Malad Gorge5.0

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Dramatic canyon park featuring a 250-foot-deep gorge, waterfalls, scenic bridges, and interpretive trails along the Malad River.

General Information

Hours:
Open daily from 8am to 4pm
Visitor Center open seasonally; check website for updates
Fees:
$7 per vehicle (valid for all Thousand Springs units)
No additional fees for hiking or picnicking
Pet Policy:
Pets allowed; must be cleaned up after
Closest cities with hotels:
Hagerman (5 mi), Twin Falls (25 mi)
Seasons:
Spring and fall recommended; summer is hot, winter may limit access
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Zz5Zz7XzZzq5z9A6
Website:
parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

From Twin Falls (25 mi): Take I-84 west to Exit 147, then follow signs to Malad Gorge entrance just off the highway.

Overview

The Malad Gorge unit of Thousand Springs State Park offers a breathtaking look into Idaho’s volcanic past. The Malad River crashes through a narrow canyon, plunging into the Devil’s Washbowl before continuing through a 250-foot-deep gorge toward the Snake River. Visitors can walk across a footbridge suspended above the gorge, offering dramatic views of the churning water below. A short driving loop through the park includes several scenic stops and interpretive signs that explain the area’s geology and ecology.

Though often overlooked by travelers on I-84, Malad Gorge is a hidden gem with picnic areas, paved paths, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is especially beautiful in spring when water levels are high and wildflowers bloom along the canyon rim. Whether you're stopping for a quick photo or spending the afternoon exploring, Malad Gorge delivers a powerful and scenic experience in Idaho’s Magic Valley.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Malad Gorge, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Colourpicture Publishers, Inc., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted