Thousand Springs State Park / Malad Gorge

This building enhances recreational and historical offerings for Thousand Springs State Park and the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument by putting rangers and resources in a single location. The $2.5 million project was a partnership between the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) and the National Park Service (NPS), which agreed to co-locate to provide more services at less cost.

The 3.400-square-foot center will consolidate access to the six units of Thousand Springs – Malad Gorge, Kelton Trail, Billingsley Creek, Ritter Island, Niagara Springs, and the Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve. 

The State of Idaho built the center, and NPS is leasing the space for 25 years. Only a handful of such agreements are believed to exist in the nation.

In addition to the center, two related projects at Thousand Springs will boost recreational opportunities:

• A new, $460,000 bridge to Ritter Island provides better, safer access for visitors.
• A new, 50-spot Billingsley Creek Campground is currently under construction and will add needed camping opportunities. The park awaits the contractor’s completion of the $6 million project to open it to the public.

Just west of Twin Falls is Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, one of the five units that make up Thousand Springs State Park. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the turnout to the front parking lot to Box Canyon, as it’s a bit tucked away. 

You can park in the front parking lot or you can drive to the new parking lot in the back, saving you a mile walk.

You will come to an overlook of the nation’s 11th largest spring, where a pool of bright blue water shines in the midday sun.

Make sure to read the interpretive signs which contains loads of interesting information about this unique canyon, including what Box Canyon has in common with Mars.

As if this site in front of you wasn’t impressive enough, follow the trail and hike down into the canyon to reach a 20-foot waterfall that is simply beautiful. 

Before it became an Idaho State Park, it was known as the Emerald Valley Ranch, used primarily for agriculture. 

You can enjoy Billingsley Creek from sunrise to sunset. The park offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, an indoor horse-riding arena, fishing, and featured events throughout the year.

Maps

Billingsley Creek Map

Ritter Island offers excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Nestled alongside the picturesque Snake River, between two magnificent springs, the property provides a sense of serenity and solitude – the perfect venue for small events and weddings. The site will continue to host the annual Thousand Springs Art Festival that it has become famous for and offering the public the opportunity to tour the existing historic structures.  

There are two perfect houses on the island that can be rented for families wanting to experience the property’s charm. 

Reserve Your Spot Today!

The Kelton Road offers views of the abutments for the bridge that carried wagons traveling the Oregon Trail. From about 1864 to 1883 this was on the regular route that carried mail, freight and passengers between Boise and the railhead at Kelton, Utah. The trail had so much traffic that grooves were cut into the rocks, but by July 1884, a traveler on the old route noticed that “grass grows over the defunct overland Kelton stage road where a weary traveler once traveled in clouds of dust…”

Tumbling down the canyon side at 250 cubic feet per second, Niagara Springs is a sight you won’t soon forget. The churning water is the icy blue of glaciers. The springs are a National Natural Landmark and part of the world-famous Thousand Springs Complex along the Snake River.

The park provides your best opportunity to drive into the 350-foot-deep canyon, but be cautious: The road is narrow and steep. We advise you not to risk it in a motorhome or while pulling a large trailer. Take a quick video tour.

Crystal Springs Lake

Once inside the canyon, you’ll find year-round fishing in Crystal Springs Lake, including a handicap-accessible site. Wildlife—especially waterfowl—is abundant. The park also features modern restrooms, picnic tables and a group picnic shelter.