The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Idaho

Central Idaho is considered one of the most picturesque areas of the Gem State. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds and slow down in an area filled with hot springs, lakes, hiking trails, and so much more. This is one of my favorite areas of Idaho to visit and is one of the best places to enjoy a little fresh air, sunshine, and Idaho views. If you want to explore and admire Idaho, get away from the city and enjoy this two-day getaway filled with outdoor adventures and activities in Idaho. You’ll soak in hot springs, hike near one of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho, and stay in a historic lodge — what could be better than that?

From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.

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This road trip itinerary is approximately 86 miles and requires approximately two hours of drive time. You’ll visit three destinations, dine at a well-known restaurant, and spend the night in one of the most popular resorts in Idaho.

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Sunbeam Hot Springs is an easily accessible hot spring located near Highway 75, just east of Stanley. Boulders and rocks have been placed in the springs to create soaking pools near the edge of the Salmon River. These pools are continually fed by water that cascades out of the nearby hill.

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Sunbeam Hot Springs, Idaho 83278, USA

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Plus, these hot springs are historic. They actually sit next to a historic bathhouse that was constructed for CCC Crews in 1937. While the baths are no longer there, the bathhouse is still standing as a reminder of this unique and historic destination.

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Redfish Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho and it draws in quite a crowd every year. While you can always spend some time at the lake, I strongly suggest going for a hike. There are some incredible hikes in the area but one of my favorites is the Fishhook Creek Trail.

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Redfish Lake, Idaho, USA

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This is an easy, 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that begins at Redfish Lake and follows the path of Fishhook Creek. You’ll walk through meadows, past ponds, and to some of Idaho’s most beautiful landscapes. It’s your own little slice of heaven in the Sawtooth National Forest.

See more of the Fishhook Creek Trail

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After a day of adventure, you have likely worked up an appetite. The next stop on our itinerary is the historic Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum. This building officially opened as a gambling casino in 1940, but in the mid-1960s, it transformed into the restaurant that we love today.

Pioneer Saloon, 320 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA

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This restaurant on Ketchum’s Main Street is known for its Old West-style vibe and delicious menu. The Pioneer Saloon is a delicious steakhouse with perfectly-prepared entrees, including the prime rib that people talk about for days.

Sun Valley Resort, 1 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA

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While there are several places you could stay on this two-day outdoor getaway in Idaho, book a stay at the Sun Valley Lodge.

Here, you can stay in a room, cottage, condo, or even townhome. All accommodations feature numerous amenities for a relaxing, luxurious stay. Make sure you walk the halls of the lodge and look at the photos of celebrities, leaders, and other famous individuals who have spent their time in Sun Valley, including Ernest Hemingway who actually lived in Room 206. This is where he wrote many of his popular works including “For Whom the Bell Tolls.”

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Sawtooth Botanical Garden, 11 Gimlet Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA

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Before you head back home, there is one more spot to visit and it’s sure beautiful — the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. Located in Ketchum, this five-acre garden features five different areas that each represent a different biome of south-central Idaho.

The botanical garden is a beautiful space to simply walk around, enjoy the views, and receive a little peace and quiet before you continue on your way. The garden is open to the public from dawn to dusk each day.

So, what do you think of this two-day itinerary in Idaho? Are you going to embark on this nature getaway? What other outdoor adventures and activities in Idaho would you recommend to our readers? Let us know in the comments! You can also discover even more Idaho road trips here.