Never underestimate just how amazing and diverse the Idaho landscape is. After all, you never know what kind of treasures you’ll find while exploring winter hikes in Idaho! For example, a lot of people don’t realize that there are legitimate frozen ice caves in Idaho hiding out in the high desert. Maintaining a freezing cold temperature from winter in Idaho to the hottest days of summer, a visit to this ice cave is a surreal experience that’s bound to leave an impression. This is the type of place you have to see to fully believe, so plan a visit soon—just don’t forget a coat in these chilly Idaho ice caves.

Hiding out in the vast and remote desert of southern Idaho is a place called the Shoshone Ice Cave. At first glance, it may look like a typical tourist trap, but dig a little deeper and you'll discover that this place is hiding one of the state's most bizarre natural wonders.
Nicoli Bench/Google
The cave is located near the tiny town of Shoshone. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the wacky sight of a large, bright green dinosaur accompanied by a few small buildings. Don't be fooled by the kitschy decor, this cave is SO worth the visit.
Kurt Yunker/Google
Tours are given daily throughout the summer season. which runs from May 1 to September 30. Lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, the 3/4-mile walking tour is professionally guided and photography is highly encouraged.
Vinroy/TripAdvisor
Be advised that the tour contains around 160 total stairs and the bridge that takes you through the cave itself is quite narrow. For this reason, sturdy shoes are definitely recommended and it is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Shelleylyn/Flickr

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You'll take the stairs 100-feet underground into the icy depths of the cave. At around 1,700-feet-long and 50-feet-wide, the cave is definitely a good size. However, it's the ice block which takes up the entire floor of the cave that will truly leave you in awe
Iheart Zephyr/TripAdvisor
The ice block is around 1,000-feet-long and can range from 8 to 30-feet in thickness. Most amazingly, it remains in a frozen state all year long. Even during the summertime, the cave maintains a temperature between 23 to 33 degrees.
Davesh/TripAdvisor
During the tour, you'll learn all about the cultural history of this fascinating cave. Afterward, you can peruse the tiny museum and gift shop that are also located on-site. This roadside attraction is kitsch at its core, but it's also one of the most amazing natural wonders that Idaho has to offer.
Vinroy/TripAdvisor
Make some plans to visit this amazing site next summer. You won't regret exploring this natural wonder in Idaho!
John Sowell/TripAdvisor

See what it’s like to explore this icy cave:

Have you been to Ithese ice caves in Idaho? You’d never guess that this freezing cold cave has been hiding out in the high desert this entire time! When you go, let us know how it was in the comments. Are you up for other kinds of hikes in Idaho? Check out these magnificent hiking trails in Idaho.

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More to Explore

Beautiful Places In Idaho

Will Suphan | December 11, 2023

What are the most stunning natural attractions in Idaho?

The most stunning natural attractions in Idaho include:

  • Lochsa River. This is wild, rugged wilderness at its best. Rushing rivers, lush forests, and spectacular views are all around.
  • Craters of the Moon Cavern. These caves look like something from another world. They even have skylights!
  • Hells Canyon. This is the deepest river gorge in the country and the views here are utterly gorgeous. 
  • Beaver Bay Beach. Since there’s no coastline in Idaho, this is the place to go for some time at a beach. It’s simply stunning.

Learn more about the most stunning natural attractions in Idaho. 

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Idaho?

Some bucket list natural attractions in Idaho include:

  • Craters of the Moon National Monument. This vast landscape of hardened lava really does look like the surface of a moon.
  • Ritter Island. This island in Thousand Springs State Park is a gorgeous area of cliffs, waterfalls, and mesas.
  • Sawtooth Mountains. This aptly named mountain range of jagged peaks juts out of lush forests and looks magical.
  • Balanced Rock. This top-heavy rock is quite a fascinating sight as the bulk of it rests on a mere three-foot wide base.

Find out more about these and other bucket list natural attractions in Idaho. 

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho?

The most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho include:

  • Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re looking to catch glimpses of wildlife, this is where you want to go.
  • Cougar Bay Wildlife Preserve. This is a gorgeous area teeming with wildlife and includes the lovely Lake Coeur d’Alene.
  • Roosevelt Cedar Grove. This is an awe-inspiring area of old-growth forest with trees reaching 150 feet in height.
  • Boxcar Bend Preserve. This is a rather popular hiking trail and it’s easy to see why with all the greenery and wildlife.

Discover more about the most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho. 

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