When is Mermaid Cove open?

Open 24/7 year-round. No gate, no staff.

When is the best time to visit Mermaid Cove?

Weekday mornings for solitude; late June/early July when the cove is warm enough for swimming

Is Mermaid Cove accessible?

Not accessible. Trail is dirt, uneven, and includes a steep canyon descent. Sturdy shoes required.

Who is Mermaid Cove good for?

Photographers, swimmers, hikers, families with older kids, anyone wanting an off-the-radar Magic Valley waterfall

Are pets allowed at Mermaid Cove?

Leashed dogs welcome on the trail. The trail is short but rough — small dogs may struggle with footing.

How long should I plan for at Mermaid Cove?

1.5–3 hours for the round-trip hike and time at the cove

What's the best season to visit Mermaid Cove?

Late spring through midsummer (May–July) for the swimming pool. Spring runoff (April–May) gives the falls their most dramatic flow but the cove is too cold to swim in.

Mermaid Cove

Photographed in Twin Falls, Idaho · May 14, 2026

Mermaid Cove is a two-tiered waterfall and swimming hole on the north side of the Snake River canyon between Jerome and Twin Falls. The falls drop over the canyon rim and pool into a turquoise lagoon at the base — the lagoon is what gives the spot its name and its appeal. From late spring through midsummer, the pool warms enough for swimming and becomes one of the most popular hidden swimming holes in Twin Falls County. Earlier in spring runoff the falls run dramatic but the water is too cold to enjoy. The trailhead is on Yingst Grade — a road that descends from Jerome into the Snake River canyon. From the parking area at the end of Yingst Road (near the Jerome Country Club), a short but steep dirt trail leads down into the canyon to the falls. The hike is approximately a half-mile each way with about 200 feet of elevation change. Sturdy shoes are required; the trail is rough and exposed in places. Mermaid Cove can also be reached from the Twin Falls side of the canyon via Auger Falls Heritage Park — cross the broken bridge and connect with the same trail system from the south side. Either approach gives you access to the falls and the cove. Plan for the trip to take about 1.5 to 3 hours total depending on whether you swim and how much time you spend at the cove. Bring water and pack everything out — no services on site.