Idaho is full of extraordinary wonders, unearthly volcanic formations, and breathtaking features carved by the incredible power of ancient floods and lava flows. But of all the treasured and unique places our state has to offer, there is one extraordinary, secret world tucked away in the desert that very few non-locals know about… and it only reveals itself at certain times during the year.
Unlike our renowned Hells Canyon, Black Magic Canyon isn’t a name you’ll hear often in tourist circles, but this black basalt volcanic trail is beyond epic to say the least, and completely unexpected. On your next road trip through Southeast Idaho, be sure to check out Idaho’s own secret canyon – a rugged, otherworldly Atlantis right here in the Gem State!
From the surface, this small slice of Idaho doesn’t look like much. But descend down into it…
Kompseia/Trip Advisor
And you’ll find an eerie, three-mile work of volcanic art that can only be described as absolutely spectacular.
Dan Larson
Greg S.
Informally known as the Black Magic Canyon, this deep riverbed in Southern Idaho houses a mesmerizing natural sculpture garden – the only known one of its kind in the world.
Dan Larson
Trip Advisor
Here, the Big Wood River cuts through 800,000-year-old basalt, plunging more than 50 feet and exposing multiple lava flow strata.
jsharpton/Trip Advisor But the prehistoric river wasn’t originally here. Volcanic eruptions from every direction displaced the old river into its new route.
In those thousands of years, the powerful current of the Big Wood River slowly but artistically chiseled away at the volcanic canyon, boring holes and rounding the edges of the ebony stone into a stunning spectacle.
Dan Larson It’s a wonderland like nowhere else on earth, and a photographer’s dream.
Hundreds of natural, abstract sculptures pique the curiosity and imagination of every visitor who descends into the basalt channel.
Trip Advisor
This marvelous canyon is also full of natural tunnels…
Dan Larson
And unique, otherworldly formations.
Greg S.
During the summer months, the Big Wood is diverted into the Magic Reservoir, drying out the riverbed and turning the canyon into the curious explorer’s paradise.
Greg S.
But hiking this channel is not for the faint of heart.
Greg S. Winding, twisting walls and impossibly sized scramble boulders all create a life-sized obstacle course that requires sure footing and determination.
Before you attempt to explore Black Magic Canyon, be sure to call the Big Wood Canal Co. ahead and ask about water release dates. Being caught in this canyon during an unplanned dam release could be deadly. Take caution!
Be sure to add this (literal) hidden gem hike to your summer bucket list, and make some time to capture a few awesome photos of the rock sculptures while you’re there. But this Idaho treasure is pristine in all its natural glory… so explore responsibly! For directions to Black Magic Canyon, check out this BLM map.
Kompseia/Trip Advisor
Dan Larson
Greg S.
Trip Advisor
jsharpton/Trip Advisor
But the prehistoric river wasn’t originally here. Volcanic eruptions from every direction displaced the old river into its new route.
It’s a wonderland like nowhere else on earth, and a photographer’s dream.
Winding, twisting walls and impossibly sized scramble boulders all create a life-sized obstacle course that requires sure footing and determination.
Before you attempt to explore Black Magic Canyon, be sure to call the Big Wood Canal Co. ahead and ask about water release dates. Being caught in this canyon during an unplanned dam release could be deadly. Take caution!
For more incredible Idaho adventures and hikes, check out this scenic trail in Wallace or this fascinating historic road trip.
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