A Local’s Favorite Secret Spots Near Blue Heart Springs

Apr 8
3 min read

Everyone comes out here to see Blue Heart Springs—and for good reason. But if you’re already making the trip, why not explore a few more spots that locals like me grew up visiting? I’ve lived here my whole life, and these are the places we’d sneak off to after school, hit on the weekends, or show our out-of-town friends when they came to visit.

These aren’t Instagram-famous stops (yet), but they’re beautiful, quiet, and worth every second. Here's a quick guide to my favorite secret spots near Blue Heart Springs.

🌊 1. Box Canyon Waterfall & Beach

Just a short drive from Hagerman, Box Canyon Springs is one of the most scenic hikes in the area. A clear, spring-fed creek runs through lava rock cliffs and ends in a turquoise-blue pool with a hidden little beach and a small waterfall. The water is icy cold and insanely clear—perfect for a quick dip after a summer hike.

🥾 Trail info: ~4 miles round trip📍 Location: Thousand Springs State Park🧺 Tip: Bring a picnic—you’ll want to stay a while

🪨 2. Balanced Rock State Park

It’s weird, it’s massive, and it defies gravity. Balanced Rock is a natural wonder—nearly 50 feet tall and teetering on a base just 3 feet wide. It’s tucked away in a quiet canyon about 20–25 minutes from Blue Heart, and it’s surrounded by picnic spots, cool rock formations, and a little creek that kids love playing in.

📸 Perfect for photos🌄 Great for sunset⛺ Bring a hammock or a frisbee—laid-back vibes all around

🏞 3. Ritter Island Lazy River (Snorkeling Heaven)

Ritter Island is part of Thousand Springs State Park and it’s home to a lazy side channel of the Snake River. The current is mellow, the water’s crystal clear, and the snorkeling is surprisingly awesome. I’ve seen trout, crawdads, and schools of carp cruising through the deeper sections.

🛶 Rentals recommended: kayak or paddleboard🥽 Bring snorkel gear—it’s super chill and shallow🚗 Just a short drive or paddle from Banbury

🌉 4. Owsley's Bridge – Cliff Jumping Spot

This one’s not marked on any official map, but locals know it. Alsley’s Bridge (some spell it “Aulsley's” but it's most often referred to as Owsley's Bridge) is a low bridge over a deep stretch of the Snake. If you’re into adrenaline, this is the spot for a safe and simple cliff jump. The water is cold—and deep enough for jumps from the center.

⚠️ Always check depth first🏊‍♂️ Jump at your own risk📍 Ask around in Hagerman if you need directions—it’s low-key

🐟 5. Billingsley Creek – For Snorkeling & Paddleboarding with Sturgeon

Billingsley Creek is one of the most underrated spots in the valley. It’s spring-fed, slow-moving, and full of wildlife. I’ve snorkeled with 3-foot sturgeon here and paddled through schools of trout. The water winds through grassy banks and volcanic rock, and it’s just peaceful. Bring a board or kayak, some goggles, and float your way into one of the calmest spots around.

🐟 Best place for wildlife spotting🧘‍♀️ Quiet and relaxing🎒 Great for a solo paddle or mellow day with friends

🤫 Stay Chill, Leave No Trace

The reason these places are still great? People have taken care of them. If you head out to any of these spots, just remember:

Pack out your trash
Respect fences and signs
Be quiet and kind to other visitors
Don’t tag exact GPS spots on social if it’s not a public park

These places mean a lot to people who live here. Treat them like home.

🧭 Want to See Blue Heart + These Local Spots?

Base your trip at Banbury Adventures, rent a kayak or paddleboard, and hit Blue Heart Springs first. Then drive or paddle to these nearby adventures. We’ll help you with gear, directions, and even a few secret tips we didn’t post here.

🚣‍♂️ Book your adventure now and see the best of the Snake River Valley—local style.