Summer vacation means more sunshine and better weather for exploring our beautiful state of Idaho. Because we love
this state so much, we put together the ultimate Idaho road trip for you and the fam to enjoy. Let's hit the
road and check out all the must-see tourist attractions in the Gem State.
Boise
There is no shortage of exploration and adventure in our hometown. If you are looking for ALL the recommendations for
all things Boise, you obviously know where to go… Totally Boise, of course!
But if you are looking for a few quintessential tourist attractions here’s our Visitors Guide to Boise.
Visitor’s Guide to Boise
Time to hit the road and embark on the Ultimate Idaho Road Trip!
Sawtooth Mountains
We’re on the road and headed to the stunning Sawtooth Mountains. Here are a few of the sights and stops you
don't want miss:
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Redfish Lake: Redfish Lake is a beautiful alpine lake with crystal-clear water surrounded by
mountains. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or boats from the lodge, and hike one of the many trails
around the lake.
Learn more about campgrounds at and near Redfish Lake:
Camping
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Stanley: The historic town of Stanley is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. The
Stanley Hotel is a popular spot for a meal or a drink. Fun fact, big name musicians will secretly stop here
while on tour!
Check out these small-town businesses in Stanley during your visit:
Learn
More
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Sun Valley: Sun Valley is a popular ski resort in the winter, but there's plenty to do
in the summer too. Visitors can hike, bike, fish, or play golf.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while in the Sun Valley area, we recommend the Limelight Hotel
in Ketchum.
Check it out
City of Rocks National Reserve
Have you visited City of Rocks National Reserve? This is a unique landscape of granite spires and rock formations
that are popular for hiking and rock climbing. The reserve also has a rich history of Native American culture and
pioneers traveling along the California Trail. Plus, it is also a dark sky area, meaning light pollution is almost
nonexistent!
City of Rocks
Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls, also known as the "Niagara of the West," is the next stop on our trek through Idaho.
Shoshone Falls is a breathtaking waterfall on the Snake River that's taller than the aforementioned waterfall.
Visitors can take a short walk to the overlook or hike down to the base of the falls. The view from the Perrine
Bridge is a must-see.
Shoshone Falls
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
On our next stop, we'll visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. You won't believe the
unique landscape of volcanic craters and lava flows. Craters of the Moon is a unique landscape of volcanic craters,
and lava flows. In fact, the preserve looks so similar to the lunar terrain that in 1969, the Apollo 14 astronauts
explored the area to prepare for future trips to the moon! Visitors can take a guided tour or hike one of the many
trails in the park. Trust us when we say, you will not want to miss the opportunity to explore the underground lava
tubes.
Craters of the Moon
Yellowstone National Park
We can’t skip out on Yellowstone National Park! Yellowstone is packed with impressive natural beauty, but
we’ve pulled a few of the must-see sights, so you don’t miss out:
- Old Faithful: Old Faithful is one of the most famous geysers in the world and erupts every 90
minutes or so. Visitors can watch from a safe distance or take a guided tour.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United
States and is known for its colorful rings of bacteria around the edges of the pool.
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 20-mile-long canyon
with stunning views of the Yellowstone River and waterfalls.
Yellowstone National Park
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Who’s still with us? We are making a stop at the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where we'll take a
scenic drive or hike one of the many trails. Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America and offers
stunning views of the Snake River and surrounding mountains. It's remote, rugged, and absolutely stunning.
Hells Canyon is over 1,000ft deeper than the Grand Canyon at its deepest point! Thanks to Hammer Down River
Excursions, you can explore the area and experience the remarkable sights. Learn more about what you can expect from
your excursion!
Tour
Through Hells Canyon with Hammer Down River Excursions
Coeur d'Alene
Don’t forget to hit up Coeur d'Alene, where we'll explore the beautiful lakefront and charming downtown
where there are plenty of shopping and dining options. A boat tour of Lake Coeur d'Alene or hike along the
nearby Tubbs Hill Trail are must-do activities.
Coeur d’Alene
McCall
The road trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop in McCall. The small town on Payette Lake's shore is
known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain scenery. Visitors can rent boats or paddle boards and
explore the lake or hike one of the many trails in the area. Don't miss the opportunity to soak in the hot
springs at Burgdorf Hot Springs, just a short drive from McCall.
McCall
This road trip is all about adventure, exploring, and enjoying the stunning scenery of Idaho. Don't forget to
bring your camera and tag #totallyboise in all your adventure pics and videos. And if you are looking for a shorter
trip or day outside the valley, check out our list of destinations that are 3-hours or less from Boise.
Get the list