36 Hours in Twin Falls | Visit Idaho (2024)

Sara Sheehy worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.

Twin Falls, situated on the edge of the jaw-dropping Snake River Canyon, is a popular stopping point for travelers along Interstate 84 and Highway 93. While Twin Falls can certainly satisfy your hunger and give you a spot to supercharge your Tesla, it is so much more. After spending 36 hours experiencing the diverse recreation and stunning scenery that Twin Falls has to offer, you may not want to leave.

Getting There

Twin Falls is located at the crossroads of Interstate 84 and Highway 93. By car, you can reach Twin Falls within two hours of Boise, Sun Valley, Pocatello, and Jackpot, Nevada.

Flights are available daily to the Magic Valley Regional Airport on Delta Airlines.

Day 1: Soak and Dine

Evening: Travel to Twin Falls and check into your accommodations. Hotels are plentiful along Blue Lakes Drive, the commercial hub of the region. For a bit of luxury, book a stay in the soaking suite at the newly renovated, boutique Blue Lakes Inn. Take a soak in the spacious tub before heading to dinner at Elevation 486. Perched on the rim of the Snake River Canyon, Elevation 486 has one of the best views in town and the food to match (and the pan-roasted quail is out of this world).

Day 2: Explore the Snake River Canyon

Morning: Get a caffeine kick at Java, a local coffee shop famous for its mocha-based Bowl of Soul. Stop by the Twin Falls Visitor Center to check out the panoramic view of the Snake River Canyon, see the site where Evel Knievel tried to span the canyon in a rocket-powered motorcycle, and view the historic Perrine Stage Coach. From the Visitor Center, take a walk along the paved Snake River Canyon Trail and take pictures of the magnificent Perrine Bridge. If you’re feeling daring, tandem BASE jumping is available!

Afternoon: Take a picnic lunch to one of the many riverside picnic tables at Centennial Waterfront Park. After eating, hop in a rental kayak from AWOL Adventure Sports. Two hours is enough time to paddle underneath Perrine Bridge and back and there is plenty to explore along the shore. A longer paddle will pass by waterfalls as they cascade down the steep canyon walls. Rental includes the kayak, lifejacket, paddle, and a whistle.

Evening: Before the sun sets,make your way to Shoshone Falls Park. Shoshone Falls, called the “Niagara of the West,” cascades 212 feet down a horseshoe-shaped cliff. The water is dam-controlled, and when it is at its peak flow a mist will rise from the crashing water and engulf the two viewing platforms. Shoshone Falls is a must-do activity in Twin Falls and is one of the most popular attractions in Idaho.

Day 3: Hike Around

Morning: Have you ever walked behind a waterfall? There’s no better place to try it out than at Perrine Coulee Falls. Park at the first steep switchback on Canyon Springs Road and take the short hike behind the falls. The hiking path is wide; though expect to get a bit wet from the waterfall’s spray.

Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon chasing waterfalls or zipping across the canyon. Explore Auger Falls, a churning, cascading waterfall, by foot or mountain bike. If you’ve had your fill of waterfalls book a ziplining adventure with AWOL Adventure Sports and zip across the bottom of the Snake River Canyon. Grab a sandwich from Twin Falls Sandwich Company before making your way toward home.

Travel Tips

  • Shoshone Falls is most spectacular when it runs high in the spring, but regular dam releases ensure there is always water flowing over the falls.
  • For a day trip from Twin Falls, check out Massacre Rocks State Park. This one-time stage stop has excellent camping, bird watching, kayaking, and hiking. Look outside the women’s bathroom at the Visitor Center to see if the bats are using the wire hung above the door as a roost.
  • For a fun indoor activity try the Earl & Hazel Faulkner Planetarium at the College of Southern Idaho. The shows change regularly and are all projected via a state-of-the-art Digitstar 5 full-dome system.

Sara Sheehy seeks adventure in the mountains of Idaho and beyond. She is the founder ofCamp Academy, an online beginners guide to camping and hiking.

Published on July 12, 2018

36 Hours in Twin Falls | Visit Idaho (2024)

FAQs

Is Twin Falls worth visiting? ›

Without a doubt, Twin Falls, Maui, also known as Hawaii Twin Falls Trail, is absolutely worth visiting. Nestled between the ocean and the verdant mountains, its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere create a haven for nature enthusiasts.

What is special about Twin Falls, Idaho? ›

Located on a broad plain at the south rim of the Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls, is where daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump across the canyon in 1974 on a steam-powered rocket. The jump site is northeast of central Twin Falls, midway between Shoshone Falls and the Perrine Bridge.

Do you have to pay to see Shoshone Falls? ›

The vehicle fee at Shoshone Falls Park and Dierkes Lake is $5.00 per car. The fee is in effect from March 1st through September 30th. Season passes are available for purchase for $25.00 at the Parks and Recreation office and at the ticket booth.

Is Shoshone Falls worth visiting? ›

Although Shoshone Falls is beautiful year round, every spring brings an incredible power to it. Depending on if the mountain snow is melting, and if it was a high precipitation year, the waterfall can rush up to 32,000 cubic feet per second!

How long to spend at Twin Falls? ›

Try this 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Haiku, Maui. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 53 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Is Twin Falls mostly Mormon? ›

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon Church) make up roughly half the population of the Magic Valley. Approximately 25 percent of Twin Falls County, and upwards of 60 to 70 percent in the eastern Magic Valley, is Latter-day Saint.

Do you have to hike to see Shoshone Falls? ›

The views down the river are quite pretty, and there are trails that you can walk to get different views of the area. There is a free view area above, but its well worth the $5 per car to go down below to the park with the nice view areas and trails.

Are the Shoshone Falls and the Twin Falls the same thing? ›

Located at the edge of Twin Falls, Shoshone Falls is a natural beauty on the Snake River. At 212 feet, the falls are higher than Niagara Falls. The falls offer a unique blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, swimming area, and a scenic overlook.

How long is the Shoshone Falls light show? ›

The Falls light up for the fourth consecutive year of the event for all of May, Thursdays through Sundays. Viewers may enter the park after hours and view the illuminated falls with their pre-purchased, timed vehicle ticket. The light show will run for about 10 minutes on a loop until about 10:30 p.m.

Which is taller Shoshone Falls or Niagara Falls? ›

Sometimes called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is 212 feet (65 m) in height, 45 feet (14 m) higher than Niagara Falls, and flows over a rim nearly one thousand feet (300 m) in width.

How long is the Twin Falls Canyon rim trail? ›

Get to know this 12.3-mile out-and-back trail near Twin Falls, Idaho. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 23 min to complete.

How far is shoshone from twin? ›

The distance between Shoshone and Twin Falls is 26 miles. The road distance is 26.4 miles.

Does Twin Falls have a downtown? ›

Downtown Twin Falls is the heart of the city. Visitors can find shopping, locally sourced cuisine, art, events and so much more! The historic old town covers multiple blocks and has something for everyone.

Is Twin Falls expensive? ›

The cost of living in Twin Falls, ID is 1% lower than the state average and 7% lower than the national average. Twin Falls, ID housing is 14% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 14% less pricey.

How far is the walk to Twin Falls? ›

However you can experience the falls from above on the Twin Falls plateau walk – a challenging 6 km return hike with jaw-dropping views down into the gorge and across to remote, unspoilt wilderness.

Is Twin Falls, Idaho nice? ›

Twin Falls has a very low cost of living, 9% lower than the national average. Twin Falls is located in a beautiful part of the country, with mountains, rivers, and lakes nearby. Twin Falls is a safe community with a low crime rate. Twin Falls is known for its friendly and welcoming people.

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