5 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Idaho This Year

Idaho’s landscape is a showcase of raw, untamed beauty, shaped by rivers, volcanoes, and soaring peaks. The state’s natural wonders stretch from the roaring cascades of Shoshone Falls to the vast volcanic fields of Craters of the Moon. Adventure seekers will find awe in the depths of Hells Canyon, climbers and hikers are drawn to the rugged City of Rocks, and soothing escapes await at Goldbug Hot Springs. Here are the five best natural wonders to visit in Idaho this year.

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls, a magnificent cascade along the Snake River, marks the eastern boundary of Twin Falls, Idaho. At 212 feet tall, this natural wonder surpasses Niagara Falls in height, offering a breathtaking spectacle. The best time to experience its full glory is during the spring and early summer when high water flows, fueled by winter snowmelt, creating a thundering torrent. During dry years, flows may diminish in the later months due to irrigation diversions, but the vista remains captivating year-round.

The City of Twin Falls oversees the Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake complex, providing a superb blend of recreational amenities for visitors. The area features well-maintained playgrounds and a network of hiking paths. Visitors can enjoy picnics in beautifully landscaped, grassy areas that have fantastic viewpoints. The complex also includes a boat ramp, a designated swimming spot, and a dramatic scenic overlook. With on-site restrooms and visitor information, a small five-dollar per-car entry fee allows for an unrivaled day of relaxation and appreciation of this stunning landmark.

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a vast and striking protected area in central Idaho's Snake River Plain. The National Park Service manages 410,000 acres, expanded in August 2002 to include the National Preserve. The Monument and Preserve together cover over 1,100 square miles, encompassing three significant lava fields and extensive sagebrush steppe grasslands. This unique landscape features more than 25 volcanic cones, including exceptional examples of spatter cones. The 60 different solidified lava flows in the Craters of the Moon Lava Field vary in age, from 15,000 to just 2,000 years old.

The Kings Bowl and Wapi lava fields, both around 2,200 years old, are part of the Preserve. The park’s only developed area is the Loop Road, which provides access to a variety of volcanic formations. Visitors can hike on numerous trails to see wildflowers, shrubs, and local wildlife. For more adventurous hikers, the preserve’s backcountry areas, located away from the main road, present ample opportunities for rugged exploration, camping, and cross-country skiing. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall. During this period, the weather is generally mild, trails are fully accessible, and wildflowers bloom across the lava fields, adding bursts of color to the stark volcanic landscape.

Hells Canyon

Explore Hells Canyon, a spectacular outdoor dreamland carved by the Snake River. At nearly 1,100 miles long, this river has sculpted North America's deepest river gorge. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) provides breathtaking vistas, magnificent mountain peaks, and world-class whitewater for adventure seekers. The vast, remote wilderness is perfect for hiking or horseback riding, with diverse wildlife and ancient artifacts from prehistoric peoples. The rustic remains of early miners and settlers also dot the landscape.

Furthermore, Guided jet boat and rafting tours are available from the Lewis-Clark Valley, providing opportunities to see abandoned mines, historic homesteads, and shipwreck sites. Although a nationally famous run, Hells Canyon's whitewater is relatively calm. Spring rains bring the canyon’s sparse flora to life from mid-April to mid-June, while the summer months are hot and dry, well-suited for swimming and excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and sturgeon. The best time to visit Hells Canyon is late spring through early summer.

City Of Rocks National Reserve

Located in southern Idaho, the City of Rocks National Reserve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park protects vast granite formations, some reaching heights of 70 stories, which draw rock climbers from around the globe. This unique environment is also home to Idaho's only pinyon pine forest within its 14,407-acre boundaries. Beyond climbing, the reserve provides numerous activities, including camping, hiking, horseback riding, photography, birding, and discovering its historical significance. The area preserves 6.2 miles of the California National Historic Trail, where emigrant signatures etched in axle grease can still be found.

Managed jointly by the National Park System and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the reserve is an ideal destination for historical and geological exploration. The nearby village of Almo serves as a gateway, offering food, lodging, and a taste of authentic rural western charm. Just a few miles away, you can also explore Castle Rocks State Park. The best time to visit City of Rocks National Reserve is from late spring through early fall (May to September). During this period, temperatures are mild, making it perfect for rock climbing, hiking, camping, and exploring the historic trails.

Goldbug Hot Springs

If you are searching for one of Idaho’s most spectacular hot springs, Goldbug should be at the top of your list. These pools, fed by waterfalls and nestled on a mountain, provide stunning vistas of the valley below. The trailhead is located just south of Salmon, Idaho, near mile marker 282 on Highway 93. The four-mile round trip on the two-mile trail can be challenging, with a total climb of 1,350 feet. Look for a V-shaped cut on the mountain ridge as you start your journey. The final ascent includes steep stairs, which may seem endless but are worth the effort for the reward that awaits.

Once you arrive, you will be glad you made the hike. Your muscles will immediately unwind as you sink into the steamy pools. Fall is the ideal time to visit, as temperatures are moderate and the trail is dry. While winter presents a unique, snowy experience, prepare for a tough trek.

For an unforgettable experience, try primitive camping. Tent sites are available below the springs, but remember to stay at least 500 feet away from any body of water to preserve this natural wonder. Camping here also gives you a unique opportunity to see the stars with nearly zero light pollution.

Wrapping Up

Idaho showcases nature at its most dramatic, from the roaring waters of Shoshone Falls to the sheer depths of Hells Canyon and the soothing pools of Goldbug Hot Springs. Whether you seek adrenaline on rugged trails, quiet moments in geothermal springs, or sweeping views shaped over millennia, the state delivers. These natural wonders remind visitors that Idaho is more than a backdrop—it is an unforgettable destination for adventure and renewal.