How to Get to Blue Heart Springs: Kayak to Crystal Clear Water in Idaho
(Updated: 2023)
Blue Heart Springs is a natural spring located in Southern Idaho near the town of Twin Falls. This spring boasts crystal clear water, blue like the Caribbean, connected to Snake River. It stays around 58 degrees, even in the warmest of summer, and requires a unique way to get here - by water only.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, a visit to Blue Heart Springs - a must-see spot in Idaho among many of Idaho's picturesque locations - is an unforgettable experience. Here is how you can visit this little Idaho natural wonder for yourself.
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Best Time to Visit Blue Heart Springs
The best seasons to paddle to Blue Heart Springs are in Spring, Summer, and Fall. By Winter, you will have the added layer of snow and complications getting to and from the spring.
I visited in July so we had warm weather paired with the cool 58-degree spring water. You will see more people out on the water during the Summer months so I recommend starting your trek to Blue Heart Springs as soon in the morning as you can.
✅ = Banbury Adventures starting point and location of kayak/SUP renting
⭐️ = Box Canyon Springs Preserve - a landmark you will pass along the way
❗️= Blue Heart Springs location
How to Get To Blue Heart Springs
If you are visiting from out of state, you are likely either road-tripping or flying in. The closest international airport is located in Boise, ID (BOI). From here, you would need to pick up a rental car to drive about an hour and 45 minutes to one of the most popular places on the river to rent water transportation, Banbury Adventures, to get to Blue Heart Springs. Yes, you can only access the spring by water!
Banbury offers kayak, SUP, and jet ski rentals. You will need to book your rental ahead of time for a selected date and time.
They also have a boat ramp where you can launch your own kayaks or boats if you have them with you on your travels!
The trip down is about 1.5 miles (so about 3 miles roundtrip). Once you are on the water of Snake River, you are going to head downstream from Banbury Hot Springs on your memorable Idaho outdoor adventure. Take your time and enjoy the scenery of the canyon which is picturesque and stunning. Since you are going downstream you won’t need to put in much work if you don’t want to! The river can naturally take you there.
Along the way, you will pass Box Canyon to your right. You can’t miss it. Where the water from the canyon spills into Snake River there are some minor rapids. You can’t go upstream this way into the canyon but this is a notable place to paddle up to peer down this vast and beautiful canyon.
Just a bit further and there will be a bend in the river that turns left. Follow this curve and against the wall of this canyon to your right, you will see a bowl-like inset section surrounded by vegetation (see photo reference above).
It may not look like much yet but keep heading towards this area and you will see a small clearing that you will paddle through to reach a stunning opening of clear blue waters with a rocky perimeter.
They say it typically takes about 45 minutes to get there and a little more to get back. We paddled downstream and were there in about 30 minutes and it took us 45-50 minutes to reach Banbury again.
Things to Do at Blue Heart Springs
Park your kayak, SUP, or jet ski against the rocks and have a picnic
Jump into the chilly waters for an unforgettable swimming experience
Sunbathe on your SUP for a couple of hours
Fly a drone to catch an incredible birds-eye view of this scenic photography spot
Paddle around the perimeter
Additional Helpful Tips
I advise trying to book the earliest time slot possible at 9 am. At this time, you are most likely to have the spring to yourself (or with the least number of people around).
When you pick up your water transportation, tell the staff that you are wanting to get to Blue Heart Springs. They will show you a map on the dock of exactly what to look out for and how to get there + answer any questions you may have about your rental.
Bring some snacks to keep your energy up and water to keep you hydrated.
Prepare to work a little harder and take a little longer to get back to Banbury leaving Blue Heart Springs because you will be going upstream now.
Bring some water shoes with you that have a good grip. If you plan to get out of your kayak or SUP into the water, these would be helpful because the rocks can be slippery.
Get in the water! It is chilly. But it is a great experience so just get in!
Watch out for snakes! We saw only one very tiny snake sunbathing on a rock in the spring. There are nooks and crannies in the rocks though where more may be. We are on Snake River after all…
At the entrance of Blue Heart Springs, there is an area of shallowness on either side with tall and heavy vegetation. We accidentally went through this navigating into the springs. It can be avoided but if you don’t, don’t panic as we did! You won’t get stuck. You may slow down some but keep paddling and you will get through it.
What do you think? Would you kayak all the way to this little oasis in Southern Idaho?
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