Lava Hot Springs

Lava Hot Springs State Foundation
430 East Main
P.O. Box 669
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246
Phone: (208) 776-5221 or (800) 423-8597

Hours:

8:00 am to 11:00 pm – June 16 through September 30

9:00 am to 10:00 pm - October 1 through June 15

(Fridays & Saturday until 11:00 pm)

The fall semester is the perfect track to take full advantage of Lava Hot Springs, with temperatures cool enough to enjoy hot springs but still warm enough to make getting wet appealing. Lava Hot springs is known for its all-natural mineral water that has no added chemicals, no sulfur and no odor. The four, gravel bottom, pools vary from a hot 112 degrees to a warm 102 degrees.

Supplies:

Before embarking on your hot springs trip you will need:

• 1 Swimsuit
• 1 Towel
• 1 Bottle of water
• Money:

Admission Fees- Ages 12-59 yrs

Mon-Thu $5.50

Fri-Sun $6.00

Holidays-All Day $7.50

Rentals-

Suits: $1.50 plus $3.00 deposit

Towels: $1.50 plus $2.00 deposit

Lockers: $ .25 (coin operated)

Safety:

Be careful not to stay in the water too long, because of overheating and dehydration. Also remember to take friends that know the area.

Directions:

Lava Hot Springs is approximately 110.54 miles from Rexburg and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the hot springs. Click here for driving directions from Rexburg to Lava Hot Springs.

While visiting Lava Hot Springs, remember that the food there can be a bit overpriced, a suggestion would be to bring some snacks to avoid the high prices. If you are taking a date or are looking for some great food, here is a list of some restaurants in Lava Hot Springs.

Dining:

• Blue Moon Bar & Grill

Known for great American cuisine popular tourist stop!

89 South 1 East, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246

Phone: 208-776-5077

• Riverside Restaurant & Lounge

Known for Outdoor seating and American Cuisine!

255 E Portneuf Ave, Lava Hot Springs, ID, 83246

Phone: 208-776-5504

• Fat Jack’s Burgers

Known for great burgers and dairy delights!

20 East Main, Lava Hot Springs, ID, 83246

Phone: 208-776-9696

• Shed Restaurant

Voted Restaurant for the Year! Known for great Ribs, Chicken and Seafood!

9926 E Highway 30, Lava Hot Springs, ID, 83246

Phone: 208-776-9420

Riding at the Dunes

The Sand Dunes of Saint Anthony have been attracting tourists for decades. The 10,600 acres of white sand is the perfect playground for exceptional recreational activities! The hills were once active volcanic vents now the prevailing winds have sculpted miles of ever-changing terrain.

Directions:

This website is an overall guide to playing at the dunes. It has directions to the most popular spots, lodging, product reviews, maps and much more.

http://www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_st_anthony.htm

Supplies:

Before embarking on your trip out to play at the dunes you will need:

• 4-wheel drive truck w/ trailer
• All terrain vehicle (motorcycle, Quad, Dune buggy)
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Jacket/coat
• Long pants
• Tennis Shoes
• First aid kit
• Food & Drinks

Safety:

Please remember that while riding at the dunes that you never know what or who is on the other side so ride cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t ride at excessive speeds or you could be going home with extreme injuries. Always wear a helmet and obey laws and regulations.

Cost:

Please be aware that this isn’t a cheap activity many of the rentals can run up to $60 an hour/ $150 half day. Most rentals include delivery, helmet, gloves and paddles but, gas and insurance are not covered. My suggestion would be to gather a large group of friends that each chip in and then trying to work a group discount with the rentals.

Rental Locations:

With so many outdoor attractions there are many sports shops in eastern Idaho. So where would I get an ATV to take to the dunes? Below are a few places in Rexburg and St. Anthony that have ATV’s for purchase and renting.

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Dune Excursions and ATV Rental

1396 E. 400 N., St. Anthony, ID 83445

Directions:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=1396%20E%20400%20N&city=Saint%20Anthony&state=ID&zipcode=83445%2d5101&country=US&geodiff=1

Phone: 208-709-RIDE

http://duneexcursions.com/

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Targhee Sports & Service

348 N 2^nd E, Rexburg, ID (located behind Dairy Queen)

Phone: 208-356-5784

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm

http://www.targheesports.com/

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Rexburg Motorsports

1178 University Blvd, Rexburg, ID

Phone: 208-356-4000

Service Hours:

Monday –Friday / 8 am-6 pm

Saturday / 8:30 am -5 pm

Showroom Hours:

Monday- Friday / 9 am-6 pm

Saturday / 9 am-6 pm

http://rexburgmotorsports.com/default.asp

Ice Caves

Rexburg Ice Caves, or more commonly known as the Civil Defense Caves from the cold war era. The Ice caves are large tubes formed when molten Lava flowed through a confined channel for many hours or days. This flow develops a solid crust forming a roof as the lava begins to cool. Once the source of lava stops the lava in the channel eventually flows out, leaving a tube behind. These caves are very common in eastern Idaho.

Directions:

1 . From the north Rexburg interchange of Highway 20 (north on 2^nd East, Walmart road), travel 16.6 miles north on the Salem highway, past the sand dunes heading towards Kilgore.(This will probably take about 30 minutes)

2. There will be a tall, but small sign indicating the Civil Defense Caves are five miles on the dirt road heading east. It is five miles to the caves over the dirt road.

3. The road is traversable by passenger cars but drive carefully (4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended). After a rain storm the road can be muddy. It is easy to get lost because the road meanders up, down, and around and is not visible very far ahead or behind. (drive slowly around 10-15 mph)

4. After about three miles there is a fork in the road. Take the left fork. The road continues in a north, north east direction for about a mile. The road terminates into an open area that serves as a parking area. There are usually several fire pits in the area.

5. The cave entrance is just to the north of the parking area.

The caves are a great destination to fighting boredom in the fall, and they are absolutely FREE! The entrance of the cave goes in two directions. The easiest section to maneuver through is the section that heads to the south east. After climbing over the huge rocks at the entrance the floor of the cave is generally flat. The caves are sheltered from the wind but may be cold depending on the time of year. Many students take glow in the dark objects and play hide and seek games. Outside of the caves there are fire pits that are great after climbing out of a dark, cold cave.

Supplies:

Before embarking on your ice caves trip you will need:

• 4-wheel drive vehicle
• A flashlight per person
• Warm jacket/coat
• Long pants
• Tennis Shoes
• First aid kit
• A box of matches/lighter
• Firewood (pallets work great also)
• Stuff for roasting (marshmallows, hotdogs, etc...)

Safety:

While in the caves watch your head and be aware of low hanging rocks. Also watch your step to avoid a sprained ankle. Not recommended if you are scared of the dark or claustrophobic. However, if you are one of those more adventurous go ahead and check out some of the more narrow parts, known as “Fat Man’s Misery”

The Ice caves are a great activity for just about any group of friends. It is highly suggested that you take someone with you that is familiar with the caves, in order to have a fun and safe adventure. Bring food and snacks with you, because the caves are in the middle of nowhere, also remember to use the restroom before leaving and bring toilet paper just in case!