Box Canyon Springs Preserve — Attraction in Jerome

Box Canyon is a wonderful hike. It is a little challenging, but not too hard. If you have bad knees and ankles this might be a tough hike for you as there are many rocks and stones in the middle of the pathway. The path is pretty narrow at times and has stinging nettle at sides in a couple stretches of the hike. There is a dramatic descent in the beginning that may require you to sit down on a large rock and slide down or very carefully lower yourself backwards down. If you decide to do a there-and-back hike then this beginning section can be difficult to climb back up out. I went with a large group and also a nine month old and we had relatively no problem. We did the loop which may be a little bit longer but the way back is not too bad as you take the access road that is past the manmade lake back. Be sure to check out the overlook before you drop down to the canyon. You’ll be able to see a part of the springs that you won’t hike by during your hike. You’ll be able to see some nice water waterfalls toward the end of the hike. This is a nice spot to take pictures, but it’s a tight spot so be courteous of the other hikers. You’ll be able to see the water turn a strikingly strong light blue color. The destination is the man-made lake, where you can dip your toes in or swim. We even saw some people with some paddle boards there. This would be a great spot to bring a lunch and eat at. There’s also a porta potty here for you to use. Be sure to bring some water shoes and a towel, but be careful because the water can be very cold. Of course, before you leave make sure you pick up any trash that you may have dropped and try not to play loud music if others are around. I recommend doing the loop. Keep going past this little man-made lake towards the Snake River and then follow the road as it turns, then you’ll go up a grade with a couple switchbacks and end up back at the parking lot. Keep in mind that there is a seven dollar fee to hike Box Canyon. However, if you have the state parks pass is free. I recommend Box...

This place is a treasure! We came with an rv. When arriving from the main road, pass through the first paved parking lot to the lower two lots, the first of which is for RVs and the second of which is for cars. All lots cost a $7 fee, which is paid by envelope at the first parking lot. From there, we walked the very short distance to the lookout over the incredible spring. Then, we crossed over the cow gate (stairs over the barb wire) and walked along the canyon rim about 0.5miles until the 200ft descent into the canyon, which is lined with a wire banister. The descent has boulders and water along the way, but is very comfortable to navigate. When you reach the bottom, keep to the left. This route takes you down the canyon along the spring stream, to the waterfall, and finally to the pool. The pool sits right before a dam, so the water is very calm and, of course, cold! Wear your bathing suit for a refreshing dip. There is also a port-o-potty available. It's possible to continue walking to the end of th canyon to the Snake River and then walk back all along the rim to the parking lot, but it is much more shaded (and beautiful) to walk back along the same path and up the 200 ft ascent. This hike is very family-friendly as long as your kids are comfortable with a little scrambling and elevation changes. Finally, the trail is very clear, but just beware of poison ivy here and there, as well as near the water.

One final note: The trail to the spring itself is blocked, and good it is - let's keep it pristine for all to enjoy. The water downstream in the pool is just as crystal clear and...

The overlook is nice, and the hike down into the canyon is 100% worth it. The river is beautiful, amazingly clear blue water through way more greenery than you’d ever expect while driving in to the parking lot. Bring a swim suit if you’re up for the chilly waters, there’s a great swimming hole about a mile in. Just a heads up—seems like this may have become somewhat of a popular local spot for underage drinking and smoking marijuana. Likely since it’s sort of the middle of now where, takes a hike to access, and there’s no cell service in the canyon. But lots of space down there to enjoy with your family away from all that. $7 per car if you don’t have the Idaho state park pass, there’s a fee station at the entrance and another at the parking lot. Don’t ignore it—it’s super cheap and helps keep beautiful places like this accessible for the public. Hate to imagine how much it would cost to hike if it was...