Idaho Travel Guide: Mountains, Rivers & Untamed Beauty

Intro to Idaho Travel Guide

Idaho is a land of rugged peaks, wild rivers, alpine lakes, and wide-open spaces. Often overlooked, it’s a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and road-trippers seeking authentic American landscapes.

Start planning your journey with our complete Idaho Travel Guide — discover the best time to visit Idaho, travel cost breakdowns, must-see destinations, and unforgettable things to do across the Gem State.

Looking for Idaho tours? From whitewater rafting and hot spring soaks to Native American sites and stargazing reserves, guided Idaho adventures reveal the state’s raw beauty.

Idaho Cities & Major Destinations

Idaho’s destinations range from charming small towns to outdoorsy hubs — perfect for nature, culture, and food lovers alike.

• Boise
  The capital blends outdoor adventure and urban flair with a thriving food scene, craft breweries, and access to trails along the Boise River Greenbelt.
• Idaho Falls
  A riverfront city in eastern Idaho, ideal for exploring the Snake River and nearby Yellowstone gateway towns. Known for its walkable downtown and art museums.
• Sun Valley / Ketchum
  A celebrity-favorite ski destination in winter and a mountain biking, hiking, and cultural hub in summer. Don’t miss the Ernest Hemingway sites.
• Coeur d’Alene
  A picturesque lakefront town in northern Idaho with charming resorts, sandy beaches, and water sports on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
• Twin Falls
  Home to Shoshone Falls, this southern Idaho city offers stunning canyon views, BASE jumping off Perrine Bridge, and scenic drives.
• McCall
  An alpine lake town on Payette Lake with hot springs, skiing, and relaxed mountain vibes year-round.

How to Choose Where to Go in Idaho

Idaho is best navigated by travel theme or regional preference. Here’s how to choose:

• For adventure: Head to Stanley, Sun Valley, and the Sawtooth Mountains for hiking, rafting, and backpacking.
• For road trips: Cruise through southern Idaho’s high desert and canyon country — from Shoshone Falls to Craters of the Moon.
• For slow travel & lakes: Stay in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, or McCall for lakefront serenity, farmer’s markets, and boat days.
• For culture & food: Explore Boise’s Basque heritage, downtown eateries, and thriving art scene.
• For wildlife: Visit Island Park, Bear Lake, or the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

Natural Escapes & Scenic Highlights

Idaho is overflowing with natural wonders — from glaciers to lava fields.

• Sawtooth Mountains
  Iconic jagged peaks with alpine lakes and backcountry trails. Base out of Stanley or Redfish Lake for unforgettable hikes and views.
• Shoshone Falls
  Called the “Niagara of the West,” this massive waterfall on the Snake River is taller than Niagara and a must-see.
• Craters of the Moon National Monument
  A surreal landscape of lava fields and caves — hike the trails or explore by moonlight during ranger-led events.
• Hells Canyon
  North America’s deepest river gorge, perfect for jet boating, rafting, or remote backpacking adventures along the Snake River.
• Redfish Lake
  Glacial lake near Stanley — swim, kayak, or enjoy mountain-backed sunsets.
• Thousand Springs State Park
  Gushing waterfalls, blue pools, and hidden canyons near Twin Falls — a peaceful detour on any southern Idaho drive.

Cultural & Historic Landmarks

Idaho’s heritage includes Native American traditions, pioneer trails, and mining-era boomtowns.

• Old Idaho Penitentiary (Boise)
  A fascinating walk through 100+ years of prison history with exhibits on escapes, executions, and solitary cells.
• Basque Block (Boise)
  One of the largest Basque communities outside Europe — visit the museum, cultural center, and eateries serving pintxos.
• Nez Perce National Historical Park
  Preserves over 30 sites across north-central Idaho tied to the Nez Perce people and their enduring culture.
• Sun Valley Museum of Art
  Showcases regional creativity and the influence of artists like Hemingway who called the area home.
• Wallace Historic District
  A preserved silver mining town in the panhandle with quirky museums, bordello tours, and Old West charm.

Local Food, Arts & Experiences

Idaho’s food scene is more than potatoes — it’s farm-to-table freshness, cider houses, and culinary creativity.

• Farms & Markets
  Boise Farmers Market and Ketchum’s seasonal markets highlight Idaho-grown produce, huckleberries, and artisan goods.
• Craft Beer & Cider
  Sample local brews in Boise, McCall, or Sandpoint — and don’t miss Meriwether Cider or Payette Brewing.
• Huckleberry Everything
  From huckleberry ice cream to jams and sauces — try this sweet, tart mountain fruit in summer.
• Hot Springs Soaking
  Natural hot springs like Goldbug, Kirkham, and Burgdorf offer relaxing soaks with wilderness views.
• Idaho Potato Museum
  A kitschy stop in Blackfoot celebrating Idaho’s most famous crop with exhibits and potato ice cream.

Must-See Experiences in Idaho

Here’s what not to miss when exploring the Gem State:

• Hiking the Sawtooths and soaking in backcountry hot springs
• Rafting the Salmon River or Hells Canyon Snake River
• Exploring lava tubes in Craters of the Moon
• Skiing Sun Valley or riding the gondola in summer
• Scenic drive from Boise to Stanley via Idaho Route 21
• Chilling at Lake Coeur d’Alene with boat tours or paddleboarding

Book immersive Idaho tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Idaho — from sacred tribal sites and alpine hikes to underground caves and scenic lakeside escapes.

Getting Around Idaho

Idaho is a road-tripper’s paradise — wide-open highways, scenic byways, and minimal traffic.

Intercity travel:

• Flights arrive via Boise Airport (BOI), Idaho Falls (IDA), and Spokane (GEG) for northern access.
• Buses (Greyhound, Salt Lake Express) serve major cities but are limited in rural areas.
• No Amtrak service directly in Idaho — nearest access is via Spokane or Salt Lake City.

Local transport:

• Rental cars are essential — especially for exploring mountain towns, national forests, and rural parks.
• 4WD or AWD is recommended for winter visits or forest roads.
• Boise has rideshare, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Best Time to Visit Idaho

Idaho’s seasons offer radically different travel experiences — here’s how to time your visit:

Summer (June–August)

• Peak season for hiking, rafting, mountain biking, and lake adventures.
• Best time to visit Idaho for outdoor activities and road trips.

Fall (September–October)

• Crisp air, golden aspen groves, and fewer crowds.
• Ideal for scenic drives and harvest festivals.

Winter (December–March)

• Ski season! Sun Valley, Schweitzer, and Brundage Mountain draw powder lovers.
• Hot springs are magical with snow-covered views.

Spring (April–May)

• Waterfalls at their fullest, wildflowers bloom in the foothills.
• Shoulder season with lower travel cost in Idaho.

Best Travel Itineraries in Idaho

Plan your Idaho escape with these flexible sample routes:

4-Day Southern Idaho Adventure

• Day 1: Boise food crawl + Old Idaho Penitentiary
• Day 2: Drive to Twin Falls — Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge
• Day 3: Craters of the Moon + hot springs soak
• Day 4: Return via Thousand Springs and Hagerman

7-Day Northern Lakes + Peaks Loop

• Coeur d’Alene → Sandpoint → Lake Pend Oreille boating
• Wallace for mining history + hiking in the Bitterroots
• Return via Palouse Scenic Byway or extend to Lewiston wine country

10-Day Statewide Explorer

• Boise → Sun Valley → Stanley (Sawtooths) → McCall
• Finish with Riggins rafting or Nez Perce cultural sites

Travel Safety & Etiquette in Idaho

Idaho is safe for travelers, but remote regions require preparation and respect.

Safety tips:

• Always check weather and trail conditions — especially in mountain areas.
• Carry extra water, gas, and offline maps — cell service is spotty in backcountry.
• Wildlife: Keep distance from moose, bears, and bison (in border regions).

Etiquette:

• Respect tribal lands and signage — ask before entering or photographing sacred areas.
• Leave no trace — Idahoans take wilderness preservation seriously.
• Be courteous on trails and scenic byways — yield to faster traffic or uphill hikers.

Nearby States

• Montana
  Continue into Big Sky Country for national parks, fly fishing, and Glacier’s alpine majesty.
• Utah
  Drive south for red rock canyons, Salt Lake City culture, and national park road trips.
• Oregon
  Explore the Wallowas or Snake River borderlands, then coast west toward Portland or Crater Lake.
• Wyoming
  East into Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park — perfect combo with Idaho’s western gateways.
• Washington State
  Connect through Spokane to reach the Palouse, wineries, or the Cascade Range.

Final Planning Checklist for Idaho

Use this insider prep list for an unforgettable Idaho trip:

• Rent a car — essential for 90% of the state’s top places to visit
• Download offline GPS or Gaia maps for remote hikes
• Pack layers — even summer mornings in Stanley are chilly
• Bring binoculars for eagle and wildlife spotting
• Soak in at least one hot spring — backcountry or resort
• Try local huckleberry products and Idaho trout
• Watch for scenic byway signs — they lead to unexpected gems
• Visit small-town museums and markets — they’re full of character

For more expert travel tips, practical strategies, and trusted tools — visit our Homepage and get inspired for your next trip.