The 6 Best Things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho are all within a short drive! Over July 4th weekend we decided to check out this area for a few reasons. First is that most of you know I'm still recovering from foot surgery and am limited to 1 mile walks. Boring! Second, I needed to find an area that we could focus on getting our Alpacka Rafts out and/or easily walk up to cool sights. Third, I didn't want to drive super far - Twin Falls is only 3.5 hours from SLC! After doing a bunch of research on the area, this left us with several options, and over 2.5 days we checked out these amazing locations! From kayaking and very short walks, there is something for everyone in Twin Falls!
Backpacking the Alice Toxaway Loop is one of the most popular routes in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. The main loop can be done in either direction and is 18 miles RT. Many people choose to do this in one day, others 2 nights, 3 days, or what we did - 5 nights, 6 days! There really are endless possibilities for however long you want to stay. This route passes through giant forests, tall, sharp peaks, steams, and of course, several lakes with the two most popular being Alice Lake and Toxaway Lake. Because we had a whole week, we not only did the main loop but also ventured over to Edna Lake and Imogene Lake plus bagged a small, unnamed peak.
Fall Creek Falls is located in the Challis National Forest in the Wildhorse Creek area, about 45 minutes from the Mt.Borah Trail head. This is a super easy trail that anyone can do, dogs and kids included. The short 0.7 mile path leads to this beautiful cascading waterfall that has a viewing deck but if you're feeling adventurous, you can easily walk to the base or top of the falls. The best months to visit are June through October.
Hiking to Mt.Borah (12,662 ft), Idaho's state high point, is located in the Lost River Range within Challis National Forest. This peak is not for the faint of heart or weak.
City of Rocks National Reserve is located near Almo, Idaho and is a popular area for climbing, hiking, camping, and learning about geology and local history. This area has several nicknames such as "the silent city", just "the city", and "steeple rocks", but whatever you want to call it, you're sure to find some adventure here. This area is rich with history, as pioneers made their way through this area along the California Trail. Several rocks, cabins, and replica wagons are marked with historical markers.
Maple Grove Hot Springs is located at the Northern end of the Bear River, along the scenic Oneida Narrows Reservoir in South Eastern Idaho. There are three large soaking tubs, plus a larger therapy pool. The tubs are formed from rock and mortar, and every pool offers a great view of the reservoir. This hot springs is not as well known as some of it's neighboring hot springs, so you'll see few people and tourists soaking here. There's no nearby restaurants, so its best to bring your own snacks or picnic lunch and the closest gas station is in Preston, ID. The water at Maple Grove Hot Springs is free flowing, sulphur free, and odor free, so you won't come out smelling like rotten eggs.
(photo courtesy of 91 Days in Idaho)
Lava Hot Springs is located in Idaho, about a 2 hour drive north of Salt Lake City. The natural, geothermal hot springs range in temperatures from 102F-112F degrees. The hot water is full of minerals, but has no sulfur, and therefor no bad smells of rotten eggs lurking in the air. Lava Hot Springs is open year round, but the best time to go, of course, is the Winter months. With five outdoor hot pools, the steam from the hot springs wraps around people and creates a very relaxing atmosphere. The red tents above provide shade on sunny days. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack to the hot springs - sitting for too long in hot water will dehydrate you and will make some people feel faint.