The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Idaho

 While Idaho certainly has some fantastic cities, there is nothing like its rural areas. In these small and remote areas of the state, you can find some lesser-known hidden gems. In fact, there’s nothing like a drive through the desert to find a beautiful blue spring or three large charcoal kilns. To help you find some of these one-of-a-kind treasures, we’ve put together this rural road trip in Idaho. Get away from the crazy city life and enjoy this remote side of the Gem State.


This road trip begins near Leadore and takes you near Twin Falls. This entire road trip requires 4.5 hours of drive time and you will cover more than 250 miles. We recommend you use this interactive map to customize your road trip. Don’t be afraid to add some of your own stops along the way!

Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns, Near Leadore

Leadore, ID 83464, USA

The first stop on our road trip is sitting in the middle of nowhere but provides quite a fascinating sight — the Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns. These hut-like domes were originally built to make charcoal from wood for smelting ore at the nearby Nicholia Mine and they are quite easy to spot from a distance. In fact, standing at 20 feet in height and diameter, they quickly capture your attention.

Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) Atomic Museum, Near Arco

Arco, ID 83213, USA

Editor's Note: Please note that this road trip stop is open seasonally. Visit the Idaho National Laboratory website for the most up-to-date information.

Did you know the small town of Arco was the first city in the world to be lit by atomic power? You can learn all about it and much more at the EBR-I Museum. This museum is actually a National Historic Landmark and you’ll find it approximately 18 miles outside of Arco.



Mammoth Cave, Shoshone

Idaho's Mammoth Cave & Shoshone Bird Museum Of Natural History, 251 W Thorn Creek St, Shoshone, ID 83352, USA


Mammoth Cave is one stop on this road trip that you will not want to miss. This is a remarkable volcanic cave and it is located near the small town of Shoshone. You can take a self-guided tour into the cave, which is approximately 0.5 miles round trip. During your visit, give yourself plenty of time to also check out the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History.

Black Magic Canyon, North of Shoshone

Black Magic Canyon of Big Wood River, State Hwy 75, Shoshone, ID 83352, USA

Just north of Shoshone, you will find a true treasure — Black Magic Canyon. This canyon is filled with the most unique lava rock sculptures that twist and wind all around. However, to see this unique canyon, you’ll have to hike to it — so don't forget good hiking shoes! The canyon is only visible half of the year as the Big Wood Canal Company diverts water through the canyon during the spring and summer months. If you plan to visit between March and September, we recommend you call the canal company to determine if the canyon will be dry during your adventure.

Box Canyon, Wendell

Box Canyon State Park, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA

Box Canyon is quite unique. When you first arrive, you’ll be surrounded by desert. However, if you take the Box Canyon Trail, you will come to the rim of a canyon and hike down to where you will see incredible turquoise water. In fact, you will be hiking to the eleventh-largest natural spring in the entire United States!

Blue Heart Springs, Hagerman

Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA

You don't have to travel far from Box Canyon to reach Blue Heart Springs. This is a secret swimming hole in Idaho with the most vibrant and mesmerizing blue water. It is also a terrific place to get away from the crowds because the easiest way to access this swimming hole is by kayak or canoe.

What do you think about this rural road trip in Idaho? What stops would you add along the way? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!

If you love an Idaho road trip, make sure you are prepared for the journey. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list and some of our favorite car-friendly snacks!

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