4.5Craters of the Moon National Monument(1.280 reviews) - go visit if you are in the area Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
An ocean of blackened lava flows holds opportunities to relax, explore, and enjoy for all ages and abilities. The monument is an easy day trip from Boise, Sun Valley, and Idaho Falls. Click on the link below to learn more about this unearthly landscape and start planning your visit today.See more..
Evidence of thinly veiled volcanic nature of this landscape. Had driven past lava flows on either side of interstate and wondered but had never stopped until today. Mine were the first tracks in the snow on the trail. I expect the geology/nature trail gets more attention in the summer from travelers pulled in for a rest stop and find this as a bonus.See more..
4.5Balance Rock(65 reviews) - Worth the drive Geologic Formations
We are so happy we made the drive from Twin Falls to check out this park. The climb was not too difficult and my kids really enjoyed climbing along the rock formations. Walking down was a little slippery. We went on a cool morning, probably would not have enjoyed this so much in the mid afternoon heat. The park across the street was nice as well.See more..
The twin Menan Buttes are two of the world's largest tuff cones - volcanoes that form when basaltic magma boils up through ground water. The trail to the summit of the North Butte offers exceptional opportunities to explore the unique geology and natural history of this area. North Menan Butte is designated as a National Natural Landmark and a Research Natural Area. These designations help presSee more..
Every time I drive by I can't help but wonder how they got up those steep, dangerous cliffs and were able to make their numbering look so uniform. Try getting as close as you can to get a good sense of how epic this is. Plus, what a great example of a local tradition being carried on through time. This isn't just a big letter on a hill that you see in nearby communities.See more..
4.5Deadman Falls(3 reviews) - This was an Amazing site! However... Geologic Formations
When there is not a tremendous amount of water out here you are just looking at a wall above a cliff in the desert. They had a record amount of snow and rain that caused the 'falls' to exist for a couple of weeks.. otherwise you are just driving around on someone's farm. See more..
Google Maps was misleading. The road to the dam is actually across from Wild Rose Dr. Interesting scenery with a few explanatory displays.See more..
4.5Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway(2 reviews) - Nice 100+ mile long back country gravel road Spent More than 3 hours Canyons • Deserts • Geologic Formations
This back road is really neat that travels among sage country to high elevation for over 100 miles with no services. Go prepared and enjoy.See more..
4.0Crystal Mountain(1 review) - Gorgeous 360 degree View of Peyette National Park Spent < 1 hour State Parks • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations We came up here with family who live in Boise. Crystal Mountain is a 6,929 ft / 2,112 m mountain peak near McCall, Idaho, United States. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 1007th highest mountain in Idaho and the 14388th highest mountain in the United States. The nearest peaks are Bear Pete Mountain, Ruby Mountain, War Eagle Mountain, Chimney Rock, Marshall Mountain, and Squaw Point.It was a gorgeous day and we climbed to the top. Bring gloves as this mountain is made entirely up of Quartz and is very sharp and steep to climb, so you need to use your hands. Once at the top the views are spectacular. It is so peaceful and beautiful. It is a magical place and if you like geological formations this is a must see. We brought lunch and enjoyed a tranquil lunch as we were the only ones there.See more..
5.0Red Rock Pass(1 review) - For Geologists, this is a very significant Location. For others, it could be. Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations Ok, to really enjoy this, you might want to be a bit of a geology geek or just someone who ever heard about the great Bonneville flood, when ancient Lake Bonneville (which filled most of northern Utah) over topped this pass and flooded north through all of Idaho and out to the pacific ocean. If you aren't a geology geek, you should read a little bit about it and then go and stand at this spot and marvel at how much water went through here, heading north. It's just a small waystop off of US 91, just a short detour off of I 15. Even though there are major articles about the site on the internet (good write up on Wikipedia), there is only a roadside sign that describes the importance of the event. there is also a stairway leading up to another monument but it is not for the Pass, it is for a fallen mormon soldier. the little cemetery in the back is dedicated to someone but we didn't venture there. This is not a flashy place. You have to be able to look at the gap in the rocks and visualize a huge wall of water breaking through the mountain and inundating much of southern Idaho. In the US, it was probably only surpassed by the glacial dam collapse, causing the Missoula floods that scoured all of eastern Washington and carved out the current configuration of the Columbia River. .See more..
