When you think of Southern Idaho, a winter vacation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. A couple of years ago, I would have been right there with you. But after driving through the area for a few road trips and a little research, I was stoked for the opportunity to explore everything that this area has to offer in winter.
Twin Falls has no lack of fun things to do in any season. In fact, leading up to our trip, it was a little overwhelming considering all the options available. After lots of research, advice from locals, and visiting ourselves, I’ve compiled this list of some of our favorite winter activities. It includes things to do in and around the city of Twin Falls to help you plan your trip.
Visit Idaho sponsored this post. However, all content and opinions are our own.
Outdoor Adventure Safety in Winter
Before getting into the best things to do in and near Twin Falls, a quick note on adventuring outdoors safely in winter. Weather can change rapidly, and it’s a good idea to prepare for various conditions. We recommend having snow tires and/or chains and an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes warm layers, blankets, extra food, and water.
In addition, when you’re hiking or doing other outdoor activities in the snow and cold, we recommend a good layering system. It should include non-cotton base layers, fleece or down mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear. Top it off with warm wool or synthetic socks, gloves, and a hat, and you’ll be prepared for almost anything the weather throws at you. You can see how we layer for a day on the slopes for more details.
Drive Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
When planning our trip to Twin Falls, we found out that instead of taking Interstate 84 into town, we could take Hwy 30 instead to soak in the views along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. This option adds about 30 minutes to the drive but winds through farmland and provides the opportunity to stop at one or more of the six units of Thousand Springs State Park.
Visit Thousand Springs State Park: Box Canyon Springs Unit
Thousand Springs State Park is a unique state park made up of six different units with various landscapes and natural wonders: Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Billingsley Creek, Malad Gorge, Ritter Island, Kelton Trail, and Niagara Springs.
They are all located a short drive apart from each other, and the majority of the parks are open for day use year-round. However, we found that Ritter Island was closed for road maintenance during our visit. So we recommend checking Idaho Parks and Recreation for the most up-to-date information on hours and operations.
We chose to visit Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve during our stay, and it did not disappoint. You’ll park at the first parking area during the winter and take a short walk (0.7 miles) on an easy access road to reach the canyon. The road is paved and meanders through farmland and then opens up to a viewing platform above the canyon. As you approach the canyon and look over the edge, you’ll find a beautiful teal blue pool of water at the base of the 200-foot canyon walls.
Depending on your comfort level and the amount of snow and ice, you can choose to continue along the trail down into the canyon. The trail is approximately 4-4.5 miles and is considered moderate.
Important Details:
- The entrance fee is $7 unless you have an Idaho State Parks Passport or annual MVEF (Motor Vehicle Entry Fee) pass.
- Access from the parking area to the viewing platform is stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
Snowshoe at Craters of the Moon
Out of our entire winter trip to Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve was the activity that surprised me the most. This natural attraction has long been on our bucket list, but we never thought our first visit would be in winter. However, after visiting it as a winter wonderland, we believe it just might be the best time to visit. It was an excellent place for our first experience on snowshoes.
Craters of the Moon formed from non-explosive eruptions along deep cracks in the earth’s surface. The lava flowed out and created the “weird” terrain that we see today. The stark white snow contrasts with the dark volcanic rock and cinder cones to create an extraordinary landscape during winter.
Important Details:
- Snowshoes are available to borrow for a small donation fee at the visitor center. You can pick them up from 9 am-2 pm and must return them by 3 pm.
- There are limited amenities in the park and surrounding areas. You’ll want to fuel up before arrival and bring plenty of water and food. There are bathrooms available in the visitors center, but no restaurant or gas station.
Snowboard or Ski at Pomerelle Mountain Resort
Pomerelle Mountain Resort is in Sawtooth National Forest. It boasts some of the deepest snow in Idaho, so it was one of the locations we were most excited to visit during our trip. Their average annual snowfall is 500 inches! It’s also a family-owned resort with a relaxed feel and very reasonable ticket prices, which we love.
Occasionally when we visit new snow resorts with the kids, they can get overwhelmed easily by terrain that feels more challenging than they’re used to. However, Pomerelle is an excellent resort for traveling families with beginner-friendly slopes perfect for learning to ski or ride and progressing from the magic carpet.
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Important Details:
- Pomerelle is open daily from 9 am-4 pm and also adds night skiing Tuesday-Saturday, extending operating hours from 9 am-9 pm.
- Pomerelle has highly trained and certified instructors to help you learn or level up. They recommend you make reservations for lessons as walk-up lessons are limited.
Visit Perrine Coulee Falls
One of our favorite things to do is go waterfall hunting. Whether we’re hiking 10 miles, driving deep on forest service roads, or simply finding a roadside wonder, a beautiful waterfall never disappoints. And Perrine Coulee Falls is no exception. We had a great time exploring this easy-to-access waterfall.
Located on the way to Centennial Waterfront Park in Twin Falls, Perrine Coulee Falls drops approximately 200 feet into the canyon. You can view this waterfall from below by parking along Canyon Springs Road and walking back to the waterfall. The water flows are most robust in summer, but this waterfall transforms into an icy marvel in winter.
Important Details:
- Be mindful of snow and ice during the winter. It can be very slippery and icy, especially if the wind is blowing spray from the falls.
- If you’d like a different perspective, head to the Canyon Rim Trail to view the falls from above.
Walk the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
Aside from viewing Perrine Coulee Falls, the Canyon Rim Trail provides more than 10 miles of trails along the beautiful Snake River Canyon. Multiple viewing platforms let you gaze into the 500 ft deep canyon, take in views of the Perrine Coulee Bridge, and enjoy colorful sunsets.
If you’d like, you can continue exploring the Snake River Canyon by crossing the Perrine Bridge. Keep your eyes out for BASE jumpers! This is one of the few bridges in the United States that BASE jumping is legal year-round.
Depending on how much time you have, you can even continue all the way to the Evel Knievel jump site and Shoshone Falls Park.
Important Details:
- This trail is stroller and wheelchair-friendly. However, some portions do have a bit of a grade.
- If you prefer, you can ride your bike (or rent one) on this trail. Leashed dogs are also allowed on this trail.
- Parking is available at multiple locations, including the Twin Falls Visitor Center.
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Soak in Hot Springs
Last but not least, we highly recommend taking advantage of one of Idaho’s many hot springs. Located just a short 30-minute drive from Twin Falls, you have a choice of two unique hot springs – Miracle & Banbury Hot Springs.
Both Miracle and Banbury have geothermal-fed hot springs, private pool reservations, overnight accommodations, and other amenities. Banbury has a large swimming pool that includes a deep end and diving board. In contrast, Miracle has four outdoor pools with varying temperatures. Personally, we chose to visit Miracle Hot Springs. It is the perfect place to soothe achy muscles after a day of hiking, rock climbing, or other outdoor adventures.
Important Details:
- If you’d like a private hot pool, you will need to reserve a time slot online ahead of time.
- Both locations are closed on Sunday.
- Miracle also has massages available for even more relaxation.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Twin Falls Idaho in Winter
Ultimately there is no shortage of outdoor adventures to do in Twin Falls. Winter is no exception. Whether you love to ski or snowboard, love visiting all the most popular tourist attractions, or if an easy trail is more your style, these winter activities are some of the top things to do in Twin Falls and the surrounding areas.
Idaho is a beautiful place, full of adventure and diverse landscapes, and is absolutely worth visiting. We’re already dreaming of our next visit to this incredible state.
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