Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho
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Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho

4.5
·1k reviews·Shoshone, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Escape the desert heat!

CrowdMedium
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Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho

Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Escape the desert heat!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(1k reviews)

"Crazy how cold it gets even on a hot summer day!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Frozen Lava Tube

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

Volcanic History Museum

Above Ground

Discover the fascinating volcanic past of the region and learn about lava tubes at the onsite museum.

Reddit
Gift Shop & Souvenirs

Gift Shop & Souvenirs

Entrance Area

Pick up a memento from your chilly adventure and browse unique local crafts and gifts.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tours in Advance

Tours are guided and depart hourly. Booking ahead, especially on weekends or during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check their official website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability. Reddit

Dress for the Cold

Despite the desert heat outside, the Shoshone Ice Caves maintain a consistent frigid temperature year-round. Bring a warm jacket or sweater, as temperatures inside can drop to 23-29 degrees Fahrenheit. TikTokInstagram+1

Best Times

When
Summer Mornings
Why
Escape the desert heat!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A 74° temperature difference! Small adventure out to the Shoshone Ice Caves. 🥶 Very nice on a triple digit day. It's worth the visit if you're in the area! #idaho #idahome #shoshone #icecave #caveexploration
@cwkolosik_103
57.6K likes • 848.9K views

🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket!

It's 74°F colder inside! Essential for comfort. TikTokInstagram

👟 Not for Mobility Issues

Steep stairs & open walkways. Not for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

Need a place to cool off this summer? Book a tour now! 🧊 #visitsouthernidaho #shoshone #idaho #icecaves #shoshoneicecaves #iceformations
@shoshoneicecaves
51.5K likes • 601.2K views
Shoshone Ice Caves, Idaho #retiredlife #explore #explorar #idaho #cave #shoshoneicecaves #daytrip
jump_ball
21 likes • 1K views

🐶 No Dogs Allowed

Service dogs may not be permitted. Check ahead. Instagram

⏰ Tours Depart Hourly

Check schedule; booking ahead advised. Reddit

Shoshone Ice #caves in Idaho #travel
stuckinacamper
5 likes • 68 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket!

It's 74°F colder inside! Essential for comfort. TikTokInstagram

👟 Not for Mobility Issues

Steep stairs & open walkways. Not for strollers or wheelchairs. Reddit

🐶 No Dogs Allowed

Service dogs may not be permitted. Check ahead. Instagram

⏰ Tours Depart Hourly

Check schedule; booking ahead advised. Reddit

💡 Well-Lit Walkways

Wooden paths guide you through the cave. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

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. Reddit

"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

Unique ice formations
Cool escape from heat
Friendly tour guides

What People Dislike

Limited accessibility
Not for young children

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

The closest major city with significant amenities is Twin Falls, Idaho, which is located south of the caves. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Shoshone Ice Caves offer a unique and exciting experience for families, especially on hot summer days. Kids will be fascinated by the natural ice formations and the dramatic temperature drop. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

The Shoshone Ice Caves are a fantastic off-the-beaten-path stop for anyone road-tripping through Idaho. Located in Southern Idaho, they offer a refreshing break from the desert landscape and a memorable experience. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

❄️ Adventure Seekers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of Shoshone Ice Caves

The Shoshone Ice Caves are a remarkable example of a lava tube, a natural tunnel formed by flowing lava. As molten rock flowed, the outer layers cooled and solidified, creating a crust. The still-molten lava beneath continued to flow, eventually draining out and leaving behind an empty tube. Much of the surrounding area in Idaho is covered in ancient lava flows, making these tubes a common geological feature, though many have collapsed over time. Instagram+1

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. TikTokReddit

Navigating the Caves: Safety and Accessibility

Visiting the Shoshone Ice Caves involves a guided tour that takes you approximately 100 feet below the surface. The path inside the cave is equipped with a wooden walkway, which helps visitors navigate the icy terrain. The cave is also well-lit, making it easier to see the formations. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

The Unique Climate of the Ice Caves

The Shoshone Ice Caves are renowned for their incredibly stable and cold internal climate. Even on scorching summer days when temperatures outside can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior of the cave remains a consistent 23-29 degrees Fahrenheit. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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