“one of the most beautiful drives in America”
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway provides a glimpse into the remarkable geology and history of the breathtaking Snake River Canyon. Location: Begins at Interstate 84 near Bliss and follows US 30 southeast through Twin Falls to Idaho 50, then north on Idaho 50 to I-84. Also US 93 from Twin Falls north to I-84. The best time to see Shoshone Falls is in early spring. Attractions include Thousand Springs State Park Complex–a series of five parks; Hagerman Valley; the Snake River; Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument; Thousand Springs; Herrett Center Planetarium, Museum & Observatory in Twin Falls; Perrine Bridge & Canyon Rim Trail System; Shoshone Falls; and historic downtown Twin Falls. Drive Time: 67.8 miles. Allow 1.5 hours. Plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip (fill up on gas, pack water and food, etc.). Full services available in Bliss, Hagerman, Buhl, Kimberly, and Twin Falls; partial services in Filer. Read More: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountry-drives/thousand-springs-scenic-byway/
Very Beautiful Views
September 2021, we drove the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway route as given on Roadtrippers, west to east. Appreciated the Snake Canyon Overlook, the Fossil Beds, and the area of the original Oregon Trail. (FYI - Oregon Overlook Trail is to the LEFT of the signage in the parking lot! The trail to the right is the Emigrant Trail) Aside from the small sighting of Thousand Springs (really?…1000 springs?!) and a small waterfall near the springs, the drive from the Oregon Overlook to Twin Falls is pretty uneventful.
The Twin Falls Visitor Center was a great stop to view the Perrine Bridge, and watch the BASE jumpers! What a treat! From there, head to Shoshone Falls. But best to see that on the spring when they are in full flow! Not much to see (for a $5 entrance fee) in September. Glad we were there, but we were very disappointed at the “trickle” over the falls at that time of year. Due to the lateness in the day, we had to pass on the Hansen Bridge Overlook, so we can’t comment on that stop.
Our recommendation:check out the main sights at the west end of the Byway one day, and the main sights at the east end another day, and skip the uneventful mid-section.
Great detour off the beaten path. The springs are something to behold. I have never seen water pouring out of the middle of a cliff. There are plenty of small town attractions along the way as well. I would take this drive again.
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Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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