Explore Fishing, Hiking, Camping Near Malad's Devil Creek Reservoir

If you’re looking to get outside this weekend without traveling far, Malad City is surrounded by public lands and waterways that deliver real outdoor adventure. The areas north of town and along the interstate give residents and visitors plenty of options for fishing, hiking, camping and off-road riding, most within a short drive.

Fishing at Devil Creek Reservoir and Beyond

Devil Creek Reservoir sits about seven miles north of Malad City and draws anglers throughout the warm months. According to Malad City’s tourism page, the reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee and provides a developed campground with a concrete boat launch for those who want to launch a boat or fish from shore. The site also has picnic areas, making it a practical spot for a full day outdoors.

Three additional reservoirs, Daniels, Weston and Pleasantview, are also stocked by Idaho Fish and Game and support both summer fishing and ice fishing when conditions allow, as noted by local recreation guides. Each offers a quieter alternative to Devil Creek and extends the fishing season into winter.

Malad Summit Campground: Hiking and Horseback Riding

For hikers and riders, Malad Summit Campground is located 14 miles north of Malad at an elevation of 6,100 feet within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Travel guides describe it as a base camp for trail access open to hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle use. The higher elevation means cooler temperatures even in midsummer, which can make a big difference on a hot afternoon.

The campground itself is a developed site, so you get basic amenities while still being right on the forest trails. Visitors looking for a quick overnight should reserve a spot early, especially on weekends.

Malad Gorge State Park: Rim Walks and Deep Canyon Views

Malad Gorge State Park sits just off Interstate 84 and features a 250-foot-deep canyon that stretches 2.5 miles. The park’s rim walkways and hiking trails let you look straight down into the gorge. Visit Malad’s official tourism site notes the canyon is easily accessible from the interstate, making it a convenient stop if you’re passing through or want a short afternoon hike with dramatic views.

The park is part of the larger Thousand Springs region, but the Malad Gorge unit has its own distinct atmosphere, the depth of the canyon and the sound of water below stand out in an otherwise dry landscape.

Off-Road Riding in Nearby Canyons

If you prefer four wheels or two wheels over hiking boots, several canyon areas near Malad City are open to jeep riding and 4-wheeling. According to Southern Idaho tourism resources, these include Four-Mile Canyon, Gardner Canyon, East Cherry Creek Cliffs and the Elkhorn Mountains. The terrain varies from wide canyon bottoms to ridgeline trails, giving riders options for different skill levels.

No permits are required beyond standard state vehicle registration, but riders should carry a map and plenty of water. Cell service can be spotty in the canyons, so it’s wise to let someone know your route before heading out.

Planning Your Trip

Most of these spots are open year-round, but summer and early fall offer the best conditions for boating, hiking and camping. Devil Creek and the Summit Campground both have developed facilities, while the gorge and canyon areas are more raw. Ice fishing picks up at the local reservoirs once temperatures drop consistently below freezing. Whether you’re after a quiet day on the water or a rugged trail ride, the land around Malad delivers.