The weather in southern Idaho is going to start warming up very soon, and conditions will be ideal to take man's best friend out for a southern Idaho rockhounding adventure. A cluster of buttes northwest of Twin Falls offers some great views, terrific trail hikes, and is also said to be a prime spot for unearthing colorful opals.

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22. The current forecast for southern Idaho is dry for the upcoming weekend, so it makes for a great opportunity to let the pooch ride shotgun and head out to southern Idaho's Squaw Buttes for an afternoon walk to celebrate this incredible state and planet we call home.

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Sciencing.com has this region of Idaho listed as being a gold mine for multiple species of opals. The site is approximately 50 miles north of Emmett and has been identified on numerous websites as being a resting place for an abundance of fire opals.

Emmett is about a two-and-a-half hour drive (160 miles) from Twin Falls and is located in Gem County. There's a reason this area of the state is named after what Idaho is best known for, which are the dozens of different varieties of minerals and stones that can be legally gathered and taken home. Just make sure not to trespass on private property when rockhounding.

The buttes also happen to be a very dog-friendly area where pets can roam and spend a day free from the confines of backyard fences and chains. Enjoy Earth Day with your favorite animal and perhaps bring home a shiny opal to show off to friends.

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