7 Great Road Trips to Take in Idaho
Are you the type who prefers the celebrated single destinations or the less common, multiple stops on a journey down a long road? Road trips enjoy the advantage of stopovers to really make those vacation days count—and nowhere does it count more than in Idaho. This gem of the Western United States—aptly named The Gem State—has a long history of prosperity. Many cultures have witnessed the bounty this land offers, from the Europeans and Native Americans all the way back to 12,000 BC. Whether hiking in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, or visiting Shoshone Falls, Idaho’s temperate climate makes it the ideal destination. Get in your car and get on the road because there are many gems to unearth in The Gem State.
From Boise to Stanley
You can start your trip from Boise—or, more specifically, about 20 minutes southeast of the city—where you will find Lucky Peak State Park, a spot quite popular for boating and picnicking. On your way to your final destination, there will be many good stops, but there are only so many hours in the day. The Idaho City Historic District lies around a third of the way through, allowing one to explore the state’s Gold Rush history. Following ID-21, keep heading northeast to Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and road trippers will get incredible views of the mountains and rivers. That said, be sure to make a stop at Trudy's Kitchen in Idaho City if you’re running low on gas. It should take about three hours to reach Stanley, after which one can relax with a big prize: the Mountain Village Hot Spring. The place serves as a gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains, offering many hiking opportunities.
Coeur d’Alene to Wallace
Those looking for a shorter road trip are sure to enjoy this one-hour journey from Coeur d’Alene to Wallace. A great launch point, start with a coffee and a stroll by Lake Coeur d'Alene’s marina before you embark. Maybe take a detour to Cataldo Mission—the oldest standing building in Idaho. This structure was built in 1853 and allows enthusiasts to experience the state’s past. Heading farther east, one can stop by Enaville Resort (“The Snakepit”) for a meal—it is a restaurant with over 100 years of history. Once you get there, Wallace can offer you a tour around the Sierra Silver Mine to learn more about the region’s mining past, its designation as the “Silver Capital of the World,” and its place on the National Register of Historic Places. All worth seeing and learning about.
Twin Falls to City of Rocks National Reserve
A bit longer than the previous route at 1.5 hours, Twin Falls to the City of Rocks National Reserve is ideal for a nature lover’s trip in Idaho. The trick to making this trip worthwhile is to head north from Twin Falls first and stop by Shoshone Falls, a waterfall taller than Niagara, before heading south. Along the way, travelers can pick up some sandwiches or local goods from Rock Creek General Store, a popular spot. About two-thirds of the way through comes the town of Oakley, an excellent place for a rest stop. Oakley Historic District is worth exploring if you want to take a look at some well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Finally, the City of Rocks National Reserve offers an up-close view of incredible granite spires and historical emigrant signatures on rocks. Those with some extra time can take a detour to Castle Rocks State Park to explore more rock formations and petroglyphs.
Idaho Falls to Craters of the Moon National Monument
The 1.5-hour trip combines some of the best natural landmarks with the cutest small-town shops. It ideally starts at Snake River Greenbelt with a morning walk and some excellent views of Idaho Falls. As you head west, stop at the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot—and grab a potato-themed snack while you are there. Further along, the route passes through Arco, the first city in the world to be powered by nuclear energy, so road trippers can stop to see the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I while there. At last, the Craters of the Moon is a nature preserve a little farther southwest, and there are loads of hiking trails to take in that park with sprawling dormant lava fields—a must-see.
Pocatello to Lava Hot Springs
Pocatello is a great starting spot, and Fort Hall Replica should be the first stop. It is worth seeing a reconstruction of the historic trading post before moving out. Make your way south, but not before visiting the Museum of Clean, a quirky museum dedicated to the history of cleanliness. About halfway through, visitors will find Guthrie Arena, which equestrian fans would especially enjoy. One can see the horses, take a ride, or just lounge around after a meal at a nearby restaurant like The Muddy Moose. Upon arriving in Lava Hot Springs, year-round geothermal pools await. The first place people should visit in this small town is the Lava Hot Springs Foundation World Famous Hot Springs for a relaxing dip in its warm waters. All in all, this is one of Idaho’s shorter trips and shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes to complete.
Lewiston to Winchester
This trip could be a 40-minute journey, but the detours are well worth the 2+ hours it will take. There is much to do in Lewiston, and Pioneer Park, with its duck pond and walking paths, is especially worth seeing. Once you move out, instead of heading directly east, move south to reach Nez Perce National Historical Park to the Native American tribe’s history. When you eventually start making your way to Winchester, make sure to stop at Jacques to try Run At Jacques Spur, a famous restaurant. Finally, the Winchester area is home to a museum highlighting local logging history, the Winchester Museum. There are, of course, still many trees to bask in on this trip.
Boise to McCall
Another scenic Idaho road trip starting from Boise, this route spans over 100 miles and will take a bit more than two hours to complete. If you are a marine life enthusiast or an amateur angler, check out the MK Nature Center - Idaho Fish and Game before heading north to McCall; there are excellent underwater fish viewing areas with streams and walking paths there. Get to Banks and enjoy some whitewater rafting along the Payette River. Further along, road trippers can take a break at Lake Cascade, a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Just half an hour from the lake, one will arrive at McCall. This town is known for its winter carnivals, but it is also worth checking out Smokejumper Base for an inside look at wildfire fighting.
Final Thoughts
Road trips are hands-down the best way to spend time off for those who are not reluctant to get behind the wheel and do a bit of driving. The best way to truly experience Idaho and its riches—be they historical or natural—is to make more than one stop, with breaks in between. Travelers can wander and tap into the explorer within them, who cannot wait to hit the road to see new sights, experience new things, and feel the wind on going down those liberating roads. Nowhere is that easier to do than in Idaho.
