Spend Three Days In Three Canyons On This Weekend Road Trip In Idaho
By Courtnie Erickson|Published June 01, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Some of the best road trips in Idaho don’t take all week or require hours of drive time. In fact, in a single weekend and with only two hours behind the wheel, you can visit three of Idaho’s spectacular canyons and many unique landscapes. This road trip in Idaho will take you to three canyons in three days and while you won’t be able to see everything that these areas have to offer, you will still enjoy plenty of attractions and views that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Our three-day road trip begins in Bruneau River Canyon and ends at the popular Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls. This road trip is only 105 miles and requires approximately two hours of drive time. This means you have plenty of time each day to explore and enjoy the sights. You can use this customizable map to help you add even more stops if you desire.
Day 1 — Bruneau River Canyon
Bruneau Canyon Overlook, Overlook Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Bruneau River Canyon is home to — you guessed it — the incredible Bruneau River. This canyon is filled with unique rock formations and red volcanic cliffs. To truly see all that this canyon has to offer, you must spend some time at the Bruneau Canyon Overlook. This is one of the most picturesque overlooks in all of Idaho. Here, the opposite rim is 1,300 feet away and the riverbed is 800 feet below you.
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Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
While you can explore many OHV trails around Bruneau River Canyon, we suggest traveling another 25 miles to Bruneau Dunes State Park. While technically not a canyon, this area is not far from Bruneau River Canyon and definitely deserves your attention. This unique state park in Idaho is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America. You can explore this state park on the incredible Bruneau Dunes Loop or rent a sandboard and soar down a sand dune.
On day two, you’ll head to the beautiful Box Canyon State Park and Nature Preserve. This state park is actually a small unit of Thousand Springs State Park. During your visit, make sure to spend some time at the overlook of Box Canyon. Here, you will see one of America’s largest springs. This area also features several interpretive signs that will teach you all about the canyon, natural spring, and more.
If you are up for a bit of a challenge, tackle the Box Canyon Springs Trail, which is a 4.3-mile loop trail. While a bit challenging in areas, this trail will take you to a waterfall and give you even more incredible canyon views. However, make sure you are prepared physically and mentally for the climb as there are quite a few rocks that you will be required to scramble over.
On the final day of our canyon road trip in Idaho, you can explore the beautiful Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. You can capture some of the best views of this canyon from the Perrine Memorial Bridge. This bridge is quite the sight as it crosses the Snake River and is 1,500 feet long. If you are up for a real challenge and want to get your adrenaline pumping, consider BASE jumping off of the bridge. The Perrine Memorial Bridge is considered one of the most terrifying attractions in Idaho due to this heart-racing activity.
Snake River Canyon Rim Trail, Washington St N, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
If you want to capture many of the remarkable sights that this canyon has to offer, consider a walk along the rim. The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is an out-and-back paved trail that is 10-miles long and takes you along the canyon’s rim. You will see numerous waterfalls, the Perrine Bridge, and even some gorgeous sunsets. It's the perfect ending to this weekend road trip.
So, what do you think? Are you up for this three-day road trip to three canyons in Idaho? Are there any stops you’d add to this trip? If so, let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
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