I have spent a whole lot of time in the Hagerman valley. The small, but very desirable town of Hagerman is about 35 miles to the west of Twin Falls. Many people have chosen this area for their retirement destination. It is unlike anywhere else in Idaho, just a few miles east of the mighty Snake River, and home to the natural wonder called the Hagerman Fossil Beds. High mountainous bluffs border the Snake River on the west, to the far side of the river from Hagerman. These ever-changing slopes are home to the famous Hagerman horse, many such skeletons have been found, as well as skeletal remains of great mammoth elepephants, and numerous plant species, fish fossils, and so-on. This national monument is enormous, and really fascinating.
Hagerman valley is well known for it's hot and cold water. Thousand Springs, near Hagerman, are a very high rock wall of springs pouring down into the Snake River. These crystal clear springs feed some of the largest, and even the largest (near Buhl, Idaho) trout farms in the world. This cold water is habitat to countless millions of trout, and other species of fish. On the other hand, underground throughout this area, hot water abounds. Many, many homes, and businesses have hot water wells here. Individuals have natural hot water for their swimming pools, fish ponds, heating systems, some even have hot water piped under their driveways and sidewalks. This keeps the surfaces free of ice and snow in the winter months. And it is basically free energy, once developed. Also, public hot springs and swimming pools, or spa's, are numerous here. Sligar's Hot Spring's, Miracle Hot Springs, and Banbury Hot Springs are all within a few miles of each other. Two of them are located right by the Snake River, and one is located by Salmon Falls Creek. Many people relax and enjoy these often. They are so nice in the winter, but very popular for the summer vacation season also. Year-Round Vacationing Dirt Cheap
Just a mile or so north of Hagerman is the Malad Gorge, a pretty interesting sight. This gorge is only about 150 feet across the bridge, yet it is 250 feet deep. The Malad river makes it's way through this rocky gorge, down into the Snake River just below. Intriguing home-sites nearby are nestled into the rock formations and out-cropping's that are so abundant here, some in very precarious locations. Other homes, such as those found in a short ride down to the river, are in large green meadows, many with their own pristine streams passing through, or the ever-present misty hot springs, pools, and small lakes you'll see. A few interesting miles down the winding road to the Snake River, will give access to fishing, boating, rafting, and photography heaven. From slow winding stretches to raging rapids, kayaker's, rafter's, even jet boat's, choose this part of the Snake River to play. Dirt bike riders and four wheeler's, and ATV's share this environment, enjoying their sport, and the wonderful scenery so common-place here. Two large dams and power plants are not far away. Your Favorite ATV Destinations - On a Very Low Budget
Hagerman valley is just a very pleasant experience. A nice place to build a home, retire, or just to engage in your favorite outdoor activities. I should also mention that this valley is nearly always a few degrees warmer in the winter than just 15 or 20 miles in any direction. There also are a number of camping areas, good sized bass and trout ponds, even sturgeon fishing, as well as small lakes created by the abundant springs there. So, there's quite a bit to do in the Hagerman valley. I've lived a short distance from it for 32 years, and still enjoy this valley real often. Maybe you could also! Fish Anywhere, Camp, Travel, Live - on $20 a Day!