic basalt canyon landscape spread out below.
The new overlook itself measures approximately 40 feet by 20 feet.
Standing there also gives visitors an interesting perspective on the familiar Shoshone Falls Park—the traditional overlook and green park grounds can be seen across the canyon.
Making the Canyon More Accessible
One of the most important parts of the project isn’t simply the view—it’s who can now reach it.
Previously, access to this portion of the canyon required a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, putting the viewpoint out of reach for many families, seniors and visitors with disabilities.
The completed project includes paved access to the overlook and dedicated accessible parking. Plans for the site have also included accessibility features for visitors who are blind or visually impaired, including audio descriptions and tactile elements designed to help visitors experience the canyon.
The parking area was designed with ordinary passenger vehicles as well as larger vehicles in mind. Project organizers previously described plans for 30 regular vehicle spaces, 10 RV spaces and room for buses.
That means a view that was once difficult to reach is becoming a destination accessible to a much broader range of Southern Idaho visitors.
Keeping the North Rim Wild
Even with the new infrastructure, Snake River Canyons Park has emphasized preserving the character of this side of the canyon.
Idaho News 6 reported that the park’s design philosophy is intentionally rustic, preserving a landscape that has remained largely unchanged even as the Magic Valley continues to grow. Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls (KIVI)
That character is immediately noticeable.
The new overlook isn’t surrounded by manicured lawns and dense development. It sits among exposed basalt, sagebrush and the high-desert landscape of the north canyon rim.
You arrive at a developed viewing platform, but the landscape surrounding it still feels distinctly Southern Idaho.
Another Reason to Explore Jerome County
For Visit Southern Idaho, this opening is particularly exciting because it adds another significant visitor experience on the Jerome County side of the Snake River Canyon.
Shoshone Falls isn’t changing.
But the way we can experience it is.
Visitors can now see one of Idaho’s most famous natural landmarks from an entirely different county, angle and landscape.
It’s also another example of how regional tourism works in Southern Idaho. A visitor may spend the morning exploring Twin Falls, cross the Perrine Bridge into Jerome County, visit the new overlook and then continue toward Jerome, Thousand Springs, Hagerman or other destinations across the region.
The new overlook gives travelers another reason to slow down rather than simply drive through.
Come See the New View
The ribbon has been cut.
The overlook is open.
And after years of planning, fundraising, construction, volunteer work and community partnerships, Southern Idaho has a brand-new perspective on one of its most iconic landmarks.
Whether you’ve visited Shoshone Falls dozens of times or you’re seeing it for the first time, the Shoshone Falls Jerome Overlook offers something genuinely different.
Come stand on the north rim.
Look across the Snake River Canyon.
Find the familiar falls from an unfamiliar angle.
And experience a whole new view of an American icon.
Plan Your Visit
The Shoshone Falls Jerome Overlook is located at Snake River Canyons Park in Jerome County. From U.S. 93, take Shoshone Falls Road east approximately three miles to the park entrance. The overlook opened to the public September 17, 2026.
Learn more about Snake River Canyons Park
