When we were spending time exploring the beautiful landscape of Southern Idaho, Thousand Springs State Park came to our attention. It is a lesser-known state park, considering that is only about 30 minutes or so from the popular Shoshone Falls. The park has 6 separate units, with 4 of them being developed and worth a visit. Each of these units is remarkable in its own way. This park is proof of why this rugged area of southern Idaho is called the Magic Valley. It has everything from clear, teal water, to gorgeous waterfalls, and magnificent gorges; not to mention the mesmerizing springs tumbling down from the side of the lush green hills!
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Important Things to Know When Visiting
This park consists of 6 different units, 4 of which are developed and worth the visit, while the other two, Kelton Trail and Billingsley Creek are not yet developed. The 4 developed units are Malad Gorge, Ritter Island, Earl M Hardy Box Canyon Springs, and Niagara Springs. All these units are fairly close together, which makes the visit a lot easier.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Thousand Springs State Park?
Summer and Early Fall are the best times to visit this park. The water will be warm enough for swimming as well as other water activities such as kayaking or finish. While the other units open year-round, Ritter Island only opens from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
How Much Time Should You Spend at Thousand Springs State Park?
We recommend spending at least a full day here. With four different units, there is a lot to see and do. Please note that each unit has its own hours so you should plan accordingly.
Is There a Fee to Visit Thousand Springs State Park?
It cost $7 to visit Thousand Springs State Park. This fee covers all the units for the entire day. Since Malad Gorge is the only unit in Thousand Springs that has a manned booth, we recommend going there first. This way, you can get the receipt for your payment so you can use it at the other units.
Can I Bring My Dogs?
You can bring your dogs but they need to be leashed.
The Units at Thousand Springs State Park
Malad Gorge
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address: 2314 S Ritchie Rd, Hagerman, ID 83332
Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Malad Gorge unit formed around a spectacular canyon carved out by the Malad River. This place offers dramatic views of the tall 250ft canyon walls rising against the clear, teal water as well as uninterrupted views of beautiful waterfalls. Don’t forget to take a self-guided tour around the park so you can learn about all the interesting geographical features that this place has to offer.
Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 3401-3489 W Point Rd, Wendell, ID
Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Box Canyon Springs is the 11th largest spring in the United States. It is a hidden oasis in the middle of a desert landscape. This place features stunning turquoise natural spring pools, beautiful waterfalls, and an impressive basalt canyon. Visitors can take a quick stroll through the dirt trails above the canyon. If you are more adventurous, you can hike to the bottom of the canyon and explore all the hidden treasures down there. We definitely recommend hiking down to see the gorgeous 20-foot waterfalls. And if you’re up for a swim, the turquoise pool near the end of the trail is the perfect place for a quick, refreshing dip.
Niagara Springs
Hours: 7am – 10pm
Address: 2136 Niagara Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355
Time Spent: 30 mins – few hours (depending on if you’re planning on fishing/kayaking/etc.)
One of our favorite things about the Niagara Springs unit of Thousand Springs State Park is the fascinating “falls” coming out from the side of the hills. We’ve seen tons of waterfalls before but none of them are like these. Tumbling down the canyon side at 250 cubic feet per second, these springs are breathtaking! Once you finish admiring the Niagara Springs, you can drive further to Crystal Spring Lake, a gorgeous lake perfect for kayaking or fishing. You’ll also have access to the Snake River, another awesome spot for swimming, kayaking, or fishing. Please note that the road in Niagara Springs is narrow and steep. It’s not recommended for a motorhome or while pulling a large trailer.
Ritter Island
Hours: Ritter Island only opens from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend, Thursday – Monday from 10 am – 3 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Address: 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355
Time Spent: 2 – 4 hours depending on what you’re planning to do
Ritter Island has an interesting history as a daily farm, private retreat, nature preserve, and now a state park. It nestled alongside the beautiful Snake River and between the two stunning natural springs. This place offers many things to do such as kayaking, fishing, birding, hiking, and more. Ritter Island is the only place in Thousand Springs State Park where you can spend the night at the two historic houses on the island.
If you’re visiting Southern Idaho, we recommend giving Thousand Springs State Park a visit. It is a local secret that not many tourists know about, yet it is 100% worth it.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.
Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
- There weren’t really any places to get food around the this park. We recommend bringing a cooler with water and lunch. Don’t forget the snacks
- If you’re planning on going swimming or doing any water activities, bring your swimsuits, towel, etc.
- It can get buggy, bring your bug spray!
camera gear
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