There’s no arguing that the Snake River Canyon is one of Idaho’s most remarkable destinations. The vast canyon contains some of the most breathtaking scenery and sights, like the famous Shoshone Falls. It’s truly a sight to be seen for its outstanding natural beauty. However, there’s also a quirky tidbit of history tied to the canyon regarding the famous daredevil Evel Knievel. Decades ago, Knievel made history when attempted to launch across the canyon. The stunt may have failed in the end, but hiking to the famous Knievel jump site makes for a fascinating adventure along the canyon’s rim.
Standing on the edge of the Snake River Canyon is an intimidating experience. At a quarter-mile-wide and 500-feet-deep, the canyon inspires endless wonder (or fear if you're acrophobic.) However, the notable stuntman Evel Knievel saw it as no match.
The world-famous daredevil attempted to jump across the entirety of the canyon via steam-powered skycycle in September 1974. Unfortunately, the stunt was not a success. Knievel crashed on the jump due to a parachute malfunction.
It's amazing to think that the only injury Knievel sustained from the failed Snake River Canyon stunt was a broken nose. He would go on to complete more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps in his career, dying in 2007 from pulmonary disease at the age of 69.
Knievel attempted to jump across the canyon nearly 50 years ago, but his legacy lives on in the Twin Falls area to this day. In fact, you can still view the earthen ramp where the daredevil launched from all those years ago!
The site itself is located approximately two miles east of the Twin Falls Visitor Center, right along the canyon's rim. Unfortunately, the site itself is on private property. However, hikers can still view it either from the Visitor Center or from the top of the nearby Centennial Trail.
Hikers can hop onto the Centennial Trail from Shoshone Falls. The trail is paved and fairly easy to traverse, with only a few steep sections to overcome. Along the way, you'll be granted incredible views of the canyon and the beautiful Snake River which winds through it.
After nearly two miles, you should have a view of the ramp that Knievel launched himself all those years ago. Looking out across the canyon, it seems crazy to think that anybody would consider launching across it. Knievel may not have gotten the satisfaction of completing it, but a stuntman named Eddie Braun successfully recreated Knievel's jump in 2016.
