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All the United States Idaho Shoshone Shoshone Ice Caves
AO Edited

Shoshone Ice Caves

This underground cave located in the most barren reaches of Idaho is filled with ice year-round.

Shoshone, Idaho

Added By
Dr Unicorn
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Outside cave, showing other end of collapsed lava tube.   Dr Unicorn / Atlas Obscura User
Outside cave, showing other end of collapsed lava tube.   Dr Unicorn / Atlas Obscura User
Ice cave   Dr Unicorn / Atlas Obscura User
Cave temperature   Dr Unicorn / Atlas Obscura User
Shoshone Ice Caves   amanda / CC BY 2.0
Shoshone Ice Caves   amanda / CC BY 2.0
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About

The Shoshone Ice Caves are a temperature anomaly caused by airflow through a collapsed lava tube. The temperature remains between 25-35 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, creating an underground ice lake. Guided walking tours take you underground where you can walk across the frozen lake on catwalks.

The Shoshone Ice Caves measure about 1,700 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 45 feet in height, with an elevation of about 4,500 feet. The caves are part of the Black Butte Crater Lava Field, and formed as a result of underground eruptions. 

After pioneers became aware of the cave in the 1800s, it was harvested for ice for the nearby town of Shoshone. It remained frozen until one end was blocked off, which eliminated airflow and allowed the ice to melt. It was bought in the 1940s and rehabbed, allowing the water to refreeze.

Visit on a hot day in the summer to get the full impact of the temperature difference found in these caves.

Related Tags

Subterranean Sites Caves Ice Ice Caves

Know Before You Go

Open seasonally, check ahead of time to make sure of dates.

No bathrooms, only portapotties available. Tour is not free. Cell service is spotty near the location.

The tour takes you over uneven rock and requires descending and ascending many uneven stairs. Not wheelchair accessible. Take a jacket and wear closed-toed shoes with tread on them (no sandals, heels, flip-flops, or cowboy boots). 

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Unicorn

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

March 2, 2023

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Shoshone Ice Caves
1561 ID-75
Shoshone, Idaho, 83352
United States
43.165008, -114.338743
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Nearby Places

Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History

Shoshone, Idaho

miles away

Malad Gorge

Tuttle, Idaho

miles away

Minidoka National Historic Site

Jerome, Idaho

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Shoshone

Shoshone

Idaho

Places 2

Nearby Places

Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History

Shoshone, Idaho

miles away

Malad Gorge

Tuttle, Idaho

miles away

Minidoka National Historic Site

Jerome, Idaho

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Shoshone

Shoshone

Idaho

Places 2

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