When you are looking for the perfect day trip in Idaho, consider a scenic drive. While there are dozens around the state, one of our favorites is found in south-central Idaho. The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway will take you through some of the most incredible geological features in the Gem State and we guarantee you’ll be in awe of the beauty this state has to offer when your drive is complete. The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is one of the best – and the most beautiful – scenic drives in Idaho.
The Thousand Springs Scenic Drive will take you 67 miles between the small towns of Bliss and Hansen. Plan for at least 1.5 hours of drive time and several additional hours to explore on this scenic drive in Idaho.
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus If you need to stop for essentials along the way, you’ll find full services in Bliss, Hagerman, Buhl, Kimberly, and Twin Falls.
If starting your scenic drive in Bliss, drive a short way until you reach Thousand Springs State Park near Hagerman.
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images This state park in Idaho consists of six separate park units. Each unit is unique and is home to its own set of hidden gems and popular attractions. If you only have time to stop and explore a small section of this state park, we highly suggest checking out the waterfalls at Ritter Island.
Another area of Thousand Springs State Park that you won’t want to miss is the Malad Gorge. The Malad River Canyon is quite a sight. The gorge is 250 feet deep and 2.5 miles long. You can stop and take a few photos or take a short hike around the area.
peeterv/E+ Via Getty Images
Along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway in Idaho, you’ll also pass through the town of Buhl. If you are willing to take a short detour, you will want to visit Balanced Rock.
Stephen Hanafin/Flickr This unique rock formation is certainly not small as it stands approximately 48 feet tall. You can relax and enjoy a picnic at Balanced Rock Park during your drive.
This scenic byway in Idaho will also take you through the small town of Filer, just outside of Twin Falls. It is a farming community with a charming rural feel and a slow, quiet pace that you’ll fall in love with. It is also home to Idaho’s largest county fair.
Jasperdo/Flickr
As you venture into Twin Falls, you’ll see the Perrine Memorial Bridge.
Onasill ~ Bill - Be Safe & Happy/Flickr This remarkable bridge crosses the Snake River Canyon and is 1,500 feet long. Park and walk along the pedestrian walkways and admire the views around you. You may even see a few BASE jumpers as well.
You can’t drive right by Shoshone Falls and not stop to admire the beauty of these falls.
vkbhat/E+ Via Getty Images Shoshone Falls is one of the most incredible waterfalls in Idaho and the entire area is breathtaking. These falls stand approximately 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide. You can view the multiple cascades from the viewpoints at Shoshone Falls Park.
You’ll end this beautiful scenic drive in Idaho at the small town of Hansen. We won’t judge if you want to turn around and take this scenic byway in Idaho one more time – it really is impressive. Visit Idaho’s Tourism website to learn more about the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
If you need to stop for essentials along the way, you’ll find full services in Bliss, Hagerman, Buhl, Kimberly, and Twin Falls.
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images
This state park in Idaho consists of six separate park units. Each unit is unique and is home to its own set of hidden gems and popular attractions. If you only have time to stop and explore a small section of this state park, we highly suggest checking out the waterfalls at Ritter Island.
peeterv/E+ Via Getty Images
Stephen Hanafin/Flickr
This unique rock formation is certainly not small as it stands approximately 48 feet tall. You can relax and enjoy a picnic at Balanced Rock Park during your drive.
Jasperdo/Flickr
Onasill ~ Bill - Be Safe & Happy/Flickr
This remarkable bridge crosses the Snake River Canyon and is 1,500 feet long. Park and walk along the pedestrian walkways and admire the views around you. You may even see a few BASE jumpers as well.
vkbhat/E+ Via Getty Images
Shoshone Falls is one of the most incredible waterfalls in Idaho and the entire area is breathtaking. These falls stand approximately 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide. You can view the multiple cascades from the viewpoints at Shoshone Falls Park.
Have you spent the day driving this scenic road in Idaho before? Where did you stop and what were your favorite attractions? We’d love to hear all about your drive in the comments!
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Address: Thousand Springs, Idaho 83355, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
thousand springs scenic byway September 28, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other scenic drives in Idaho? Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is certainly a well-known scenic drive in Idaho, but it’s one of many beautiful routes in the Gem State! Some of our favorite beautiful byways in Idaho include the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Sacajawea Historic Scenic Byway, Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, Pioneer Historic Byway, and Western Heritage Historic Byway. The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is one of our favorites; this is Idaho’s longest byway, stretching for 202 long miles. As you drive along, you find yourself traveling along the same exact route that Lewis and Clark traveled through over two centuries ago! This incredibly scenic route begins in Lewiston and spans across expansive wilderness through the stunning Clearwater River Canyon. The route eventually splits, with one section heading south toward Grangeville and the other going along the Clearwater until it reaches Lolo Pass where you can stop at the Visitor Center to learn all about the history and geology of the beautiful Bitterroot Wilderness Area. If you’re up for a dose of history and a lengthier road trip through several states, intrepid explorers can travel the more than 2,000-mile route of the infamous Oregon Trail, which starts in Independence, Missouri, where, once upon a time, thousands of pioneers set forth upon the trail. Before heading out on your own modern-day odyssey, visit the National Frontier Trails Museum for perspective and inspiration. As you make your way across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon, you’ll be surrounded by plains and desert landscapes, viewing the same stark and untouched landscape seen by thousands of brave folks. Keep an eye out for the tombstones of those who perished on the Oregon Trail, as well as the wagon wheel ruts they left behind; it’s a humbling reminder of a sad period in American history.
The OIYS Visitor Center
thousand springs scenic byway
September 28, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other scenic drives in Idaho? Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is certainly a well-known scenic drive in Idaho, but it’s one of many beautiful routes in the Gem State! Some of our favorite beautiful byways in Idaho include the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Sacajawea Historic Scenic Byway, Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, Pioneer Historic Byway, and Western Heritage Historic Byway. The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is one of our favorites; this is Idaho’s longest byway, stretching for 202 long miles. As you drive along, you find yourself traveling along the same exact route that Lewis and Clark traveled through over two centuries ago! This incredibly scenic route begins in Lewiston and spans across expansive wilderness through the stunning Clearwater River Canyon. The route eventually splits, with one section heading south toward Grangeville and the other going along the Clearwater until it reaches Lolo Pass where you can stop at the Visitor Center to learn all about the history and geology of the beautiful Bitterroot Wilderness Area. If you’re up for a dose of history and a lengthier road trip through several states, intrepid explorers can travel the more than 2,000-mile route of the infamous Oregon Trail, which starts in Independence, Missouri, where, once upon a time, thousands of pioneers set forth upon the trail. Before heading out on your own modern-day odyssey, visit the National Frontier Trails Museum for perspective and inspiration. As you make your way across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon, you’ll be surrounded by plains and desert landscapes, viewing the same stark and untouched landscape seen by thousands of brave folks. Keep an eye out for the tombstones of those who perished on the Oregon Trail, as well as the wagon wheel ruts they left behind; it’s a humbling reminder of a sad period in American history.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is certainly a well-known scenic drive in Idaho, but it’s one of many beautiful routes in the Gem State! Some of our favorite beautiful byways in Idaho include the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Sacajawea Historic Scenic Byway, Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, Pioneer Historic Byway, and Western Heritage Historic Byway. The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is one of our favorites; this is Idaho’s longest byway, stretching for 202 long miles. As you drive along, you find yourself traveling along the same exact route that Lewis and Clark traveled through over two centuries ago! This incredibly scenic route begins in Lewiston and spans across expansive wilderness through the stunning Clearwater River Canyon. The route eventually splits, with one section heading south toward Grangeville and the other going along the Clearwater until it reaches Lolo Pass where you can stop at the Visitor Center to learn all about the history and geology of the beautiful Bitterroot Wilderness Area.
If you’re up for a dose of history and a lengthier road trip through several states, intrepid explorers can travel the more than 2,000-mile route of the infamous Oregon Trail, which starts in Independence, Missouri, where, once upon a time, thousands of pioneers set forth upon the trail. Before heading out on your own modern-day odyssey, visit the National Frontier Trails Museum for perspective and inspiration. As you make your way across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon, you’ll be surrounded by plains and desert landscapes, viewing the same stark and untouched landscape seen by thousands of brave folks. Keep an eye out for the tombstones of those who perished on the Oregon Trail, as well as the wagon wheel ruts they left behind; it’s a humbling reminder of a sad period in American history.
