9 Awesome Day Trips To Take In Idaho This Year
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Jennifer
Author
Idaho is a gorgeous state, but sometimes planning your next adventure can be a little daunting – there are so many choices! We’ve compiled some of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho, from beloved destinations and scenic road trips for the whole family to a few gorgeous outings you perhaps have never thought of. While any of these can be done of the course of one day, to make the most of the journey, we definitely recommend venturing out on a three-day weekend if you can! Start creating a lifetime of memories by taking one (or more) of these unforgettable Idaho day trips:
1. Explore the City of Rocks National Reserve.
City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID 83312, USA
Beautiful, unique, and perfectly situated to be easily explored by nearly every Southern Idaho local, City of Rocks is definitely a bucket list worthy day trip. This geologic wonderland is not only a historic, rocky playground for all ages, it's also surprisingly idyllic in every season. Spring is especially rewarding for the nature lover, and visitors will be treated to small streams and creeks bubbling up from hidden nooks and crannies. And if one day isn't quite long enough (hint: it won't be!), camping is available as well. The best part is this fantastic area is gorgeous no matter the season!
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2. Spend the day wining and dining at a local vineyard.
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Colter's Creek Winery - Moscow Tasting Room, 215 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
Idaho has no shortage of picture-perfect vineyards that produce delicious wines, most of which can be found in the Southern half of the state. But there's something to be said for spending the day enjoying fabulous food, sampling new creations, and enjoying great company! Colter's Creek Vineyard and Winery in Juliatta (pictured) is one of many family-run, sustainable options around the state that offers tours and special events, and they even have a tasting room right in Moscow. But if you want to make an even longer trip of exploring Idaho's vineyards, this wine tour is the perfect way to (safely) indulge while enjoying Idaho's bounty.
3. Visit the magical Thomas E. Ricks Gardens in Rexburg.
Thomas E. Ricks Gardens, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
Sometimes, the best places to enjoy are the simplest! How about a special day out at a lush, colorful botanical garden? While the Thomas E. Ricks Gardens at BYU-Idaho aren't traditional by any means, they sure are stunning! Ten breathtaking acres of fountains, ponds, waterfalls, pavilions, and charming flower beds - all in one place. This is another perfect addition to your Idaho bucket list.
4. Take a day trip to a forgotten ghost town (or three) within Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.
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Land of Yankee Fork State Park, 24424 ID-75, Challis, ID 83226, USA
Because why not? This cluster of ghost towns (Custer, Bayhorse, and Bonanza) makes up one of Idaho's newest (and yet oldest) state parks, with plenty of historical remnants and scenic mountain hikes to delight the average traveler. If you've ever wanted to explore Idaho's ghost towns, this is the perfect place to start! Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is a (literal) gold mine for anyone who loves Idaho history.
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5. Hike to the forgotten city of Boulder City and its secret lakes.
Boulder Basin, Idaho 83340, USA
Speaking of ghost towns...A lost city, an abandoned mine, a rugged trail, and endless beauty combine just outside of Sun Valley for an unforgettable trip into Idaho's beautiful Boulder Mountains. The pinnacle lakes here - while a challenge to reach - are well worth the determination.
6. Drive the breathtaking Salmon River Scenic Byway.
Salmon River Scenic Byway Sign, 48 Gateway, Stanley, ID 83278, USA
Few things kick off a fantastic weekend quite like a road trip, and this 161-mile journey through Central Idaho is one of the state's finest. Incredible history, stunning natural beauty, wilderness adventure, and some of the wildest landscapes Idaho has to offer all collide in this truly magnificent journey - complete with off-road options and hot springs galore. If you live in the area, you can drive the Salmon River Scenic Byway in one day, although you'll have a hard time not stopping every few minutes to enjoy the views!
7. Immerse yourself in nature at the biggest natural spring in Idaho.
While the quaint, snow-covered sight of Johnny Sack's historic cabin is a must-see across the water in winter, the dense trees and bounty of natural beauty surrounding Big Springs in Island Park is absolutely divine in every season. Multiple hiking paths will carry you into the lush trees, and the end reward - the crisp sight of the blue-green water of Big Springs itself - is incredibly rejuvenating. Keep your eyes peeled for moose!
8. Kick off your boots in Idaho City.
Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Of all the Wild West towns dotting the state, Idaho City is an absolute gem. Charming, welcoming, resilient, and full of rugged, historic beauty, there's something new to discover and learn around every corner! Dress up in saloon garb and reenact a saloon scene for the camera. Camp in a yurt. Explore the historic remnants of decades past. Take an auto tour of the Ponderosa Pine scenic byway. Hot spring it up au naturale or in luxury. Go for a hike. Grab some pie and finger steaks...take your pick! You won't regret it.
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9. Spend the day exploring the Center of the Universe.
Wallace, ID 83873, USA
There's a lot to love about the most unique small town in Idaho, and Wallace's Center of the Universe manhole cover plaque is just the start of everything you'll find here. Dozens of woodsy trails, endless quaint museums, ziplining, and even historical tours barely scratch the surface of this larger-than-life community. One day might not be enough!
Our beautiful big-little state has so much more to explore than we could possibly fit into just one list! Do you have any favorite memories from these places?
For more awesome activities around the state, check out our list of things you never thought about doing in Idaho (but totally should).
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More to Explore
Adventures In Idaho
Where can we find ghost towns in Idaho?
- Wickahoney used to be an important stagecoach shop as mail traveled through the state back in the day.
- Silver City is a former mining town and today home to the Idaho Hotel, one of the most haunted hotels in the state!
- Dewey is also a former mining town andnamed after Colonel Dewey who bought the town's mine.
Read on to learn more about some of the many other interesting ghost towns in Idaho.
Where can we find natural attractions in Idaho?
- The Centennial Marsh Camas Prairie in south central Idaho features seemingly endless open expanses of camas lilies that bloom during the spring.
- The Bruneau Sand Dunes in Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park are the tallest free-standing sand dunes in the country at 500 feet.
- The Morley-Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area in Murphy contains North America’s largest concentration of birds of prey.
Read on to learn more about some of the many other stunning natural attractions in Idaho.
Where can we find hiking trails in Idaho?
- Seven Devils Mountains encompasses a 30-mile loop trail and is recommended only for the most experienced of hikers.
- Big Southern Butte has trails that showcase the volcanic dome here.
- The Palisades Creek Trail is a family-friendly hike that meanders alongside the edge of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Read on to learn more about some of the many other amazing hiking trails in Idaho.