The prettiest cave I have ever seen is by far the Ice Caves outside of Rexburg, Idaho! And the caves are not just a walk around a dark, underground tunnel. They are filled with fun slides and challenges that create a one-of-a-kind adventure you will never forget!
Since not everyone could fit into one car, we took two cars. Once the paved road ended, we parked the other car and all piled into the back of the truck for the off-roading part. It took about 15 minutes from the paved road until we made it to the cave entrance
part of the fun was trying to not bounce around too much in the back! We enjoyed trying out special tricks like meditating without touching any walls or anything
some also tried standing/surfing (I would NOT recommend it!!), and some thought that it was comfiest to lay down! I wouldn't suggest laying down either!
And up above the entrance and close by around, there are a lot of little mini caves to explore. They do not have ice, but the ceilings are much higher and less confining for those in the group who may be claustrophobic! Or for those who just want to do a little extra exploring!
here is a close up of the ice structures that are formed throughout the cave!
To go through this cave, you cannot be afraid of having to crawl, slide, or climb. There is one part where someone has put a rope so that you can climb up and down without any problems.
And there are many parts where it is easiest just to lay on your belly and slide through the cave like a penguin!
The ice chunks on the side are really interesting because you can see layers for each year that a new layer of water has frozen over!
There are also a lot of parts where the ground is very slippery (because, I mean, its ice...) and you have to be careful to not accidentally fall!
But at the end of the cave, there is a slide! we all took turns sliding down! It was a blast!
The Ice Caves are located in Island Park, a little over an hour drive outside of Rexburg. Just click here to get directions!
One thing that is very important to know before going to the Ice Caves, is that you will have to do some pretty intense off-roading to make it all the way to the cave entrance. You will need a truck, or some other sort of vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Luckily, one of my very best friends has this big, yellow truck, and it took us straight through the bumpy road just fine!
Since not everyone could fit into one car, we took two cars. Once the paved road ended, we parked the other car and all piled into the back of the truck for the off-roading part. It took about 15 minutes from the paved road until we made it to the cave entrance
part of the fun was trying to not bounce around too much in the back! We enjoyed trying out special tricks like meditating without touching any walls or anything
some also tried standing/surfing (I would NOT recommend it!!), and some thought that it was comfiest to lay down! I wouldn't suggest laying down either!
The off-roading is honestly a blast!! and it's nothing too scary either. It is a straight road that leads directly to the cave. You won't even need your GPS to tell you how to get there!
But the fun doesn't end there! the entrance to the cave is massive! it is like a big pit in the ground! it is really easy to climb down there. I have been there at night and during the day. It is pretty at night because you can look up and see all the stars so clearly! But I preferred going during the day because you can see the massiveness of this pit in its entirety!
And up above the entrance and close by around, there are a lot of little mini caves to explore. They do not have ice, but the ceilings are much higher and less confining for those in the group who may be claustrophobic! Or for those who just want to do a little extra exploring!
and the rocks also make for some sick pictures!! Which is also why I would recommend going during daylight.
Now let's get to the good part, shall we? The inside of the cave!
Now here is a little mistake I made this last time that I went. Since the caves are full of ice, and ice tends to melt where it is warm, the entrance to the cave was melted!! I went towards the end of July and was shocked to see the entrance filled with ice cold water. However, it was only for about the first 15 feet into the cave. It was more difficult to enter the cave because of the water, but there was a path of rocks to crawl over without getting wet. The ceiling of the first 15 feet or so is extremely low. You have to army crawl through it! But that is what keeps the rest of the cave cold enough for all the ice to stay frozen on the inside!
Once you get through that beginning part, you make it to a part where you can stand up, and the view is absolutely breathtaking! The floor, as well as the ceiling, are completely covered in ice!
here is a close up of the ice structures that are formed throughout the cave!
These cell phone pictures do not do the ice justice! Once inside, the ice twinkles and sparkles! it is so beautiful!
To go through this cave, you cannot be afraid of having to crawl, slide, or climb. There is one part where someone has put a rope so that you can climb up and down without any problems.
And there are many parts where it is easiest just to lay on your belly and slide through the cave like a penguin!
The ice chunks on the side are really interesting because you can see layers for each year that a new layer of water has frozen over!
There are also a lot of parts where the ground is very slippery (because, I mean, its ice...) and you have to be careful to not accidentally fall!
But at the end of the cave, there is a slide! we all took turns sliding down! It was a blast!
The Ice caves have been one of my very favorite locations near Rexburg!! It is so much fun to slide through the cave and see how beautifully created it is!
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are hoping to make a trip to the ice caves:
- The best time to go is from March to October
- You will need a vehicle with good clearance to make it through the rough, bumpy road
- You will get a little wet, just from touching the ice
- It is cold inside the caves, even in the middle of summer. Dress warm and wear shoes with good traction
- There are some parts inside the cave with very low ceilings, and you will have to crawl through
- It is fine to go during the day or at night
- Bring a bright flashlight!
- HAVE FUN!!!
Hope this gets you excited to see the ice caves! Have a fun and safe trip!
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