Location: Thousand Springs State Park, Wendell, Idaho
Distance: 4 Miles (Out and Back)
Time: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 350 Feet
Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Foot Traffic: Light
Date Hiked: Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Overview
The Thousand Springs State Park, near the city of Hagerman in Idaho, boasts an array of great hikes and attractions. The park is divided up into five units and offers an immense amount of beauty at every turn.
A great area to explore for visitors to Thousand Springs State Park is the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve. This area is great for every type of visitor. Those wanting to hike will find a fairly easy trail leading to a pretty spring and swimming area. For those with more advanced skills it’s possible to reach the two main Natural Springs that can be seen from the parking area, although the two trails down are really meant for experienced hikers.
For those not feeling up for a hike, a quick walk to the overlook will most likely satisfy your needs as well. From the overlook, two of the main springs in Box Canyon can be viewed from a spectacular viewpoint from above.
The crystal clear waters glisten in the sun and are quite a sight to see.
This area can be easily explored and joined together with many other activities in the area to make for a fun packed day.
Trail Description and My Story
After an utterly amazing morning kayaking to Blue Heart Springs, our energy levels were high and our excitement to explore the surrounding areas couldn’t be contained. We decided to head over to Box Canyon Springs. As we entered the preserve, we quickly made our way to the little lookout and were just blown away by the beauty of the springs below us. I asked my wife if she wanted to hike to the spring further down canyon and she smiled and encouraged me to go ahead and go by myself. Our 3 month old daughter was still napping and I figured I should let her and mom rest a little, after the busy morning. My wife assured me that I could take my time and that she had a book to read, but I let her know that I would try to jog the trail.
Getting to the Two Springs That Can Be Seen From the Overlook
Before I start describing the trail, I just want to make it clear that I am describing the hike to the spring and pool further down the canyon that cannot be seen from the parking area or overlook. The two beautiful springs that are seen from the overlook can be reached but require some skill and comfort with exposure.
One trail starts extremely close to the overlook and requires somewhat technical down climbing. This area is absolutely not for the inexperienced, so make good decisions. There’s also another trail further along the canyon rim that can be a bit hard to find and requires a scramble along a narrow ledge, before continuing along an exposed trail that leads down to the canyon. I’m not going to describe these routes, because if you are capable of doing them, then you are most likely capable of finding the routes as well. Be safe if you are choosing these routes.
Starting the Main Hiking Trail in Box Canyon Springs
I decided to try and make quick work of the main, easy trail to the spring and pool further down Box Canyon. I knew we would be coming back the next day and I planned to check the other trails out then. My wife gave me a kiss and I said goodbye to her and Baby Scout before taking off with no gear or water. I figured this would help me move fast, but as always, ended up being a horrible decision when I finished the hike insanely dehydrated. Don’t be like me. Always bring water.
Making my way over to the trail board, I started down the gravel trail, which continued a short distance from the canyon’s edge. In no time, I had reached my first real trail junction. A set of metal stairs leads the way steeply downwards towards the canyon. My pace went from jogging to slowly navigating this short section. At the bottom of the stairs, a metal cable is in place to help hikers down the steeper, narrower section.
This area is filled with loose rocks but overall should be doable for most hikers. At this point, my pace picked back up as I reached the inner canyon. I made a left and followed the trail downstream, now in a dense canopy of trees on a sometimes overgrown trail.
I felt a little wary, not knowing exactly where I was going and having not seen anyone else on the trail. Pushing forward, I reached a small waterfall and was now a little relieved as I was sure I was on the right trail.
Reaching the Box Canyon Spring Pool
I passed another group that was hiking out and within a few minutes I had reached a beautiful spring fed pool. Upon reaching the spring, I dipped my feet into the cold waters and then pulled my phone out to take a picture. I spent a few seconds wondering why my phone wasn’t working before realizing it had died. Annoyed and irritated with my preparation, I put my phone away and told myself to just be grateful for this experience and to enjoy the hike out.
I made quick work of the trail on the way out. As I hit the last section and began the steep climb out of the canyon, I again became irritated with myself. I was insanely thirsty and couldn’t rationalize why I had intentionally left my water behind. Once back at the car, I explained to my wife that I was happy with how quick I managed the trail but was dying from thirst. She shook her head and scolded me for being an idiot.
Summary of the Box Canyon Springs Trail
This trail is pretty easy for the most part, and once you reach the canyon floor, the trail is completely flat. There is the one steep section, but it’s very short and there really isn’t any exposure to cause alarm. A cable is in place for those that need it and it does help. The spring and pool that this trail accesses is very pretty and nice, but in my opinion, is not nearly as pretty as the ones that can be seen from the overlook. From what I have seen, a lot of people that set out on this trail believe that they are going to the springs that are seen from the overlook. That is not the case. While those springs can technically be accessed, they are really only for the adventurous and more experienced. Regardless, this area is phenomenally beautiful.
Getting to Box Canyon Springs Trailhead
Box Canyon Springs, Wendell, Idaho 83355
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes, this is a fee area. You must either display an Idaho State Parks Passport or there is a $7 per vehicle fee to visit. This fee covers all areas within Thousand Springs State Park.
Are dogs allowed on the Box Canyon Springs Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the Box Canyon Springs Trail and all other trails inside of Thousand Springs State Park. However, they must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, vault toilets are located in the parking area.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
