Adventure Guide Shares Her Favorite Outdoor Attractions in Southern Idaho
When Gabrielle Burton moved from Las Vegas to Southern Idaho, she quickly recognized the region’s wealth of outdoor attractions. But even with all the natural beauty, something was missing.
“I launched Big Green Adventure Tours in 2019, inspired by the realization that Twin Falls had no land adventure tour company,” Burton says. “Six years later with two tour vehicles, three employees and the expansion of our trip portfolio, we now offer large group tours for up to 55 passengers.”
From family reunions and business retreats to a romantic getaway for two, Burton’s business is showing off Southern Idaho’s fascinating and inspiring attractions. Here are nine of her favorites.
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Shoshone Falls
The Snake River, a true force of nature, flows from east to west through Southern Idaho, carving out a spectacular canyon near Twin Falls. The river’s most remarkable feature is Shoshone Falls, located just northeast of the downtown area. Taller than Niagara Falls, it’s one of the largest natural waterfalls in the U.S. “Nicknamed ‘Niagara of the West,’ it’s the No. 1 attraction in Twin Falls,” Burton says.
Dierkes Lake
This lake lies directly east of Shoshone Falls. “It’s gorgeous and deep. Perfect for swimming, fishing and diving,” Burton says. “Hike the 2-mile loop trail around the lake and up into the basalt lava rock for a bird’s-eye view.”
Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve
Located northwest of Twin Falls and part of the expansive Thousand Springs State Park, this preserve is another attraction connected to the Snake River.
“The hike is a great 4-mile loop set in a deep box canyon,” Burton says. “It has wildlife, a 14-foot waterfall and a magical beach area with cool, pristine water filtering through a natural aquifer.”
Malad Gorge State Park
Zipping along Interstate 84 northwest of Twin Falls, most drivers never notice this natural marvel just a mile off the freeway. Mala Gorge is a 250-foot-deep canyon with a hiking trail and 60-foot cascading waterfall called Devil’s Washbowl. “It’s another gem that’s part of the Thousand Springs State Park complex,” Burton says.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
To visitors, one of the most surprising aspects about Southern Idaho is its volcanic origins, which create some of the most exceptional geologic features in the U.S., Burton says. And there’s no better place to experience this weirdly wonderful landscape than Craters of the Moon, where you can camp in a lava flow, walk into lava tubes, and hike across lava fields and cinder cones.
Downtown Twin Falls
After an exhilarating day in the countryside, Burton says a walk around town is a must. “Charming and quaint, rich in history with many of its original buildings still intact and revitalized, downtown offers a variety of shops, restaurants and live entertainment,” she says. “Catch a play at the Orpheum Theatre where you’ll go back to 1920, experiencing what our original townspeople did for entertainment.”
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Since no excavation sites are accessible to the public, the visitor center is the primary place to see fossils. But that’s OK with Burton. After viewing the exhibits, she says, get back on the road. “The drive up to the Oregon Trail Overlook brings you next to the monument with a 100-mile, 360-degree view of the Hagerman Valley,” she says.
Balanced Rock
Though off the beaten path, this rock formation is popular with Burton’s guests. “Here, a 15 million-year-old rhyolite volcanic rock carved by wind and rain sits atop a ridge on a picturesque winding canyon road,” Burton says. “For the experienced hiker, there’s a very steep trail up the ridge where you can climb up and be behind Balanced Rock for a skybox view of the area.”
Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery
Cabs, pinots and chards are specialties at this family-owned winery. “We do a tasting tour here, and Holesinsky’s is second to none when it comes to charm and hospitality as you sip their award-winning wines,” Burton says.
Explore Southern Idaho
Visit livability.com/southern-idaho to learn more about living, working and playing in the region.