In the heart of Southern Idaho, an extraordinary journey awaits you along the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. Offering more than just a scenic walk, this breathtaking trail stretches over 10 miles along the picturesque Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. As a haven for walkers, hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts, this trail offers unparalleled views and outdoor experiences, making it among one of the most unique things to do in Idaho.
A Trail for All Seasons
This well-developed trail system is a visual spectacle and a moderately challenging route, suitable for various activities, including biking, running, and walking. With an average completion time of around 4 hours and 23 minutes, it offers an accessible adventure for all skill levels. The trail’s popularity means you’re likely to share the experience with other like-minded explorers, but there’s ample space for everyone. Open year-round, each season brings its unique beauty, transforming the landscape and offering new perspectives of the canyon. And for those with furry companions, dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed.
Spectacular Views & Urban Convenience
Starting your journey from the Twin Falls Visitor Center on the trail’s western leg is highly recommended. Here, you’ll be greeted with an awe-inspiring view of the Perrine Memorial Bridge, towering 500 feet above the Snake River. The trail’s urban character means multiple access points are available, making it easy to start your adventure from various locations like Washington Street, Pole Line Road Trailhead, or Shoshone Falls Park. Whether you choose to explore in segments or take on the entire trail in one go, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
A Bird’s Eye View & Natural Wonders
The trail closely follows the canyon rim, offering stunning viewpoints of waterfalls, sheer canyon walls, and the iconic Perrine Bridge. It’s common to see BASE jumpers adding an adrenaline rush to the scenic backdrop. The canyon is also a haven for bird watchers, with frequent sightings of hawks and other birds of prey.
Encounters with Nature & History
The trail takes you through diverse landscapes, including pastoral lands where cows, sheep, horses, and ponies graze. Waterfall enthusiasts will be thrilled by the sights of Perrine-Coulee Falls and Shoshone Falls, the latter often referred to as the “Niagara of the West.” These natural spectacles vary with the seasons, offering majestic high flows in spring and early summer and more subdued scenes from late summer to winter. Nonetheless, the beauty of Shoshone Falls remains captivating all year round.
Cycling Adventures & Historical Landmarks
The Twin Falls Visitor Center offers rentals for those without bikes, allowing everyone to experience the Canyon Rim Trail. This center is also a treasure trove of local information, souvenirs, and refreshments. As you bike along the canyon rim, don’t miss the chance to ride under the Perrine Bridge and witness the daring BASE jumpers. Further along, the trail leads you to historical landmarks like Pillar Falls and the Evel Knievel Jump-site, a testament to the adventurous spirit of Idaho.
Visiting Shoshone Falls
A trip to the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail would be incomplete without a stop at Shoshone Falls. Regardless of the season, the views from this point are breathtaking. The varying water levels throughout the year offer different but equally mesmerizing experiences of this natural wonder.
Snake River Canyon Rim Trail – Unique Things to Do in Idaho
The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is more than just a trail; it’s a journey through natural beauty, historical significance, and exhilarating experiences, making it one of the most unique things to do in Idaho. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a casual walker, or a nature lover, this trail promises amazing adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
Quick Facts About the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
- The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail offers a breathtaking 10-mile journey along the picturesque Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho, providing unparalleled views and a rich outdoor experience.
- This well-developed trail is suitable for a variety of activities, including biking, running, and walking, offering an accessible adventure with an average completion time of around 4 hours and 23 minutes.
- Open throughout the year, each season on the trail brings its unique charm, transforming the landscape and offering new perspectives of the canyon, making it a dynamic destination for multiple visits.
- The trail features multiple access points, including a starting point from the Twin Falls Visitor Center, which provides stunning views of the Perrine Memorial Bridge and easy access from other urban locations, such as Washington Street and Shoshone Falls Park.
- Along the trail, visitors can enjoy diverse landscapes, spot wildlife, including hawks, explore historical landmarks like Pillar Falls and the Evel Knievel Jump-site, and marvel at the beauty of the Shoshone Falls, also known as the “Niagara of the West.”
- The Twin Falls Visitor Center offers bike rentals, local information, souvenirs, and refreshments, enhancing the experience of the Canyon Rim Trail. The trail also offers unique sights like BASE jumpers at the Perrine Bridge and pastoral lands with grazing animals, combining natural beauty with a touch of adventure.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Planning a trip to Idaho? Don’t forget to put Idaho’s Mammoth Cave at the top of your list. As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, you can explore a unique and awe-inspiring underground landscape at your own personal pace with our self-guided tours. In addition to the cave, there are two privately owned museums of natural history on-site, the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum featuring a wealth of exhibits that has earned them nickname “The Smithsonian of the Desert,” making it an unforgettable stop for the whole family.
Located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on Highway 75, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave will be open for seasonal tours from May – October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, including all major holidays. For more information, visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382.
