Searching for trip inspiration? We have put together the perfect inspiration for two weeks of travel in southern Idaho. Be ready to experience the most beautiful places, and create lasting memories with friends and family!
Start your trip in Twin Falls. (Recommended 2-3 days)
Make your first stop the Twin Falls Visitor Center. You’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the Snake River Canyon, I.B. Perrine Bridge, BASE Jumpers and friendly volunteers to help orient your travels. Shop downtown and grab excellent food at Koto Brewery, Yellow Brick Cafe, or TF Sandwich Company to get energy for a day of adventures! Visit Shoshone Falls Park to view our largest waterfall! Here, you can walk the Canyon Rim Trail for miles! Pass Evel Knievel’s Jumpsite, waterfalls, and the Perrine Bridge. Have dinner at Elevation 486 or Canyon Crest which are also located on the Canyon Rim Trail. This beautiful place looks over the Snake River Canyon and will showcase the prettiest views. Hike in the Snake River Canyon at Mogensen Trail, Perrine Coulee, and Auger Falls to see unique and hidden locations near the river.
Head to the Hagerman Valley. (1-3 days)
Head to Buhl and the Hagerman Valley for off the beaten path adventures. Box Canyon, Blue Heart Springs, Ritter Island, and even more locations will brag with the bluest waters you have ever seen! These hidden oasis’s can be found along the Snake River, and tucked away in farm land. Hagerman Fossil Beds is a must see for all national park lovers. Learn about history, fossils and more. Spend your nights at Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs where you can soak in natural hot pools and camp or sleep in domes. Snake River Grill is a local favorite, featuring locally sourced food and wilder dishes like alligator.
The mountains are calling and you must go! (3-4 days)
After you’ve seen all the beautiful treasures in the Hagerman Valley, drive north to Gooding. Zeppe’s Pizza and Subs is a perfect place for lunch or dinner. Get the kids excited with their retro arcade and ice cream parlor. The Little City of Rocks Wilderness Study Area is located north of town, and is a stunning area to explore. The rock formations will blow your mind! See more amazing sights by heading to Tea Kettle Cave. This cave is a lava tunnel that was carved years ago. Wear sturdy shoes to descend down the ‘spout’ of the cave and look out for snakes! The extra work is worth it to be inside the rare beauty. A great place to stay is at the Gooding Inn and Resort. Some say it’s haunted, but all say it is a beautiful place to stay!
Take the drive even further north to Fairfield for mountains galore! Soldier Mountain Ski Resort has the best powder days around, and is perfect for all levels of skiers or snowboarders. Drive to the numerous hot springs located within a half hour from the resort. Worswick Hot Springs is an easy spring to reach, while Skillern Hot Springs is a 6 mile round trip moderate hike. In the spring visit the Camas Lilies south west of Fairfield. The purple flowers only bloom for a couple weeks per year and are a sight to be seen! Get dinner and ice cream at the Wrangler Inn! Sleep out under the stars or grab a room at the Prairie Inn.
Back down to the Magic Valley. (1-3 days)
Make your way back down to the valley and stay at the Jerome KOA. On your way, stop at the Shoshone Ice Caves and Bear Claw Trading Post. You’ll learn about Native American history, geology and how Idaho had it’s first cold beer. Further south, grab a mile high ice cream cone in Shoshone at the Snack Shack. Labeled a Union Pacific Train Town USA, visitors are sure to see large locomotives rumble through town. Continue on to the Minidoka National Historic Site, just outside of Jerome. Or, during the summer attend the Jerome Car Show to see historic, restored vehicles line up under the sparkling sun. The Diamondz Event Center holds fun concerts all year round and is always a perfect place to make lasting memories.
Stop in Rupert, Idaho next and don’t forget to eat breakfast at Sophie’s Chatterbox. They serve the best breakfast around, and are sure to fill the hungriest of bellies. The square features lots of shops and restaurants, including the largest quilting shop in the West. Stop at the Historic Wilson Theatre to tour one of the most beautiful buildings around. The Wilson Theatre hosts many shows and events year round. There is generally a large event once a month, so check the calendar and experience something amazing at the historic theater!
Onto the next mountain range! (1-2 days)
Once you’ve made your way through the local shops in Rupert, drive down to Pomerelle Ski Resort. The winter holds amazing powder days on the mountain, and the summer shows off gorgeous wildflowers. Just up the mountain from Pomerelle is Lake Cleveland. This is only accessible for a few months a year, so check the weather before heading all the way up! Lake Cleveland is the perfect setting for a beautiful camping trip.
Check off the bucket-list location. (2-3 days)
End your trip at the City of Rocks National Reserve. Don’t forget to fill up on gas and food at Tracy’s General Store. Tracy’s also offers cooked meals and extremely kind service. The City of Rocks is the perfect way to spend a few days, hiking in the mountains. Bring your climbing gear to climb the gorgeous boulders and mountains in the park. Hike, climb, or snow shoe your way through the most unique landscapes in the USA. Castle Rocks State Park is located nearby as well, and showcases beautiful views, too!
