For those with a sense of adventure, a winter road trip to Idaho is a great option. It’s a chance to bring out your pioneer spirit and satisfy your wanderlust. From haunted mansions to top-notch hot springs and a waterfall taller than Niagara, Idaho truly is a land of hidden treasures.
Twin Falls
Pulling into Twin Falls in winter, you may think it looks like the horizon of Iowa or Nebraska, but this town has a few secrets up its sleeve. Only three miles from downtown Twin Falls, the Snake River Canyon is home to Shoshone Falls. Pronounced “shuh·show·nee,” this 212-foot-tall waterfall flows over a canyon rim 900 feet wide. Standing near the side of the falls on the overlook platform, the sound of the rushing water leaves quite an impression. Shoshone Falls Park is open year-round, and you can even check out the water levels online before heading down into the park.
Albion and Beyond
Zipping out of Twin Falls down the interstate, you’ll quickly make your way to your next adventure. It may be a small town, but there are plenty of things to do in Albion. It’s home to the Northwest’s largest indoor/outdoor haunted attraction, the Haunted Mansions of Albion, right smack dab in the middle of town. This large complex was even featured on Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures. Looking for more things to do in Albion? Drive about 20 minutes up the road to Pomerelle Mountain Resort, where you’ll find uncrowded slopes and 500+ inches of snow annually. That can only mean one thing: lots of powder to slash.
City of Rocks National Reserve
A big rock-climbing destination in the summer, the City of Rocks National Reserve becomes your own private wintry paradise when the seasons change. Not into cold weather camping? Not to worry. The heated and cozy Willow Glamping Yurt is a perfect place to stay in comfort and luxury. At night, you’ll be exposed to a sky filled with seemingly endless stars. When the sun comes up, you can venture right out the door and explore the surrounding high-desert landscape on cross-country skis, snowshoes or hiking boots, depending on the time of year.
Lava Hot Springs
The Fire & Ice Winterfest, held annually in Lava Hot Springs in the winter, might be the most fun you can have in February. With so much to see and do, here are just a few highlights of the quirky festival:
Polar Bear Float
Contestants dress up in zany costumes and hop into the frosty Portneuf River to float their way from one side of town to the other.
Torchlight Parade
A group of locals hike to the top of “L” Mountain. Then, depending on snow conditions, while holding torches, the group runs or skis down the steep face right into town. It’s a sight to behold.
Fire Performance
On Saturday night, the Lava Flow Fire crew entertains the crowd with a spellbinding performance, dancing and twirling flaming objects to music.
Running of the Bulls
Closing out the event, a group of hardy souls in their swim trunks run the length of Main Street, finishing up with a dip in the hot springs.
Besides a full weekend of festivities, be sure to set aside some time to take a soak in the Lava Hot Springs hot pools. Bubbling out of natural underground springs, the hot water is laden with minerals, but it’s sulfur-free and therefore has no smelly odor.
Idaho Falls
While there are a variety of things to do in Idaho Falls during the winter, the city’s historic downtown district is filled with amazing cuisine and authentic charm. It’s an unexpected treasure trove of food, art, glorious nature and quaint shops. The Snake Bite Restaurant has the deepest list of local beers in town, serves local meat and even has its own version of the famous Idaho fry sauce that is beyond words.
Excited to hit the slopes? For some night skiing, check out Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, where nearly two-thirds of its terrain is open until 9:30 p.m. Fun fact: Idaho Falls is home to Olympian Jessika Jenson.
While some may consider winter a time for cabin fever, Idaho makes a point to embrace the season. So, beat those wintertime blues, get away from the crowds and make that journey to Idaho.
Local Freshies is about sharing the passion for skiing, snowboarding and mountain town culture. We specialize in providing news, stories and event coverage while supporting local businesses in ski towns throughout North America. Our goal is to give everyone an opportunity to experience what locals get to cherish every day—to be a local wherever you go!
Updated on December 20, 2023
Published on November 29, 2018
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