Thousand Springs State Park

Thousand Springs State Park is a testament to why this rugged area of southern Idaho is called the Magic Valley. The park is divided into units that are all within short driving distance of each other. Each unit offers a unique experience. Visitors can explore the Oregon Trail at the Kelton Trail; hike and picnic at magnificent Malad Gorge; fish, view wildlife or ride horses in the indoor arena at Billingsley Creek; step back in time and tour historic agricultural structures at Ritter Island; hike in Box Canyon Nature Preserve and watch bald eagles; picnic at Niagara Springs; or teach the kids to fish at Crystal Springs. Thousand Springs State Park has several units to explore: Malad Gorge, Kelton Trail, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Billingsley Creek, Ritter Island, Crystal Springs and Niagara Springs. These incredible scenic areas are all within a short driving distance of each other. Most of the history at this park is geologic in nature. The cracks and folds of rock along the canyon cliffs record the movements of earth, lava and water. Early Native Americans piled rocks along the rim to capture bison and other game animals. During the 19th century, the historic Kelton Trail brought pioneers over this portion of the Oregon Trail.