Shoshone Ice Caves: A Unique Family Activity in Southern Idaho
3 minute read | may contain affiliate links
Welcome to a chilling adventure into the depths of Southern Idaho's mesmerizing Shoshone Ice Cave! In this guide, I invite you to join us on an extraordinary tour through this natural wonder.
Discover the hidden marvels and geological wonders that lie beneath the Earth's surface as you delve into the mysterious corridor and icy formations of the Shoshone Ice Cave.
Unveil the fascinating history, unique features and breathtaking beauty of this subterranean wonderland. Prepare to be awestruck as we explore the secrets of this icy realm and provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your own unforgettable journey.
Let's embark on an exploration like no other and uncover the enchantment of the Shoshone Ice Cave!
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Shoshone Ice Cave Location, Parking & Fees
The Shoshone Ice Cave is located in the Southern Idaho city of Shoshone, about 20-minutes from the downtown area.
It’s about two hours southeast of Boise and slighty less than an hour north of Twin Falls (an equally great area to visit).
You can see the entrance from the highway as the red logged structure makes it easy to spot (never mind the giant green dinosaur).
That red structure is where you’ll check in and present/purchase your tickets and is also where the tour will begin. Parking is abundant and free.
The only tours available are guided. Self-guided tours are not permitted. Fortunately, the prices for the tour are reasonable.
As of July 2023, tour ticket prices are:
$12 (Adults - age 13 years & up)
$8 (Child - ages 4 - 12)
Free (Children ages 3 & under)
Keep in mind that while children are welcomed, the trail to and inside the cave isn’t stroller (or wheelchair) friendly.
The cave is open to the public May 1st - September 30th each year. Tours are available every hour between 9am and 7pm during peak season.
Shoshone Ice Cave Tour
Your tour will begin behind the gift shop through the back door. Your knowledgable tour guide will go over a brief safety discussion and breakdown the history of the area.
You’ll follow your guide along a short trail through a lava field as you make your way to the mouth of the cave.
If there’s another group still in the cave, your guide will have you wait while they make their way out. The trail inside is narrow, so they keep it to one group at a time.
As you make your way down the rocky stairwell towards the mouth of the cave, you’ll immediately notice the temperature difference as it gradually cools.
It’ll become more apparent as you enter the cave proper. No matter how hot it is outside, the temperature of the cave varies between 23 - 33 degrees, year round.
*Pro Tip: Even if you’re here in the dead of summer, bring a hoodie
After entering, you’ll make your way down a wooden staircase which will lead you to the wooden boardwalk that traverses above the 1,000 foot long ice block.
The ice block varies in depth from 8 to 30 feet thick and runs nearly the entire length of the cave. Some additional stats of cave are:
It is 100 feet under the surface
1,700 feet long
50 feet wide
and 45 feet in height
The only light in the cave is artificial and minimal. It’s lit up just enough to allow you to see where you’re going.
You’ll eventually reach the dead-end where your guide will further discuss the cave and demonstrate how dark the cave naturally is by briefly turning the lights out.
From here, you’ll turn around and go back in the same direction you came. After exiting, you’ll return to the gift shop via another trail and get brief views of additional cave entrances.
Before leaving, feel free to support them by browsing the gift shop and checking out the statue attractions in the parking lot.
I hope you’ll consider taking a tour of the ice cave. My wife and I enjoyed it immensely and thought it was a cool experience.
Consider visiting another exciting cave just a few miles away from this one:
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