Early Spring in Bennett Hills of Idaho in a Campervan
We had an itch to get out and explore some early spring destinations within two hours from Boise. This is an ideal trip to take in March, April, Early May, Late September, October, and November. We made it a three day adventure so we could really get a good feel for the area.
Day 1: Boise to Shoshone/Black Magic Canyon
Day 2: Explore Black Magic Canyon and a Cave
Day 3: Explore Little City of Rocks and Bennett Hills
Total Mileage: 295 Miles
Day 1: Boise to Shoshone/Black Magic Canyon
Friday morning started with a great plan to get an early start, but the cards just did not seem to align and there was just one more email to finish. We finally got on the road in our Large Campervan and set out for Shoshone. Cruising down the highway it is so nice to sit behind the wheel with such a large window in front of you as the scenery rolls by you on the drive.
After an uneventful drive on Highway 84, we decided to try out a historic local dinner in Shoshone called the Manhattan Cafe. It looked like a cute place to get dinner and mingle with the local folk. We certainly got some looks when we pulled up in front of the restaurant in a silver campervan. Driving around in a Wandervan you just need to be ready sometimes for the curious on lookers. We sat down in the classic Idaho dinner and noticed many classic favorites. After two hours on the road nothing sounds better than a nice tasty burger. Luckily we saw the pies on the way in and remembered to save a little room. What better way to finish a meal than with a piece of pie!
Feeling very satisfied after dinner, we continued the drive up to Black Magic Canyon in search of a nice place to park for the night. Sometimes you never know what you are going to find out in the middle of no where, but we were just hoping for a level spot without mud. We found our primitive camping spot by driving north on Hwy 75 and then turning left onto Cottonwood Rd. There are lots of options, just make sure a spot is not too muddy when camping in the springtime. Since there was no official campground, just make sure to bring water and a portapotty. When the ground is frozen in early spring you would hate to break a shovel while frantically trying to dig a hole for a call of nature.
Day 2: Explore Black Magic Canyon and a Cave
On day two we woke up and ate breakfast in the van. On shorter trips like this we simply eat breakfast cereal out of a small Tupperware and then stack them afterwards. It makes life easy and then the dishes get done at home. We cleaned up with a GoodWipes Full Body shower wipe and were ready for the day.
We left the van at the main parking lot of Black Magic Canyon and hiked down the road a ways. The dirt road providing access to the canyon was a big mud bog so we couldn’t park any closer. Our plan was to hike the north rim and then descend into the canyon and do an out an back into the canyon. This worked out well and the black arrows on the map show where we descended into the canyon. The hike was great and we were glad the sun came out especially after accidentally falling in a pool of water in the bottom of the canyon. We spent all morning exploring before emerging out with one wet foot after a slip up.
After heading back to the van, we decided to dry off our feet and try out the Burrito Lady restaurant in Shoshone. We had a fun lunch and enjoyed sitting and taking in the lunchtime sights of Shoshone. It is a fun little Idaho town with some great folk.
After our feet warmed up, we decided to check out a cave for the afternoon with our campervan. There are two caves just north of Shoshone; Shoshone ice caves and Mammoth Cave.
Both caves are just north of Shoshone on HWY 75. With both caves we always recommend calling ahead especially during less busy times of year so you can make sure you can get in. Shoshone Ice Caves is at 208-886-2058 and Mammoth Cave is at 208-539-7072 or 208-886-7072.
Shoshone Ice Caves is a wonder of water, ice, and lava. You will find yourself in a lava tube that is over 1,000 feet long and ice as thick as 30 feet. Remember to bring extra layers for this adventure since the cave lives up to its namesake. The ice is caused by air currents that help to keep the ice frozen all year round. The owner offers guided towers through the cave for a reasonable price.
Mammoth Cave is the largest lava tube cave open to the public and so we decided to scout out this cave in the afternoon. We grabbed a light from the owner and went on a self-guided tour on the boardwalk deep down inside of the cave. Luckily, this cave maintains an average temperature of 41 degrees year around so we weren’t going to freeze. The walls are covered with interesting life forms and it was a fun afternoon experience. If you are in to taxidermy, be sure to check out the nearby museum after your tour.
After some time in the cave we set off to find a camping spot in Little City of Rocks. Of course we had to make a stop in Gooding for dinner first and we were still in the mood for Mexican. So we checked out the local restaurant El Cazador. We enjoyed a leisurely dinner before heading north on HWY 46 and following the sign for Little City of Rocks. It was very easy to find a spot to camp for the night right after turning off in our campervan.
Day 3: Explore Little City of Rocks and Bennett Hills
On Day 3 we woke up to another great day and set off on getting ready for our hike. We drove on the road towards the trailhead as far as we could until we came to a water crossing and decided to park with everyone else who decided the the water looked a little too deep this time of year. We walked the 0.6 miles to the trailhead and climbed up into the Little City of Rocks. There is a main trail in the canyon, but you are also welcome to explore around the canyon off the trail for some more adventure. We spent the day exploring the canyon and taking in all of the amazing rock formations.
We were tired after our hike and decided to head south in our campervan and try out to Western Cafe in Gooding for some brunch and fill our belly before the hour and 45 minute drive back to Boise. We were not disappointed and happy to enjoy some local Gooding food.
All in all, this was a great and easy trip from Boise if you are looking for a quick getaway!
Wandervans is the sweet spot in between the tent and the RV. No matter if you are a seasoned travelers or out there for the first time, Wandervans is there to help you experience Van Life on your next adventure.