Home › Idaho › Wendell › Box Canyon Springs Preserve
Box Canyon Springs Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 395 Google reviews · Running trail in Wendell, Idaho · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Box Canyon Springs Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Natural attraction known for a hike and a canyon, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
What runners say about Box Canyon Springs Preserve
“The hike seems treacherous at first but there is a steel rope to hold on to, but it quickly evens out and is just beautiful.”
“Pretty easy hike was a little more tricky getting down the cliff face to the trail at the bottom but was definitely worth it.”
Stunning local hike. At first, I was afraid it would be a waste of time because the parking lot is surrounded by dairy farms. But you immediately hike along the canyon rim and can see the startlingly blue water.
Once you park, it is a level rocky (lava)/dirt path to the point that starts going down into the canyon. From that point, it is about 23 minutes round trip from top to the waterfall and back.
Lovely hike. A scramble to the bottom of the canyon. Well worth it to see the namesake waterfall and a smaller secondary waterfall farther downstream. Very muddy today so slick in places. Trekking poles would come in handy. Will remember for next time. All in all, a wonderful hike.
One of my favorite places to hike and explore. The winter weather has been very mild making this February 14th a nearly 60 degree day. I haven't been here in a few years, I forgot how far the hike down to the river was. It's definitely worth the long hike.
Trail conditions & character
“But take a little trail down in the canyon and stand right next to the springwater when is flushes over the waterfall.”
“Once you park, it is a level rocky (lava)/dirt path to the point that starts going down into the canyon.”
“The very beginning of the hike down into the canyon is a bit questionable but the rest is quite nice (of course a bit of an incline coming back up which can be exerting for some).”
“At first, I was afraid it would be a waste of time because the parking lot is surrounded by dairy farms.”
“You can see the spring from a wheelchair accessible platform from above.”
Plan your run at Box Canyon Springs Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparksandrecreation.idaho.gov
- Phone+1 208-837-4505
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Wendell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 161 reviews
Grassy open-air space offering a playground, plus a splash pad and a skate park.
Gayle Forsyth Memorial Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 189 reviews
Clean park featuring baseball fields, swings, volleyball nets and a playground.
Jerome Bike Path
4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews
Auger Falls Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Trails of varying difficulty levels for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, plus waterfalls.
Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 609 reviews
10-mi. system of hiking & cycling trails with dramatic vistas over the Snake River Canyon.