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Brian McCord 2010
Outdoor Splendor
A cyclist rides past the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho. Southern Idaho is a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts with it's many trails, waterfalls and beautiful landscapes. JCI PHOTO - Brian McCord
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Jeff Adkins 2009
Outdoor Recreation
Betsy Wiesmore paddles up the Snake River towards the Perrine Bridge as the sun rises in Twin Falls, Idaho. There are an unlimited number of outdoor recreational opportunities in Southern Idaho including base jumping, heli-skiing, canoeing, white water rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking JCI PHOTO- Jeff Adkins
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By Scott Elliot [Photos courtesy Southern Idaho Tourism (unless otherwise credited)]
South Central Idaho is at a crossroads of many different ecosystems – from basins, wetlands, and rivers to rising peaks. Shoshone Falls, the Niagara of the West, plunges 212 feet. The falls are best viewed in the early spring, as water volumes are dependent on snowpack. Year round, however, there is much to enjoy and explore around Shoshone Falls with numerous trails and scenic vistas.
Escape the ordinary, head to Twin Falls and stroll over the 500m long Perrine Bridge. BASE jumpers (Buildings, Antennas, Spans and Earth) leap from the bridge and soar 500 feet down to the floor of the beautiful Snake River Canyon. This bridge is only place in the world where one can enjoy this thrilling sport.
As the sport has grown, so too has tandem BASE-jumping. It is important to tandem jump with a well-trained, seasoned athlete. Twin Falls is the only place in the world where one can take part in this exciting activity, the tandem BASE jumping capital of the world! As a jumper climbs over the railing and leaps into the air, onlookers experience a pause, an increased heart rate and hold their breath. It is definitely a shock to see someone front-flip off the railing and free fall for a moment. The sudden loud snap of the parachute as it opens is quickly followed by audible sigh that too echoes through the canyon.
Idaho has more white river miles than any other state in the lower forty-eight. Ride down the Hagerman stretch of the Snake River, soak at Miracle Hot Spring, spend a morning meandering along the scenic Thousand Springs Byway, pet a sturgeon at the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery and picnic beneath a seamless blue sky.
This is a bird watchers paradise, “a place of inspiring beauty, contrasting landscapes and birding opportunities,” said Wallace Keck, Superintendent, City of Rocks National Reserve and an avid birder. “We are unique in that Central Idaho sits at a crossroad where many different ecosystems converge. Basin, wetland, peaks and rivers each provide their own habitat for a wide variety of birds.”
For example, the high desert ecosystem and rocky cliffs around the City of Rocks and the Castle Rock State Park are rich with birds of prey including the golden eagle, prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier and the great horned owl. Other species of interest in the area include turkey vultures, sage grouse, pinyon jay, mountain bluebird and Virginia’s warbler.
Dubbed the strangest 75 square miles in North America, by an early visitor, Craters of the Moon is a playground for hiking, caving and exploring.
With pathways winding around 25 volcanic cones and 60 different distinct lava flows, the area is geologically significant and a whole lot of fun. While on the surface, it may appear as a desolate, black terrain; it is home to many birds, plants and animals. In addition, it is a destination place for visitors from all over the globe.
Southern Idaho Tourism has a FREE Mobile app to help visitors explore everything the region has to offer. Download the App at visitsouthidaho.com/mobile.
For more information about southern Idaho go to www.visitsouthidaho.com