Black Magic Canyon

Totally surreal basalt canyon seemingly out in the middle of nowhere in south-central Idaho. While the section of canyon described here is not technical, it's worth a visit in its own right just for the bizarre scenery. See below for options to make this a longer outing. Watch for owls and small animal bones.

The parking area is about 30min north of Shoshone. Follow ID-75 north about 5mi, then turn off onto E 520N. Follow the road east 3mi, until it turns north and continue another 5mi to the parking area on Kinzie Butte Rd. Park just after a bridge over the irrigation canal. Drop into the dry wash just east of the parking area and head north / upstream. The walls quickly close in after a few minutes.

Follow the canyon northwest about 0.75mi. There is one easy chimney to scramble along the way.

Return the way you came, or follow tracks west and south for about a mile back to the parking area.