Thousand Springs State Park, Idaho (with Map & Photos)

Thousand Springs State Park is near Twin Falls in southern Idaho. The state park comprises several park units within driving distance of each other. One of the best ways to explore all of the state park units is on the 68 -mile Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. This scenic trail connects the nearby Shoshone Falls with all the natural features of Thousand Springs State Park.

A steep, narrow road accesses the Niagara Springs platoon of Thousand Springs State Park, 40 minutes northwest of Twin Falls. The Snake River Canyon in Niagara Springs features a dazzling spring-fed waterfall attached to a picnic and open grassy area. Further west, Box Canyon Springs and Ritter Island offer more striking water features near the Snake River.

Thousand Springs State Park
Thousand Springs State Park

One of the most fascinating drives to feature inside Thousand Springs is Malad Gorge, nestled under Interstate 84 near the Tuttle exit. This nearly 500-acre park highlights the Malad River as it tumbles through a canyon bound for the Snake River. Visitors to Malad Gorge can see the waterfall below the interstate via a scenic drive route lined with sweater points.

There are no darkening facilities within the Thousand Springs State Park units. All park units are open from sunrise to sunset. For an additional stop along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, the Hagerman Fossil Beds Domestic Monument is nearby. The monument's Visitor Center features unearthed exhibits, including a bone cast of the distinguished "Heroine Hagerman."

Thousand Springs State Park Map