Beautiful Idaho Waterfalls: Mesa & Shoshone Falls
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Mesa Falls and Shoshone Falls are 2 spectacular waterfalls located in southern Idaho. Both are worthy of a visit for the breathtaking views, peaceful setting, and prime photo opportunities. I enjoyed my time looking at these falls as much as my visit to Niagara, especially in the case of stunning Mesa Falls. Fortunately, living in Idaho Falls allowed me to conveniently access the falls without much effort.
Idaho Falls is a great base location for exploring Mesa Falls as well as other natural wonders in the southern portion of the state. So, if you find yourself taking a roadtrip through this region (say on the way to Yellowstone), it’s definitely worth the detour to view either of these amazing waterfalls.
Mesa Falls
This grand waterfall is the more scenic of the 2 in my opinion. The drive is just as scenic as anything you would find in Yellowstone, with the added bonus of being free and much less congested. The drive begins in Ashton at the Junction of US 20 and Idaho 47. You will pass through various terrain along the way including beautiful forested lands, rivers, and canyons, until you eventually reach the Lower and Upper Falls.
Don’t be surprised to see wildlife roaming along the beautiful, desolate country road! Cows were blocking the road on several occasions. As someone who grew up in the city, I found this pretty funny.
I was amazed at the incredible forested views for much of the route. It’s nature at its best; a wonderful opportunity to look at something besides a TV or computer monitor. Because this drive travels through the Bridger Teton Forest, the views are pretty beautiful the entire route. If you are up for an adventure, there are many great hiking trails here. The 3 mile Cache Creek Loop is one of the shorter trails for anyone looking to keep it simple. You can check out the national forest site for more hiking details.
Make sure to stop at the Grand Teton scenic overlook along the way for a nice little view of these spectacular mountains. A side trip to the beautiful Grand Tetons National Park is another option if you have extra time.
The Upper Falls comes in at 110 feet while the Lower Falls reach 85 feet. Both are incredible waterfalls with Upper having the upper hand due to the magnificent backdrop and easy access for prime viewing. Upper Falls is an amazing spot for photography; you will find a convenient walking path and viewing overlooks for taking pictures. The pristine uninterrupted natural forested setting is really what creates the jaw dropping setting here. I have driven to this waterfall so many times and it continues to impress me.
There is a scenic overlook for Lower Falls although it is not as built up at the Upper viewing area. There are some gorgeous views of the Snake River which is the largest tributary of the Columbia River.
Upper Falls is way more breathtaking as the falls are so much taller, wider, and more powerful. It’s a short trail with many viewing points throughout. I love all the beautiful evergreen trees along the path. As you can see in my opening photo, it’s not rare to see a gorgeous rainbow as sunlight intertwines with the mist. I recommend stopping at the Visitor Center (located at the trailhead) to learn more about the byway and falls history. There is a nice viewing platform where you can take photos. Fortunately, we lucked out and never experienced much crowding during our visits.
How long is the drive?
The Byway runs approximately 28 miles and would take about an hour to drive straight-through. However, I would plan at least a few hours for stopping at each of the falls, taking pictures, and pulling over at the scenic overlooks! Bring with a picnic and you have yourself a perfect little half day budget friendly activity in the beautiful natural Idaho wilderness. There are picnic tables available at the Upper Falls parking area.
Additional Details
Address: The scenic drive starts in Ashton, Idaho at the Junction of US 20 and Idaho 47.
Lodging: In terms of lodging, I would recommend booking a hotel in Idaho Falls (about an hour’s drive) or Rexburg (about a half hour drive). Both these towns offer plenty of amenities, including both local and chain restaurants, shopping, and hotel options. Idaho Falls is also home to a small waterfall of its’ own and a beautiful 2.5 mile walking path around the Snake River.
Operating Dates: Generally from Mid-May to Mid October. One time, we tried to take a drive in September but it was still closed. The road opens back up when the snow melts. During the winter, you can get out your cross country skis or snowmobiles! There is a $5 fee to enter the Upper Falls recreation area.
Trivia: Did you know that the Upper and Lower Falls are the only major falls in Idaho not used for irrigation?
Learn more about the Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls, also referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” is actually taller than Niagara Falls. Standing at 212 feet high, this powerful waterfall is a beautiful sight to check out if you happen to be driving through the area. I would not recommend a specific drive here like I would for Mesa, but it’s a worthy stop if you are anywhere near the vicinity. Spring is the best time to see this (and any other waterfall) at its’ most powerful.
Although you can see the falls without hiking, there is a 8 mile long Canyon Rim Path. To get the most out of your visit, you may want to consider hiking a portion of this trail. This trail is paved and mostly easy in terms of intensity. Lots of great pics to take from various viewpoints.
Check out these fantastic views of the Snake River and surrounding mountains! In the second pic, you can see a small but beautiful little waterfall.
We actually made a detour here on a road trip to the Boise area (located about 2 hours away). This was the perfect little nature break: a small hike, a picnic lunch, and a little photography was just what we needed after all that time on the road. The picnic area is beautiful. Other amenities include a playground and a small snack stand.
Additional Details
Address: Shoshone Falls Grade Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.
Lodging: The falls are located about 5 miles from the town of Twin Falls. Because of its’ close proximity and variety of restaurants and shops, Twin Falls is the best option for lodging.
Operating Dates: Open year round from 7:00am-9:00pm. There is a $5 per car fee to enter the area.
*Any pricing is current as of summer of 2025. It’s always best to check with any business to ensure nothing has changed.
