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A couple weeks ago, Addysen and I took some time to explore the incredible sights and experiences right here in our own backyard—Southern Idaho. From natural hot springs and hidden crystal-clear springs to ancient lava caves and breathtaking hikes, we packed in adventure, relaxation, and a whole lot of awe. If you're staying with us at the KOA or planning a visit to the Magic Valley, here’s a firsthand glimpse of some must-see local gems.
Our first stop was Banbury Hot Springs, just a short drive west from Twin Falls. We rented kayaks and paddled the calm Snake River to Blue Heart Springs, a hidden oasis that truly feels magical. Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped alcove carved out of the canyon wall, Blue Heart is filled with shockingly clear, aquamarine water that remains a cool 58 degrees year-round—even in the middle of summer. The spring-fed water bubbles up from beneath, and the sandy floor and vibrant colors make it feel like something from the Caribbean, not Idaho!
After cooling off in the spring, we did the opposite and headed just down the road to Miracle Hot Springs. We soaked in one of their private pools heated to a cozy 106.6°F, surrounded by rocky landscaping and peaceful desert views. The contrast between the cool kayak trip and the steamy mineral soak made for the perfect afternoon combo.
No Southern Idaho tour would be complete without visiting the "Niagara of the West." We ended the day at Shoshone Falls, where the Snake River tumbles nearly 200 feet—even higher than Niagara Falls. The mist in the air and the roar of the water always make it an awe-inspiring place to stop and reflect on just how powerful nature can be.
On our next outing, we headed north to explore the Shoshone Ice Caves. These natural lava tubes are insulated in a way that traps cold air and forms ice inside—yes, even in the summer! With warm coats on, we descended into the cave and learned how airflow and unique geology preserve this underground glacier. It’s a wild feeling to be standing on thick ice when it’s 90 degrees outside.
Next up was Craters of the Moon National Monument, an otherworldly landscape formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. We hiked several trails, but Stop 2 on the scenic drive really got our legs burning—it’s a short hike but with a steep incline that rewards you with stunning views of jagged lava rock formations and vast blackened plains. Much of this area was formed by lava tubes and fissure eruptions over thousands of years. You can even crawl through some of the preserved lava caves that remain today. It’s a surreal experience to walk through cooled rivers of stone and realize the violent, fiery forces that shaped this region.
To wrap up our Southern Idaho adventures, we visited Centennial Park and joined AWOL Adventure Sports for an unforgettable day. First, we went zip lining across the canyon—finishing with their final run, which is longer than the Perrine Bridge (that’s over 1,500 feet!). The thrill of soaring over the Snake River Canyon with sweeping views all around was something we won’t forget.
Then we hopped on their pontoon boat tour to Pillar Falls. The boat ride offered a whole new perspective of the canyon. As we floated underneath the Perrine Bridge, we had front-row seats to watch BASE jumpers leap from the bridge and parachute down right above us. It was one of the most incredible vantage points we've ever had for seeing this local sport in action.
If you’re staying with us at the Twin Falls Jerome KOA campground—or just passing through—Southern Idaho has more to offer than most people realize. From peaceful paddling and hot spring soaking to thrilling zip lines and exploring underground ice caves, there's a mix of beauty, adrenaline, and serenity just waiting to be discovered.
Have questions or want help planning your day trips? Come see us in the office—we’d love to share our tips and help you make the most of your Idaho adventure.
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Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.