Southern Idaho is one of the most dog friendly destination you could visit. From exploring the mountains to discovering waterfalls together, your dog will love every second of adventure. There are dog friendly trails in each region, and some even allow your dogs to run free off leash! Be sure your dog has a good callback when recreating off leash as there are Coyotes, Foxes, Rock Chucks (Marmots.) We will list our favorite trails to take the dogs running, hiking, swimming, and exploring.
Off Leash Locations
Jerome Snake River Canyon Parks
The north side of the Snake River in Jerome County has an expansive hiking area spanning from the Perrine Bridge to Shoshone Falls. Keep an eye on the dogs with the canyon rim being so close, but this is a fabulous place to play fetch and explore! Be sure to pick up after your furry friends at all of the locations listed.
Little City of Rocks (all seasons)
The Little City of Rocks is located north of Gooding, Idaho. Here, there are incredible rock formations like arches and hoodoos. The brown and orange rocks span the 5 mile loop trail. Let your dog run and explore all around! The area doesn’t see much traffic in the off seasons, so typically in the fall and winter you will have the entire park to yourself. Please keep in mind in the summer there are rattle snakes to be on the lookout for.
Teepee Rocks (all seasons)
Hidden away from any big city is Oakley, Idaho. About 30 minutes southwest of Oakley is Teepee Rocks! These rocks are in the shape of a cone or teepee, and were formed by wind years ago. The rock is delicate so please do not climb on them. This is a great area to let the dogs run. There are tons of trail options to explore around the formations as well as a gravel road to walk on to the formations. Once again, in the summer there are rattle snakes here so be mindful of their habitat.
Black Magic Slot Canyon (fall and winter only)
Black Magic Slot Canyon is one of the only slot canyons in the US that allows dogs inside. Plus, they don’t have to be on a leash! This canyon doesn’t see much traffic as the only options to explore it are in the late fall and winter. The Slot Canyon is generally filled with water until at least August or September. Please visit the canal company’s website to assure there will be no flash floods when you visit. Once you’ve checked and have the go-ahead, enjoy exploring the deep and dark canyon. The hardened lava walls tower up to 50 feet high! Dogs have a blast jumping around the rocks and playing in the sand.
Devil’s Corral (all seasons) – Currently Closed to Public
Devil’s Corral is a great dog friendly trail to get lost in nature! This section of the Snake River Canyon is in Jerome County. The owner requests you message their Facebook page “Devil’s Corral” to get permission to hike here. Once you’ve done that let your dogs loose so they can run free! There are a few trail options for you and your best friend to explore. Rattle Snakes and Porcupines reside here and are most active in the summer.
Skillern Hot Springs (summer and fall only)
Although you wouldn’t think a hot spring is a great destination for a dog, it’s the hike leading here that is perfect. The 6 mile round trip does not see much traffic so it’s great to bring your dog along for company. At the end while you enjoy a hot spring soak, your dog can visit the river just below to cool off and grab a drink of fresh water. The road to Skillern Hot Springs closes each year when the snow falls, and re opens once the snow has melted in the late spring.
Popular Trails that Require Leash
Box Canyon
Box Canyon is a part of Thousand Springs State Park. All of the Thousand Springs State Parks allow dogs as long as they are on leash. Box Canyon is a great hike because there is water at the end for both of you to freshen up. The hike is about 4 miles round trip.
Mermaid Cove
On the north side of the Snake River Canyon, near Jerome, is Yingst Grade. This grade is wonderful to get some exercise with your dog! Hike past two waterfalls and all the way down to the Snake River.
South Hills
There are tons of hiking options to explore in the South Hills with your dog! Although there aren’t really leash laws here, it can get pretty busy in the summer so we recommend keeping the dogs on a leash if there are a lot of people. If you visit in off seasons you may get the whole trail to yourself! Click the button to see hiking options.
Canyon Rim Trail
The Canyon Rim Trail spans 9 miles above the Snake River Canyon. It walks past waterfalls, the Perrine Bridge, and all the way to Shoshone Falls! Dogs must be on leash. There are garbages along the way to pick up after your pet.
Auger Falls
Another great hike in Twin Falls is Auger Falls. Keep your dogs leashed for the 4 miles round trip. Visit the river bed before Auger Falls to let the dogs swim, and hike to Auger to see water rushing through lava rock! This is also a great place to ride your bike with your dog. Please be sure to always clean up after your pets to keep our trails clean.