Few places can lay claim to as many diverse natural attractions as the Magic Valley. In addition to offering top-notch recreation, this adventure playground is stunning to behold, with views ranging from vast, eerie moonscapes and miles of jutting rock formations to thundering waterfalls, snow-capped mountain peaks, meandering rivers, wooded wilderness trails and idyllic fields of wildflowers.

“We have the variety,” says Debbie Dane, executive director of Southern Idaho Tourism. “Trails to ride, canyons to climb, or rivers and streams to play in – the choices are endless, and the landscapes are truly amazing.”

Onlookers invariably stand amazed by the majesty of Shoshone Falls, aka the Niagara Falls of the West. Located just east of the city of Twin Falls, Shoshone Falls spans 1,500 feet across the Snake River and tumbles 212 feet in a straight drop – compared to Niagara’s 176-foot fall. Shoshone Falls can be viewed from several scenic overlooks in Shoshone Falls Park, where there’s plenty of parking, restrooms, picnic tables and hiking trails that lead to the rim of the falls.

Fishing is another popular activity that takes full advantage of the region’s spectacular setting. In the scenic Snake River Canyon, some sturgeon catches have measured up to nine feet long.

Anglers also reel in hefty steelhead and salmon, as well as rainbow trout, brown trout and record-breaking walleye from the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir. In the pristine Sawtooth National Forest, cold mountain lakes yield prize catches, and the fast-flowing alpine waters of Silver Creek and Wood River are premier spots for fly-fishing.

Southern Idaho also offers plenty of eye-popping options for those who’d rather get wet than wet their fishing lines. Rafters, canoeists and kayakers in search of extreme whitewater put in at the harrowing Murtaugh section of the Snake River, while serene-scenery seekers venture further downriver for calm waters and breathtaking views of Shoshone, Star, Pillar and Auger waterfalls. In the Mini-Cassia area, the wide-open, smooth-as-glass waters of the Snake draw watersports enthusiasts by the boatload. Wakeboarding and jetskiing are some of the thrills to be had at public access points on the river and area lakes.

Watersports also make a big splash at Thousand Springs State Park, which comprises five separate units along the 68-mile Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. The byway loosely follows the Snake River Canyon from Bliss to Twin Falls. Highlights include trails that lead to stunning canyon vistas, burbling glacial springs and abundant wildlife.

In contrast to the blue and green hues of the woods and waters, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve displays a stark and striking landscape formed by volcanic lava flows.

Hiking, camping and exploring lava tube caves are among the activities visitors enjoy here. In the spring, tiny pink wildflowers dot the park’s cinder slopes.

The City of Rocks National Reserve near Almo is a singular sight and a mecca for rock climbers. Its granite spires and monoliths reach heights up to 600 feet, but climbing routes and hiking trails exist for all skill levels. Visitors to the reserve engage in other activities as well, such as horseback riding, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing and photography.

Southern Idaho provides ample scenic recreation for mountain-bikers, too, whether it’s along the miles of stellar developed trails or rough, backcountry single-tracks.