Shoshone Falls & Dierkes Lake half-day hike: Twin Falls, Idaho

Walk the rim of Snake River Canyon and stand yards from a 212-foot waterfall.

A half-day guided hike in Twin Falls, Idaho loops around Dierkes Lake, climbs man-made staircases to the Snake River Canyon's south rim, then moves to Shoshone Falls: a 212-foot waterfall spanning 950 feet across the canyon. An interpretive guide explains the volcanic geology shaped by Lake Bonneville's overflow 15,000 years ago, points out birds of prey and hidden waterfalls along the canyon walls, and walks you down to the main viewing platform for close views of the falls. Bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The tour runs 3.5 hours with hotel pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Dierkes Lake and visit Shoshone Falls

• Hike 1.7 mile loop at Dierkes Lake
• Climb stairs to Snake River Canyon rim
• Drive one mile to Shoshone Falls
• Walk to main viewing platform at falls
• Explore Shoshone Falls park and visitor center

The experience

The hike starts on a well-marked moderate loop trail at Dierkes Lake, where two hidden lakes sit within the same trail system: one ringed by extraordinary geologic formations, the other a marshy bird sanctuary. As you ascend toward the south rim of the Snake River Canyon, the guide points out birds of prey soaring through the canyon and hidden waterfalls that burst from its walls. The trail climbs a steep set of man-made staircases to reach the rim, where the winding Snake River opens below.

After the loop, a short one-mile drive takes you to Shoshone Falls, known locally as "the Niagara of the west." The guide walks you through the volcanic history: more than 15,000 years ago, Lake Bonneville overflowed its rim 300 miles away and tore through Idaho's terrain to create this natural wonder. You descend onto the main viewing platform, standing just yards from the top of the falls as water drops 212 feet across a 950-foot span. The falls rank among the top three waterfalls in the United States.

At the adjacent park, interpretive boards cover local history, including the Shoshone Falls Power Plant built in 1907, Idaho's first power plant in the Magic Valley. You can purchase snacks and souvenirs here before heading back. The tour includes bottled water throughout and returns you by air-conditioned vehicle.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the tour.
• air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup.
• interpretive guide in English.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 Apr 2027

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (14 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Big Green Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?This is a guided group tour, so you hike with an interpretive guide who explains the geology and points out wildlife and hidden features along the way: ideal if you want the local knowledge and the history of the volcanic formations woven through the experience rather than discovering them on your own.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

14 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (14 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the hike difficulty on this Shoshone Falls tour?

The loop trail around Dierkes Lake is moderate, but it includes a steep climb up man-made staircases to reach the Snake River Canyon rim. The total distance is 1.7 miles, and the tour runs 3.5 hours with the guide covering geology and wildlife along the way.

How close do you get to Shoshone Falls on this tour?

You walk down onto the main viewing platform at Shoshone Falls, standing just yards from the top of the waterfall. The falls drop 212 feet and span 950 feet across the Snake River Canyon, so you're positioned for direct views of the water flowing over the edge.

What wildlife might I see on the Dierkes Lake hike?

The guide points out birds of prey soaring through the Snake River Canyon and directs you to a marshy bird sanctuary at one of the hidden lakes. You'll also observe Idaho wildlife in its natural habitat along the trail and canyon walls.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in the tour price. The guide also provides an air-conditioned vehicle for the one-mile drive from Dierkes Lake to Shoshone Falls.

What does the guide explain about the geology here?

The interpretive guide covers how Lake Bonneville overflowed its rim more than 15,000 years ago, tearing through Idaho's terrain 300 miles away to create Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon. You'll also learn about the Shoshone Falls Power Plant, built in 1907 as Idaho's first power plant.