February is one of those middle of winter months that a lot of people lack motivation to get outdoors. Here in southern Idaho, we are ready to change that! There are so many adventures to take, even on the cold days, and sometimes the weather even treats you to a 50 degree spring feeling day! Enjoy our February Adventure Itinerary and get outside this season.
Burley, Idaho
Take a trip to the City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. They are located about an hour south of Burley. Burley has a lot of affordable options to stay the night in a comfortable hotel. Our recommendation is to stay in the suite at the Best Western! The drive to The City and Castle Rocks from Burley consists of driving through small quaint towns that sparkle with history. It can be fun to stop and grab a bite to eat like in Albion! The Albion Cafe has great food, and all the sweets you could need for Valentines Day next door at Mads Merc & Soda Fountain. Enjoy ice cream, pie, cakes, candies, soda and more!
Almo, Idaho
Castle Rocks State Park is the first park you will see. There are fun trails to walk around in the park where you will see giant granite boulders, “Castle Rocks.” The City of Rocks National Reserve is just a quick drive south! It is a historic reserve with petroglyphs and immigrant signatures that sits below stunning mountains. There are also giant boulders of granite all around providing some of the most unique views! Rent snowshoes at the Visitors Center in Almo for only $10 and explore the park’s valleys and trails.
After you’ve snowshoed, take a dip at Durfee Hot Springs! These hot spring pools are located near City of Rocks and feels delightful on a chilly day. The pools steam and you will melt into relaxation enjoying the geothermal water benefits. The Historic Wilson Theatre has events year round, and usually do Valentines Day themed events in February like a cookie decorating class, or an Opera performance!
Rupert, Idaho
North of Burley is a beautiful little town named Rupert. You have to add visiting the Rupert Square to your February Adventure Itinerary because nothing tastes better on a cold winter morning than Sofie’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Sofie’s Chatterbox is a great place to enjoy brunch before you head to your next destination!
Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls is a lovely city to visit in February, especially if you’re looking for some romantic activities. The Snake River Canyon is located on the northside of Twin Falls where the famous Shoshone Falls is as well as 30 other waterfalls! They aren’t always running in February, but generally they have ice on them and are pretty cool to see. Walk the Canyon Rim Trail to lock in your love on Valentine’s Day at the Love Lock Gate! It is a short walk west from the Twin Falls Visitors Center. You can get goodies in the Visitors Center to take home and/or spoil your loved ones with.
A romantic place to eat is at Elevation 486. The low lit, stunning location is a high-end restaurant located right on the Canyon Rim, overlooking the Snake River Canyon! It is about a mile walk from the previously mentioned Love Lock Gate. Elevation 486 has fun holiday themed drinks and delicious food for a classy dinner. There are plenty of hotels nearby including the luxurious Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cold February night, inside snuggling.
Hagerman, Idaho
The last stop we recommend making is through the Hagerman Valley! There are a few options to soak in more hot springs, as well as see some incredible nature. The Eagle Tree is a popular destination among locals because in February there can be up to 80 eagles in a tree! The Eagle Tree is located behind West Point Shack and must not be approached. Bring binoculars to view the tree from the road. Visit Box Canyon State Park to see eagles fly in and out of the giant canyon over blue water.
Soak at the various hot springs in the area! Banbury Hot Springs is a geothermal hot spring that was made into a resort. You can soak in private rooms or in a pool. Just across the road from here is Miracle Hot Spring where the private room get even fancier, and there are multiple large pools to enjoy. Lastly, soak at 1000 Springs Resort which is located on the beautiful Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Enjoy swimming in the large geothermal pool or enjoy a private bath. All the hot springs have therapeutic minerals that will give you the best relaxing swim!
Enjoy your February Adventure Itinerary around Southern Idaho!