Avoid the Crowds in Magic Valley

Just under a two-hour drive from Boise, Idaho, the Magic Valley boasts hot springs, hikes and history. And the best part… no crowds! It’s the perfect getaway for an easy one night van trip from Boise, mixing a little bit of pampering with a lot of nature. 

First stop, grab brunch at the Yellow Brick Cafe in downtown Twin Falls. Their menu includes local favorites such as coffee from DOMA in Post Falls, Idaho, cold pressed juices and mouth watering dishes. Try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or the Smoked Trout Benny. 

From there, make your way to Box Canyon for a refreshing hike along the Snake River. Waterfalls, natural springs and plenty of fresh air awaits you on this 4+ mile hike. With under 400 feet of elevation gain, this is a doable hike for school age children. We especially love exploring this area in the fall to enjoy the changing colors.

Tired yet? If not, rent some kayaks and explore Blue Heart Springs. This unique experience is only accessible by boat and you can rent kayaks from Banbury Hot Springs. You will be amazed by the crystal clear water and it’s vibrant turquoise color. 

Ready to call it a day? Head over to Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs for a restorative soak in their geothermal pools. Both locations offer private tubs (reserve in advance). Banbury is a great family choice with it’s large pool, while Miracle has a chill vibe with several smaller pools of varying temps. The pools are open Monday-Saturday, year round. Both locations offer onsite camping, see their website for details. 

If you prefer free camping and a bit more privacy, check out Balanced Rock Park. This hidden gem is about a thirty minute drive from downtown Twin Falls and boasts a scenic canyon, hiking, fishing and the famous Balanced Rock.

Complete your trip to the Magic Valley with a stop at Cloverleaf Creamery in downtown Buhl. On a hot summer day, a scoop of their ice cream will keep everyone happy. We also love their chocolate milk and other dairy products. You might even find some ready-to-bake pies in their freezer…