Shoshone Ice Caves
4.5(1.4K)google
CaveGeologyAdventurousPhoto Spot
Overview
The Shoshone Ice Caves are a remarkable geological wonder located in the high desert of southern Idaho, featuring a massive subterranean volcanic lava tube that remains frozen completely solid year-round. Guided tours take visitors deep underground into the natural cooling cavern, where a solid floor of ice up to 30 feet thick creates an otherworldly interior climate completely disconnected from the blazing desert sun above. Expert geologists explain the unique thermodynamic principles that preserve the cave's ancient ice walls, providing a fascinating, chilly subterranean exploration.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2 hours
Best TimeThis subterranean lava wonder is strictly open to the public from May through September. The ultimate hour to experience it is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; while the surrounding desert bakes in 100°F heat, the interior of this massive volcanic tube remains below freezing. Midday sun pierces the entrance shaft, illuminating the ancient, solid walls of ice.
Getting ThereLocated directly off the highway corridor, roughly 17 miles north of Shoshone. Driving is mandatory: drive straight north along State Highway 75 (ID-75 N) and look left for the prominent retro dinosaur statue and log gift shop. The private attraction maintains its own sprawling, complimentary unpaved gravel parking lot directly adjacent to the main building.
Travel Tips
- The subsurface volcanic cave maintains a constant freezing 28-32 Fahrenheit; regardless of summer desert heat, thick thermal down jackets and pants are required.
- The internal pathways feature elevated steel mesh walkways anchored over solid ice sheets; high heels, smooth leather boots, and open sandals are explicitly banned.
- This is a privately held commercial attraction where federal passes are void; cave lighting is generator-dependent and powerful handheld spotlights are restricted.
Reviews
Positive
- A highly bizarre geological wonder! A freezing subterranean lava tube blanketed in solid ice beneath a baking desert lava field.
- Full of adventure; guided tours into the earth wearing parkas and hardhats offer highly educational details on volcanic ice tubes.
- Features sturdy wooden boardwalks and handrails inside, illuminated by great multi-colored LED lights that bring out icy illusions.
- The surface houses a fun retro artifact museum, and the gift shop is reasonably priced, forming a highly unique road trip stop.
Heads up
- Note that self-guided walks are entirely blocked; entry strictly mandates a paid ticket and joining scheduled commercial group tours.
- The actual walking trail inside the cave is much shorter than expected; underground time lasts just 30-40 minutes, feeling brief.
- Reaching the tube demands walking down very steep, chilly, and slick metal stairs; a total lack of elevators hurts mobility-restricted seniors.
- As a private attraction affected by warming global climates, recent years show noticeable ice recession, lessening its old grandeur.