With purple mountain majesties, fruited plains, and meandering rivers white with foam, the Gem State is the epitome of everything that songwriters have been waxing poetic about for centuries. Idaho is overflowing with natural wonders, each feature inspiring exploration and adventure with their magnificence. But with 80 mountain ranges to explore, four distinct regions, and a fantastic geologic history unlike any other, the best way to truly experience the diversity of Idaho’s natural wonders is to see them for yourself! You might remember we’ve written about Idaho’s natural wonders before, but we’ve created a (lengthy) road trip that takes you to several of our these stunning locations to help you to experience Idaho in a whole new way.
At just over 33 hours round-trip, this is a multi-day adventure you won't forget!
You can do this trip as-is using our map, or, check the map out for yourself and customize as needed. Be sure to check out our suggestions for other sights to see along the way! Are you ready?
1. Mount Borah
Mount Borah Place, Mt Borah Pl, Pocatello, ID 83201, USA
For the perfect Idaho road trip, why not start at Idaho's tallest mountain peak? Chiseled and rocky, Mount Borah rises up a spectacular 12,662 feet and towers over its neighbors in the Lost River Range. Uniquely, Borah is also very close to the exact geographic center of Idaho, which is another hidden gem in Idaho to add to your bucket list! Of course, Borah is just one of the many natural wonders in this slice of Idaho.
This backcountry national reserve is an enchanting world of spires, pyramids, and unique rock formations that will inspire the imagination with every visit. There are dozens of trails to explore and endless rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, or plenty of places to camp, picnic, or simply enjoy the views. Rising from Idaho's landscape as a silent city, this geologic marvel is truly special not only for its volcanic history, but its importance as a Native American camp and important stop on the California Trail. To learn more and start planning your visit, check out the City of Rocks NPS page.
Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls is perhaps the most visited and widely-recognized natural wonder in Idaho. Standing proudly at 212 feet and over 200 feet wide, this landmark waterfall is the crowning jewel of the Snake River Canyon and higher than Niagara Falls. Whether pouring at full force or just a late summer trickle, Shoshone Falls is a fantastic sight! Make a weekend out of it by exploring all of the waterfalls the Magic Valley has to offer!
Towering above the sagebrush desert at 470 feet, Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest freestanding sand dunes in North America. But what many people don't realize is that this magnificent park also has one of the longest camping seasons in the state, meaning you can sandboard, hike, pitch a tent, and enjoy the sights well into the year.
The deepest canyon in the US sits on Idaho's western border and is a magnificent sight to behold. At ten miles wide and nearly 8,000 feet deep, it's deeper than the Grand Canyon but often overlooked due to its lack of sheer walls. There are a number of ways to explore this magnificent natural wonder in Idaho, starting with a guided river boat tour up the Snake River. Heaven's Gate Overlook, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and even Hells Canyon Dam are also great places to explore the pictographs, wildlife, and natural beauty of the area. Skip the Sawtooth crowds - you'll be absolutely awe-struck when you visit the Grand Canyon of Idaho!
The trees in this botanical area were mere sprouts when America was first discovered. Today, they tower hundreds of feet above the landscape and provide a lush green haven that is completely unexpected when traveling north from Southern Idaho. Two short trails form a loop through the trees with multiple numbered posts to describe everything that is so special about this woodsy wonder. To be fair, this isn't the only grove of giant trees in Idaho, but it certainly is a special one!
Idaho's deepest lake is also the fifth deepest lake in the country, plunging down 1,150 feet beneath the surface. This gem of Northern Idaho is well worth the visit for the magnificent sunsets alone - which are made intensely vibrant by the crisp northern air - as well as for the bounty of natural features and activities which dot the area, including Northern Idaho's own cedar grove nearby. Multiple islands dot the jewel-like waters of Lake Pend Oreille while gentle, sandy beaches add an oceanfront feel to inland Idaho.
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8. Mesa Falls
Mesa Falls, Upper Mesa Falls Rd, Ashton, ID 83420, USA
The Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are a set of pristine Idaho gems, untouched by manmade diversions and just shy of the Idaho-Montana border. Easy access to both falls can be found at the Mesa Falls visitor center, where a paved boardwalk leads to one and a nature trail leads to the other. Tucked away in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and set on scenic Henry's Fork, the Mesa Falls Tuff (the rock over which the upper falls cascades) was formed as part of the Henry's Fork caldera, which is a bit of a natural wonder in itself!
There’s no denying that Idaho’s landscape is undeniably spectacular, not to mention diverse! While we’ve tried to hit a highlight in nearly every region in the state, truth be told, there’s simply no way to capture all of Idaho in just one trip. Instead, use this list as a starting point for getting out to explore new corners of our great state!
Have you checked each of these natural wonders in Idaho off your bucket list yet? We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories!
While you’re out ogling Idaho’s biggest and boldest landscapes from the ground floor, make some time to enjoy our great state from new heights.
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More to Explore
natural wonders of Idaho
Beth C. |February 07, 2023
What are some of Idaho's hidden gems?
In addition to some striking natural wonders, Idaho is also home to countless hidden gems. Some of the best hidden gems in Idaho include:
Sportsman Park
Roosevelt
Winchester Lake State Park
Owyhee Canyonlands
Weiser, Idaho
Lilly Lake
Salmon River Lodge Resort
Black Magic Canyon
Box Canyon Springs
Trail Creek Cabin
Independence Point
From hole-in-the-wall restaurants to secluded resorts and breathtaking natural destinations, the above list of hidden gems in Idaho is sure to impress!
What are the most beautiful hikes in Idaho?
Idaho is one of the best states for outdoor enthusiasts and avid hikers alike. So, if you're looking for the most beautiful hikes in Idaho, we would recommend any of the following:
Blue Creek Trail, Coeur d’Alene
Fourth of July Summit Loop, Cataldo
Goldbug Hot Springs, Salmon
Mores Mountain Loop, Boise
West Highland Valley Trail, Boise
Crooked River Trail, Idaho City
Blue Lake Trail, Cascade
Box Canyon Springs Trail, Wendell
Cress Creek Trail, Ririe
Pulaski Tunnel Trail, Wallace
Upper Falls Community Forest Trail, Post Falls
Snowshoe Hare Loop, Boise
For more information about the above trails, check out our list of Idaho hikes -- one for each month of the year!
