Take the road less traveled and make your drive to Twin Falls an incredible one!
Starting in Salt Lake City, follow our directions and recommendations for your scenic road trip to Southern Idaho. There are a few options to get from Salt Lake City to Twin Falls, and we are sending you on the road less traveled! Have fun planning the perfect summer road trip from Salt Lake City to Twin Falls!
SLC to Almo
Drive to Almo. It takes about 2 and a half hours to get into town from Salt Lake City. This quaint, historic area is nestled in the Albion Mountains, showcasing views of Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Reserve. View Cache Peak towering over the parks and town. A great place to watch sunset is by soaking in a hot spring! Visit Durfee Hot Springs to totally relax and feel refreshed for your upcoming adventures. There are unique lodging options near Almo including a Glamping Yurt at Castle Rocks, and even a Teepee from a local airbnb! The most popular and luxurious way to lodge is at the Almo Inn. The elegant, western themed hotel sits at the base of rolling hills.
Hiking the City
Start your day by grabbing gas and breakfast at Tracy’s General Store to prep for your day of adventure. Then, venture to the ‘Silent’ City of Rocks National Reserve to uncover wonder. A great place to visit first is Camp Rock. There are signatures on this rock from emigrants in the mid 1800s! The pioneers were on their way to California, and documented their travels on the rocks with axel grease. It is incredible to see the history of the City etched along the walls.
Because of a volcano years ago, the landscapes in the City are unusual to say the least. The giant granite boulders are scattered around the park in all different shapes and sizes. Some form arches such as Window Arch, and some are slates creating slots to crawl through.
The City is a climbers paradise, too! Stop at Bath Rock to see them on multiple pitches. A trail circles around Bath Rock allowing you to look up a the towering boulder and climbers above. Because not everyone has climbing gear, there is a free climb option up Bath Rock. Find little hand holds to climb all the way up, but be careful, you are fully exposed on the steep ledge facing the parking lot. Creekside Towers Trail is a great one for the whole family to view the beautiful rock formations. It is only about a mile hike round trip, and is the perfect one to get a quick view of the National Reserve.
City of Rocks to Burley
When its time to leave the City, drive west through the park and north up to Oakley. Oakley’s treasure is a beautiful collection of old brick and stone buildings – these are the oldest homes in Idaho. Historic home tours are available. Walk around town to view the homes, but grab a milkshake at Searles first! Find the gas station and restaurant on the main road, and see why it boasts the best ice cream in Cassia County. Then, visit the Oakley Museum to learn about the olden days. The Museum holds history of the first settlers, the Shoshone-Snake River American Indians, and informs on battles between cattlemen, sheepmen, Mormons, and others. Learn about the battles and murders that occurred because of numerous events that took place in the 19th century; then, after you’ve filled up on a frozen treats and history, drive about 25 minutes north to Burley.
Burley to Twin Falls
Our recommendation for lodging in Burley is the Fairfield Inn & Suites. A great nights sleep is what you’ll get at the award winning hotel. It is located near the Snake River, and a quick drive to Heyburn Riverside Park. The park’s trail is wonderful for a sunset walk next to the river. Heyburn Riverside Park also offers kayak and/or paddle board rentals.
Wake up refreshed and drive west to Twin Falls. Take the Hansen exit to view an awesome bridge! The Hansen Bridge towers over the Snake River, about 350-feet high. There are pullovers on either side of the bridge and provide gorgeous lookouts over the Snake River Canyon. Twin Falls is about a ten minute drive from here.
Looking for things to do once you arrive in Twin Falls?
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