While Idaho certainly has some fantastic cities, there is nothing like its rural areas. In these small and remote areas of the state, you can find some lesser-known hidden gems. In fact, there’s nothing like a drive through the desert to find a beautiful blue spring or three large charcoal kilns. To help you find some of these one-of-a-kind treasures, we’ve put together this rural road trip in Idaho. Get away from the crazy city life and enjoy this remote side of the Gem State.

Google Maps
This road trip begins near Leadore and takes you near Twin Falls. This entire road trip requires 4.5 hours of drive time and you will cover more than 250 miles. We recommend you use this interactive map to customize your road trip. Don’t be afraid to add some of your own stops along the way!

Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns, Near Leadore

Leadore, ID 83464, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The first stop on our road trip is sitting in the middle of nowhere but provides quite a fascinating sight — the Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns. These hut-like domes were originally built to make charcoal from wood for smelting ore at the nearby Nicholia Mine and they are quite easy to spot from a distance. In fact, standing at 20 feet in height and diameter, they quickly capture your attention.

Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) Atomic Museum, Near Arco

Arco, ID 83213, USA
kevan j/TripAdvisor
Editor's Note: Please note that this road trip stop is open seasonally. Visit the Idaho National Laboratory website for the most up-to-date information.

Did you know the small town of Arco was the first city in the world to be lit by atomic power? You can learn all about it and much more at the EBR-I Museum. This museum is actually a National Historic Landmark and you’ll find it approximately 18 miles outside of Arco.

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Mammoth Cave, Shoshone

Idaho's Mammoth Cave & Shoshone Bird Museum Of Natural History, 251 W Thorn Creek St, Shoshone, ID 83352, USA
Kat n Dog named Thirsty/Google
Editor's Note: Please note that Mammoth Cave is open seasonally. Visit the Mammoth Cave website for current hours.

Mammoth Cave is one stop on this road trip that you will not want to miss. This is a remarkable volcanic cave and it is located near the small town of Shoshone. You can take a self-guided tour into the cave, which is approximately 0.5 miles round trip. During your visit, give yourself plenty of time to also check out the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History.

Black Magic Canyon, North of Shoshone

Black Magic Canyon of Big Wood River, State Hwy 75, Shoshone, ID 83352, USA
jsharpton/TripAdvisor
Just north of Shoshone, you will find a true treasure — Black Magic Canyon. This canyon is filled with the most unique lava rock sculptures that twist and wind all around. However, to see this unique canyon, you’ll have to hike to it — so don't forget good hiking shoes! The canyon is only visible half of the year as the Big Wood Canal Company diverts water through the canyon during the spring and summer months. If you plan to visit between March and September, we recommend you call the canal company to determine if the canyon will be dry during your adventure.

Box Canyon, Wendell

Box Canyon State Park, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
devan higgins/Google
Box Canyon is quite unique. When you first arrive, you’ll be surrounded by desert. However, if you take the Box Canyon Trail, you will come to the rim of a canyon and hike down to where you will see incredible turquoise water. In fact, you will be hiking to the eleventh largest natural spring in the entire United States!

Blue Heart Springs, Hagerman

Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA
Jessica Carney/Google
You don't have to travel far from Box Canyon to reach Blue Heart Springs. This is a secret swimming hole in Idaho with the most vibrant and mesmerizing blue water. It is also a terrific place to get away from the crowds because the easiest way to access this swimming hole is by kayak or canoe.

What do you think about this rural road trip in Idaho? What stops would you add along the way? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!

If you love an Idaho road trip, make sure you are prepared for the journey. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list and some of our favorite car-friendly snacks!

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More to Explore

Road Trip In Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | December 04, 2023

What are some of the best scenic drives in Idaho?

There is nothing like exploring one of the best scenic byways in Idaho. On these roads, every mile is breathtaking and you’ll enjoy incredible views no matter how far you go. While we have several favorite drives in Idaho, the following are just a few routes that we love to recommend:

 

What are some Idaho road trips I should add to my bucket list?

A scenic drive is perfect for a single day, but if you want to explore the Gem State over the course of multiple days, a road trip is the way to do it. While we have created numerous road trip itineraries, some of our favorites include:

 

Don't forget that if you do plan a road trip in Idaho, you always head out prepared. Fortunately, we have created a road trip guide and essentials packing list to get you started. This list features all types of road trip must-haves so you can enjoy your trip and no matter what situation comes your way, you are ready for it.

What are some of the best small towns in Idaho that I should visit?

Many of the scenic drives in Idaho take you to beautiful and charming small towns. While we could list dozens of small towns that are worthy of a visit, here are a few that we always love exploring:

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