From Bruneau Dunes we headed east to Picabo, Idaho to see the Craters of the Moon National Monument. After that, north to Ketchum to explore Sun Valley and Stanley. On our way out of Idaho we stopped in Twin Falls to stock up at Costco and see the Shoshone Falls.
Picabo, Idaho
The area is known for amazing trout fishing. Jake could see the monster fish swimming along the banks.
Picabo had plenty of hay fields, cattle, sheep and horses.
Picabo Angler RV Park
We were very limited in places to stay if we wanted to visit Craters of the Moon. They had 50 amp service, good water pressure, huge sites, great internet but only a dump station for sewer.
Other than some road noise, the area was peaceful. The RV park was less than half full, so we enjoyed not having neighbors on either side of us.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
A nice National Monument with numerous short hiking trails. Shouldn’t have chosen to wear black while visiting a lava field!
Lava flowed 2,000 to 15,000 years ago. It’s amazing that in thousands of years, the area hasn’t been covered by grasses and other plants. The National Park Service claims that the area is still active and lava could flow again. There were caves to explore. Reminded us that we are overdue on a Big Island trip.
Ketchum, Idaho
It was fall and the aspen trees were in peak fall color. We were hoping to see the elk rut. Apparently the weather was too warm and they were still at higher elevation…as we were informed by some frustrated bow hunters.
The Meadows RV Park
We were just outside of Ketchum. The RV park had 50 amp service with full hookups. The internet was very good and the park less than half full.
A beautiful easy hike along Adams Gulch.
Ketchum is a ski destination. Enjoyed this ski fence.
There were numerous hot springs in the area. The soaking pot at Boat Box hot springs was too hot, even after adding 40 gallons of cold stream water to it, so we opted for the shallow pools next to it.
Sunbeam hot springs were larger and at a perfect temperature and depth.
Frenchman’s hot springs were more crowded, so we waded across the cold river and found a perfect spot. Sandy did not want to go back across the cold river. Her feet were numb after the crossing. Brrr
Ketchum had plenty of bars, restaurants, and shopping to keep almost anyone entertained. There are some really expensive homes in Sun Valley. Sandy liked the thrift store and scored on a Hurley flannel shirt for only $9. The town had miles of paved bike/walking trails.
Twin Falls, Idaho
We stopped here on our way to Nevada mostly because Twin Falls had a Costco. Shoshone Falls on the Snake River must be impressive in the spring time but, they were only at a trickle this time of the year.
Evel Knievel failed an attempted canyon jump here in 1974 in a steam powered rocket. His parachute deployed at take off, gently landing him on the shore.
