Box Canyon Is A Blue Oasis Hiding Inside Of A Desolate Idaho Landscape
By Emerson
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Published September 22, 2017
It can be difficult to find Box Canyon, and once you do, it’s hard to imagine that hiding within it is a pool of water so blue you’ll have to do a double take. This hidden gem has been a favorite among locals for a long time. It can be hard to find information on it, with the only good sources of how to find this amazing pool of water coming from word of mouth. However, once you do find it, you won’t be sorry. This neat spot is a wonder to the eyes and comes as an awesome surprise. Take a look.
As you begin your hike into Box Canyon, you'll be surrounded by a pure, unadulterated Idaho desert landscape. It's hard to imagine there is a waterfall and Caribbean blue waters just a short hike away...but there is.
Box Canyon State Park is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Twin Falls in Idaho's Magic Valley. Blink and you just might miss this small but incredible canyon.
Don't be disheartened by the first bit of hiking. You'll soon catch sight of the idyllic waters hiding away in the canyon.
The view looking down the 200-feet deep canyon wall is intense and is only about a mile hike away from the park's parking lot. The entire hike to Box Canyon's hidden springs and back is a five mile loop.
The trail into the canyon takes you along it's rim for some time before you begin the descent into the canyon. The trail can get quite steep, but steel cables are provided to guide you down gently towards the canyon floor.
You'll be surprised by just how much vegetation is growing in what looked at first like a completely desolate canyon. The deeper you go into the canyon, the more green you'll see.
At last, you'll spot the incredible turquoise waters of eleventh largest spring in the United States. The color of the water makes it pretty hard to miss!
The spring is also home to a vast array of wildlife. You'll more than likely spot an eagle, owl, hawk, marmot, or other incredible bird species perched throughout the canyon.
To top it off, you'll even come across a cascading waterfall. Who knew such an oasis could be so hidden from view?
180,000 gallons of this crystal clear water pour into the Snake River per minute! The swiftness of the creek has made it a popular spot for locals who enjoy tubing down the stream of water.
During the summer time, a dip in the cold water is the perfect way of cooling off. However, the canyon remains a picturesque paradise all year long.
To find this secret oasis, take Exit 155 at Wendell, Idaho. From there, travel about three miles to 1500 East, then go south for four and a half miles. There you will see the state park's parking lot on the right.
Have you been to Box Canyon? Isn’t it breathtaking? If you’re on the hunt for more of Idaho’s hidden gems, check out these 8 Hidden Places That Are Idaho’s Best Kept Secrets !
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