With so many back roads, alpine lakes, and hidden gems to explore, Idaho’s road trip potential is seemingly unlimited. But while Idaho’s beauty is never-ending, time can be a bit of a luxury, and all too often, a quick weekend trip is all that is possible. Fortunately, we have the perfect vacay for you that is short, sweet, and highly adaptable while still capturing the essence of Idaho’s landscape diversity.

National Geographic recently published a list of the 500 most scenic drives in the country and we’ve adapted this trip from their model, while also tossing in some must-try food destinations as well. Without any further ado, grab those keys and buckle up as you embark on one of the greatest weekend road trips in Idaho!

1. Start in Idaho's beautiful, active capital city.
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One of the best weekend road trips in Idaho begins in Boise. Boise is an incredible place to explore all on its own, but must-sees include the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center, the Idaho History Museum, a scenic walk or bike ride along the Boise River Greenbelt, and a delicious meal at one of the City of Trees' hundreds of restaurants. If you're able to start your weekend a little early and catch some of bustling action of BoDo, you won't regret it. If you're feeling adventurous, be sure to throw in a hike up to Table Rock or into the Boise Foothills.
2. Watch the Old West come alive in this gold rush hub.
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One of Idaho's original mining towns, Idaho City is a throwback experience that is perfect for families. Here, you'll see sagebrush fields fade from your rearview as the landscape transforms into a beautiful tree-lined scene. White cobblestone remnants of the former mining boom still leave their mark. Enjoy the Old West experience, but with a little extra planning, an evening stay in one of Idaho City's famous yurts could lead to an epic night of stargazing. Learn more about what awaits you in the marvelous town of Idaho City.
3. Kick back and relax at Kirkham Hot Springs.
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An early-morning soak in of of Idaho's hundreds of natural hot springs will soothe cramped muscles and prepare you for the adventures ahead! As a bonus, Kirkham features a number of hot waterfalls to enjoy while you soak. Couldn't you imagine yourself soaking your troubles away at these Idaho hot springs?

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4. HIt the trails (or just enjoy the view) at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
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If you're feeling adventurous, a hike up to one of the Sawtooth's many lakes is an experience you'll never forget. We suggest Alturas lake for its easy accessibility. Just be sure to bring your camera; Sawtooth National Recreation Area is positively stunning!
5. Take a lunch break in Stanley.
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After hiking back down from the crystal-clear glacier waters of the Sawtooths, a quick jump to Stanley and a pick-me-up from Stanley Baking Co. will be just what the doctor ordered. This bakery has been around for decades, serving up some of the best treats, soups, and ice cream in the state. There is so much to discover in this charming Idaho small town.
6. Wine, dine, and get beachy on Redfish Lake.
Wikimedia Commons/Frank Kovalchek
Few road trips through Central Idaho are truly complete without a hike to Redfish Lake. The bony precipices of the Sawtooths ring the sandy beaches of the range's largest lake. Depending on the time of day, be sure to indulge in a sunset dinner cruise at Redfish Lake Lodge to get up close and personal with this alpine beauty. Here's more on what makes Redfish Lake in Idaho so special.
7. Drink in the scenic heart of Idaho in Ketchum.
Frank Kovalchek/Flickr
After a long night's rest, your final stop in Sun Valley has everything you could possibly want in a road trip. Festivals, art museums... concerts are a nightly occurrence in this artsy ski destination. While the slopes won't be open for a number of months, be sure to catch a ride down Ketchum's renowned gondola anyways -- the longest in the country. Breathe in the crisp, refreshing air at over 9,000 feet and enjoy a final meal at the Roundhouse before riding back down and heading home. Is it any wonder that Ketchum was recently voted one of the coolest towns in America?

In spite of what some might think, there’s a lot to see and do in Idaho; in fact, our rural areas are hiding some magical road-trip-worthy destinations as well, tucked away along our less-traveled roads. This is just one beautiful route in our latest summer road trip series, and we can’t wait to hear what you think and what hidden gems you’ve found during your travels! Do you agree that this route is one of the best weekend road trips in Idaho? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you.

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weekend road trips in Idaho

Beth C. | July 29, 2021

What are some fun things to do in Idaho?

Whether you're a lucky resident of Idaho or are planning a vacation, you're likely curious to find some of the most fun things to do in the state. Fortunately, we've discovered plenty of them! Here are some unforgettable day trips to take in Idaho: Bogus Basin, Idaho wine country, Bruneau State Park, McCall, Silver City, Round Lake State Park, and White Pine Drive. How many of these fun day trips in Idaho have you experienced?

What are some must-visit attractions in Idaho?

Idaho may be a land-locked state, but it also has some of the most stunning water features you've ever seen. In fact, we'd argue that some lakes and swimming holes even rival the Caribbean! If you're curious to check out these places, you should plan a visit to the following destinations: Box Canyon, Bear Lake, Alturas Lake, Upper Palisades Lake, Evans Landing, Lake Pend Oreille, and Blue Heart Springs. Have you been to any of these beautiful destinations in Idaho before?

What are some of the best road trips in Idaho?

One of the best ways to experience the great state of Idaho is to hop in a car and drive around. With scenic byways, breathtaking landscapes, and countless natural wonders, Idaho offers so much in the way of sightseeing. Some of the best road trips you can take in Idaho include the Magruder Corridor, the International Selkirk Loop, or the Historic Mullan Road. Of course, we've also put together some themed road trips for you to consider, such as a Fall Foliage Road Trip, a Haunted Road Trip, and a Hidden Gem Road Trip. Read all about these itineraries here.

 

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Explore Idaho

Featured Addresses
Boise, ID, USA
Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Kirkham Hot Springs, Idaho 83637, USA
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, 5 Northfork Canyon Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
Stanley, ID 83278, USA
Redfish Lake, Idaho, USA
Ketchum, ID, USA