
Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho
Explore a massive, year-round frozen lava tube with stunning ice formations in the Idaho desert. A cool adventure!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the desert heat!

Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho
Best Time
Escape the desert heat!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a massive, year-round frozen lava tube with stunning ice formations in the Idaho desert. A cool adventure!
"Crazy how cold it gets even on a hot summer day!"

🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket!
It's 74°F colder inside! Essential for comfort.
👟 Not for Mobility Issues
Steep stairs & open walkways. Not for strollers or wheelchairs.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Frozen Lava Tube
Main Cave Area
Explore a massive, ancient lava tube with stunning natural ice formations. A truly unique geological wonder!

Volcanic History Museum
Above Ground
Discover the fascinating volcanic past of the region and learn about lava tubes at the onsite museum.

Gift Shop & Souvenirs
Entrance Area
Pick up a memento from your chilly adventure and browse unique local crafts and gifts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Dress for the Cold
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket!
It's 74°F colder inside! Essential for comfort.
👟 Not for Mobility Issues
Steep stairs & open walkways. Not for strollers or wheelchairs.
🐶 No Dogs Allowed
Service dogs may not be permitted. Check ahead.
⏰ Tours Depart Hourly
Check schedule; booking ahead advised.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket!
It's 74°F colder inside! Essential for comfort.
👟 Not for Mobility Issues
Steep stairs & open walkways. Not for strollers or wheelchairs.
🐶 No Dogs Allowed
Service dogs may not be permitted. Check ahead.
⏰ Tours Depart Hourly
Check schedule; booking ahead advised.
💡 Well-Lit Walkways
Wooden paths guide you through the cave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Shoshone Ice Caves a cool and unique stop, especially on hot days, praising the natural ice formations and friendly guides. However, the tour's accessibility is a significant concern, with steep stairs and open walkways making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or very young children.
"Cool little stop. Make sure to check tour times before you get there. You can only go down with a tour guide. All of the staff was very young but super friendly and gave great tours. Takes about an hour. Crazy how Cold it gets even on a hot summer day"
Chasen Callaway
"The ice caves are interesting, and I'm glad we stopped by to see them. Our tour guide was pretty decent and answered all questions asked of her on the tour.
This tour is not for anyone with mobility issues, a wheelchair, or for small children. Honestly, even if you have a service dog I would consider just not doing this tour. The steps are not super well-lit as you enter the cave, and the suspended walkways have gaps between each step. The suspended walkways also don't have much of a block for small children (who may already have poor footing) to prevent them from falling onto the ice.
The tour costs $15pp and I'd say it's worth that. There is also a museum area outside you can check out, and a little gift shop."
Rachel Brower
"This is a very interesting place. It is located just north of Mammoth cave which is north of Twin falls Idaho. It is privately owned. The ice cave is actually what is the remnant of a lava tube. Much of the rest of the tubes in the area have actually collapsed. The temperature drops 40-plus degrees from surface temperatures. The cave is well lit and a wooden walkway brings visitors from the mouth of the cave to the farthest point. The whole area was volcanic at one point. Wellworth the visit"
Ingrid McDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shoshone Ice Caves are located in Southern Idaho, about 2 hours outside of Boise. They are situated north of Twin Falls. While the exact location can be a bit remote, many visitors find it a worthwhile stop on a road trip through the state.
The caves are privately owned and marked with signage. It's recommended to use GPS or a reliable map app to navigate to the area, as it's in a more rural part of Idaho.
The closest major city with significant amenities is Twin Falls, Idaho, which is located south of the caves.
Yes, many visitors treat the Shoshone Ice Caves as a day trip, especially if they are already exploring Southern Idaho or passing through on a longer road trip.
The roads leading to the Shoshone Ice Caves are generally paved and well-maintained, though the final approach might be on less developed routes. It's advisable to check local road conditions, especially if traveling during inclement weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tour cost is approximately $15 per person. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing information.
While you might be able to purchase tickets on the day of your visit, especially on weekdays, booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly for weekend visits or during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot.
The Shoshone Ice Caves typically operate with tours departing hourly. It's crucial to verify their current operating hours and tour schedule online or by phone, as these can vary seasonally.
No, access to the Shoshone Ice Caves is only permitted with a guided tour. This ensures the preservation of the delicate ice formations and provides visitors with historical and geological context.
While there are no strict age restrictions, the tour involves navigating uneven terrain, steep stairs, and open walkways. It's not recommended for very young children who may have difficulty with footing or for individuals with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the Shoshone Ice Caves remains consistently cold year-round, typically ranging from 23 to 29 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the outside temperature.
The guided tour of the Shoshone Ice Caves usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, providing ample time to explore the cave and learn about its unique environment.
No, the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, those using wheelchairs, or even those with service dogs due to steep, rocky stairs and suspended walkways with gaps.
It is highly recommended to wear warm clothing, including a jacket or sweater, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The temperature inside the cave is significantly colder than the desert climate outside.
Photography is generally allowed inside the Shoshone Ice Caves, but it's always best to confirm with your tour guide. The lighting can be dim, so a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod might be helpful for capturing the ice formations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shoshone Ice Caves typically have a small gift shop that may offer snacks or drinks. However, for more substantial meals, it's advisable to plan to eat before or after your visit in nearby towns like Twin Falls.
It's generally not recommended to bring outside food and drinks into the cave itself to help preserve the environment. The gift shop might be a place to purchase refreshments.
Dining options are limited directly at the caves. The nearest town with a variety of restaurants is Twin Falls, Idaho, which offers numerous choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
📸 📸 Photography
Anytime is good for photography as the ice formations are present year-round. However, consider visiting during the day for natural light at the entrance and then experiencing the illuminated cave interior during the tour.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial. A wide-angle lens can help capture the scale of the lava tube. Tripods might be restricted, so check with your guide.
The entire cave is a photo opportunity! Focus on the unique ice formations, the textures of the lava rock walls, and the contrast between the icy interior and the desert exterior.
It's best to ask your tour guide about flash photography. While it can illuminate details, it might also be restricted to protect the ice formations or for safety reasons.
The most photogenic aspects include the natural ice formations, the sheer scale of the lava tube, and the dramatic temperature difference visible in photos of visitors bundled up against the cold.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Important considerations for families: The tour involves steep stairs and open walkways, so very young children need close supervision to prevent falls. Strollers and wheelchairs are not permitted. If your children are comfortable with a bit of adventure and can follow instructions, they'll likely love the 'natural refrigerator' experience.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Plan for about an hour for the tour itself, plus travel time. It's a great way to break up a long drive and see a unique natural wonder. Combine it with a visit to nearby Hagerman Fossil Beds (check for closures) or other Southern Idaho attractions for a full day of exploration.
❄️ Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Shoshone Ice Caves
What makes the Shoshone Ice Caves particularly special is the perennial ice formation within the tube. Due to the cave's depth and insulation from the surrounding rock, the temperature remains consistently below freezing throughout the year. This allows ice to form and persist, creating a unique subterranean environment that feels like a natural refrigerator. The temperature difference from the surface can be dramatic, often exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Navigating the Caves: Safety and Accessibility
However, it's crucial to note that this tour is not suitable for everyone. The entrance involves steep, rocky stairs, and the suspended walkways have gaps between steps. Visitors with mobility issues, those using wheelchairs, or parents with very young children who might have trouble with footing should reconsider. The open nature of the walkways also poses a risk for small children who could potentially fall.
The Unique Climate of the Ice Caves
This constant chill is maintained by the insulating properties of the lava rock and the cave's depth. The ice formations within the cave are a direct result of this persistent cold. This unique microclimate makes the caves a popular destination for those looking to escape the summer heat and experience a truly 'ice cold' adventure.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit