Southern Idaho has many hidden gems scattered throughout the high desert terrain. To make sure you and your adventurous family capitalizes on all the amazing places, we have put together an itinerary to guide you through your trip! Follow along for a one week itinerary featuring scenic views, beautiful waterfalls, and amazing businesses to indulge in!
Day 1.
Morning
Stay at the Drift Inn in Rupert Idaho. This historic building is located in the beautiful Rupert Square, right across from the Historic Wilson Theatre. The large rooms offer unique decor and comfortable lounging. Take a stroll along the river at Heyburn Riverside Park after waking up ready to seize the day. The park is perfect for running, walking, biking, etc! In the summer, the park showcases all colors and types of flowers. Frolicking through a flower field has never been easier! Replenish your body by having the best breakfast around at Sophie’s Chatterbox. The portions are huge and affordable. Try a breakfast burrito and top it off with the most delicious caramel roll you’ve ever had!
Afternoon
Head to the City of Rocks to see unbelievable landscapes! Here you can hike, climb, and observe wildlife. The visitors center has maps, guides, equipment for rent, and souvenirs. In the winter you can rent snowshoes for the family to explore deep into the valley. In the summer find climbers scaling up the boulder sides. It is truly amazing to experience the secret beauty of the City of Rocks National Reserve. There are many signs in the national reserve explaining the history of people who had passed through this area years ago. Fill up on gas and food at Tracy’s General Store. They have snacks, equipment, and meals made to order.
Evening
Drive up the mountains to Lake Cleveland for sunset. There is no better place to view the sun go down over the mountains than here. The lake glosses over, and the earth becomes quiet. Camping is available near the lake, but spots are limited. The best time to go to the lake is July-September. Burley is only a thirty minute drive away and has many lodging options including the Best Western Plus Burley Inn. Star gazing is done right at Lake Cleveland, where you can see the milky way with a naked eye!
Day 2.
Morning
Walk up to a peaceful lake and break out the kayaks. Paddle across the 1,860 ft (570 m) alpine lake a couple of times and don’t forget to take a refreshing swim! Trout are plentiful beneath the surface and fishing is welcomed. There are many paths along the lake that lead to pretty views. The summer and fall have many wildflowers blooming, including 23 percent of the only known population of Christ’s Indian Paintbrush. It doesn’t stop there, this amazing plant community also homes sticky geranium, yarrow, sedges, lupine, daisies, and sage. Mt. Harrison is perfect to see all of these flowers, located just up the mountain past Lake Cleveland. See all of Southern Idaho from the top of Mt. Harrison!
Afternoon
After a morning filled with kayaking and wildflower viewing, have lunch at Morey’s Steak House in Burley. Sit outside for views of the lake, and the mountain you were just on! Try a 50/50 burger, the soup and salad bar, or a tasty unique sandwich! After lunch take a tour of the Cassia County Historical Museum. Learn about Idaho’s history by viewing the artifacts preserved from years ago. They have amazing antiques, and a plethora of knowledge about the areas past.
Evening
Enjoy boat ride on the Snake River Queen. Take a scenic dinner cruise at 5:30 to truly enjoy the views of the river. Kayak or boat out here to do some more fishing as well! There are many fish in the river, some of the common fished are White Sturgeon, Largemouth Bass, and Trout. Drive to Jerome and stay at the KOA. Large, family cabins are available for rental. There is also tent and RV parking.
Day 3.
Morning
Have breakfast at the KOA and relax for a while. Swim in the pool, play on the jungle gym, and take your dog to the dog park! The KOA is an amazing place to have a peaceful sleep and a relaxing morning. Kids love the KOA because of the awesome pool and playhouse.
Once rested, venture to Minidoka National Historic Site. Soak in the history at the new visitor center and 1.6 mile interpretive walk. See historical structures, landscapes and learn about the 13,000 people relocated to this site.
Afternoon
Hike down to Mermaid Cove (Yingst Grade) on the Jerome side of the Snake River Canyon. Take one switch back down hill to find a small cove. The waterfall can be powerful from above, but slows down in the late summer! Continue walking down the canyon path to see an even larger waterfall! Eventually make your way down to the river, about 500 feet below the top of the canyon. Once you’ve explored the river bed, head back up and park at the Perrine Bridge. Watch BASE jumpers soar from the bridge’s center to the river below! They generally jump from the east side of the bridge, and land on the south side of the river.
Evening
Have an upscale dinner at Elevation 486, a brick bistro that offers globally inspired fare and a full bar. Sit on the deck to view the canyon and bridge. Try tasty beverages and don’t skip dessert! Walk or bike the Canyon Rim Trial (7.5 miles total) along the Snake River Canyon’s ledge. Stop to view Perrine Coulee Waterfall, then head to a bigger and better waterfall. Watch the sunset at Shoshone Falls. It is powerful, epic, and inspiring. This waterfall is taller than Niagara Falls, and runs so powerfully in the spring, you can’t even see the rock ledges it tumbles down from. It is beautiful year round and is the number one destination in Twin Falls for visitors.
Day 4.
Morning
Bring the family down to Rock Creek for an enjoyable bike ride in the morning. Rock Creek is located in the town of Twin Falls, but shuts out the busy city noise. Hidden beneath beautiful green trees are perfect walking paths and an 18 hole disc golf course. There are many picnic areas to hang out at. Find hidden trails that lead to waterfalls and pretty seating along the creek. Grab breakfast at Twin Beans Coffee to try a wide variety of crepes as well as the many coffee and tea choices. This locally owned shop is very cute on the inside, themed with wanderlust and travel. It is located downtown Twin Falls.
Afternoon
Hang out at the newly renovated downtown commons to shop and have fun! View local art, let the kids run through the splash pad, and lounge at the outdoor seating. Take a cooking class at Rudy’s A Cook’s Paradise to learn a new recipe! Each month a new cooking class takes place where you can experience new techniques and foods. Rudy’s also hosts wine tastings and has every kitchen supply you can think of on stock for purchase. Other local shops we suggest stopping in are Fashion 15 Below, Brass Monkey, and Bull Moose Bikes.
Evening
Get dinner at Milner’s Gate, one of the newest eateries in Southern Idaho. The unique, historic building has outdoor seating, a full bar, and lofted seating. Feeling stressed out, or in need to take out some frustration? Throw axes at Bearded Axe! No matter what your mood, you will have a blast chucking axes at a target! Kids are welcome and helped by the professionals to land the axe on the target. Spend the night at the gorgeous, dog friendly, new hotel, TownePlace Suites By Marriott Twin Falls. The TownePlace Suites have a gorgeous fitness room, a pool for the kids, and a hot tub for you!
Day 5
Morning
Fill up for the day by getting brunch at Ketchum Burrito. Customize your own burrito, choose a bowl, or try a breakfast burrito! They have many options, a kids menu, and outstanding service. Head for the South Hills and stop at Rock Creek General Store to fill up on gas and grab snacks. Drive through the beautiful Sawtooth National Forest and stop at Ross Falls. The short hike leads through beautiful trees on a well maintained trail. At the end, an orange cliff face rises up to the sun, and a waterfall runs over the edge. Ross Falls is more powerful in the spring, and slows down to a small stream in the fall. In the winter, the waterfall turns the entire cliff into an ice wall!
Afternoon
Hike Eagle Loop just up the road from Ross Falls. The trailhead begins and ends at Pettit Campground. It is a beautiful hike and perfect for kids because it is well maintained. Come back to Twin Falls for a late lunch. The Mexican restaurants options are all delicious, but our recommendation is La Fiesta! Come hungry, because the plates are twice as big as your head! The food is authentic, locally sourced, and delicious.
Evening
Enjoy a night at Dierke’s Lake. There is a perfect walking trail, year round, all around the lake showing views from the Snake River Canyon to the boulder valley. A closed off swimming area is located on the beach of Dierke’s, and is great for kids of all ages. Lastly, a jungle gym and picnic area is near the beach and makes for a perfect place to gather.
Day 6
Morning
Head out over to the Hagerman Valley to hike at Box Canyon State Park. This incredible location is mind blowing. Hidden in farm land and desert terrain, a deep canyon cuts through the land. The base of the canyon holds beautiful aqua blue pools and a stream that runs into the distance. Follow the canyon rim to hike all the way down, past a waterfall, and arrive at more pools. Recover from your hike at the Snake River Grill in Hagerman. The Snake River Grill has options for all three meals in the day that satisfy many ranges of taste. Visit the Hagerman Fossil Beds Visitors Center, and walk or bike the brand new Hagerman Bike Path to experience the history of Hagerman.
Afternoon
Take the floaties and kayaks down to Ritter Island to enjoy the sun. Visit the historic buildings on the Island, hike to waterfalls that spill down the canyon, or jump in the freezing blue water! In the late fall, Ritter Island hosts the popular Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts! This event is a local favorite, and features arts and crafts, music, and food and drink.
Evening
Stay at Billinglsey Creek at one of their beautiful cabins suited for an entire family. Rent canoes to drift on the river, read near the water, or have a picnic in the grass. The area is absolutely beautiful, and perfect for a quiet night of relaxing.
Day 7
Morning
The last day in Southern Idaho has to be epic. Start by soaking in natural hot springs at Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs. There are many options for soaking including large pools or private. Massages are also available to really detox and enjoy the day. From Banbury Hot Springs, kayak rentals are available. Be sure to rent them for arguably the most beautiful kayak trip in the world. Kayak to Blue Heart Springs, about a mile down the river. Blue Heart Springs is another aqua blue pool similar to Box Canyon. You can see all the way to the bottom because the water is so pure and clear. Take a dip if you dare in the freezing water!
Afternoon
Eat the best ice cream at Cloverleaf Creamery, a locally sourced dairy store in Buhl. All flavors are delicious, rich, and from a local Idaho farm. Located nearby are many local shops. Check out a local boutique, The Farm Girl on Main Street, or antique shop at Parlor Antiques and Rivers Edge Antiques on Broadway.
Evening
End your day by trying unique beers/sodas at Magic Valley Brewery! MV Brewery also has delicious appetizers and meals. The crafty brewery pushes the limits to create amazing beer, and delicious sodas. Head to Balanced Rock State Park for a beautiful sunset and a perfect family photo location.
Enjoy a one week trip in Southern Idaho, and have a safe trip home!
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