The bluest water in Idaho can be found nearby the cute towns of Buhl and Hagerman. Box Canyon State Park is about 40 minutes from Twin Falls, and 1.5 hour from Boise. Hiking to Box Canyon and then taking a swim is the perfect summer adventure in Southern Idaho! Leave no trace when visiting this Idaho State Park.
How to find Box Canyon State Park Lookout and Trailhead
Our journey to Box Canyon starts with a ‘scenic’ drive through farm land and dairy farms hahahaha. It will smell, just prepare for it, that’s the perk of Southern Idaho road trips! The state park is on the side of the road and can be google mapped “Box Canyon State Park.” There is a parking lot at the entrance that is used for winter recreation because wintering birds need peace and quiet so the road back closes. In the spring, summer, and fall the back parking lot is open.
The lookout has a platform to look over just 100 feet away from the parking lot. In need of good hiking clothing? Check out Merino Wool temperature regulating and anti smell clothes! http://shrsl.com/2jcpv-2p4f-17unv
The trailhead will continue along the canyon! You can walk over a triangle staircase that crosses the fence line.
Tips for Hiking Box Canyon
Box Canyon State Park hiking trail is about 4 miles long. This hike is considered moderate. It starts at the lookout, descends a canyon, passes a 30 foot waterfall, along a blue creek, and to a big blue pool! I recommend starting this hike early if it is summer!
All hikers need to know that Box Canyon can get incredibly hot during the summer months. Think of it as nature’s way of reminding us to stay hydrated! Get Liquid IV to have extra electrolytes in you. I swear by this drink it gives me so much replenishment when hiking! Use this link to get $5 off! https://glnk.io/qv1w/earthtosarahphotos Packing at least one liter of water (or Liquid IV lol) per person is a must.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife—it’s not uncommon to spot a lizard sunbathing on a rock or a snake slithering by. There can be rattle snakes here.
*Make sure to watch out for poison ivy and stinging nettle!!!! It’s definitely around.*
Box Canyon is dog friendly, but they must be on leash while hiking! The doggos in the photo below were enjoying a swim when we were all alone at the end of the pools. We put them back on leashes for walks. 🙂
(Side note) my favorite protein bar that doesn’t taste like a protein bar: https://amzn.to/3Zp7JuM
Hiking pas the waterfall and to the last big pool at Box Canyon
After a moderate hike down the canyon, past the gorgeous waterfall, through overgrown brush and *plants, and over a sketchy bridge, you’ll arrive at the absolutely stunning Box Canyon pool. Towering rock walls encase a clear, inviting deep blue swimming hole. There are shores on either side of the water as well as a porta-potty. It can get busy here so just be respectful of everyone and of course the nature itself.
Cold Plunge – Swimming at Box Canyon State Park
One of my favorite parts of hiking Box Canyon is the chance to take a dip in the vibrant blue pool at the end. But know that the water is pretty cold at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit! After trekking under the hot sun, that first plunge can be a bit of a shock to the system. But once you’re in, it’s incredibly refreshing and the perfect way to cool off. Make sure to have friends around if you’re not used to jumping into cold water. There is a bit of a current and it is deep in the center. There are funky dead trees underwater that look super cool along the hike to the pool and at the last pool.
Some awesome hiking boots by Merrell I love: https://amzn.to/46EmOvh
Hiking Out
Hike out of Box Canyon 1 of 2 ways: Past the Snake River and up a dirt road that will loop back to the parking lot, or back out the way you came. The grade either way is about 200 feet. I generally will choose hiking the same way I came in to have the most shade possible…which isn’t a ton but still the cable section does provide more shade than up the road grade.
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Box Canyon is a fantastic hiking destination that offers a bit of everything: beautiful scenery, a good workout, and a fun swimming spot to cap it all off. Remember to pack plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring a towel for that chilly dip at the end. You need to make sure to pack out all of the items you bring in. Follow the leave no trace principles!
Happy trails, friends! Check out my photography and adventures on Insta! https://www.instagram.com/earthtosarahphotos/
If you like my photography, you can get prints here: https://earthtosarah.darkroom.com
Comment if you have any questions.
Earth to Sarah 