7 Idaho Hikes That Are at Peak Beauty in Spring

Here in Idaho, winter can be long and gloomy. When Mother Nature begins teasing us with spring, I become quite anxious. I want to head outside and enjoy the warmer weather. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the fresh air is on a hike, and Idahoans are blessed with some of the best trails in the country.

Here, you'll find a road trip that takes you through seven hiking trails in one of my favorite areas of the Gem State. You’ll drive *and* hike in dense forests, through fields of hardened lava flow, to the top of a cinder cone, through charming small towns, and more. This is a fun and unique way to celebrate spring in the Gem State.

If you complete this road trip, you will travel approximately 370 miles. You will also hike 21.9 miles. We recommend you break this trip into multiple days to sightsee and give your body plenty of rest and recovery. The trails we have chosen along the route vary in sights, distances, and difficulty levels. You may want to switch out some trails to better meet your own needs. For this article, we begin and end in Ketchum, but you can start anywhere along the route. Now, lace up your boots, grab some water, and let’s go!

1. Fox Creek Trail, Ketchum – 5.3 Miles

There are dozens of incredible hikes in the Ketchum area, but the Fox Creek Trail is perfect for a spring day. This loop trail is 5.3 miles with approximately 700 feet in elevation gain. This trail offers beautiful wildflower viewing, and you’ll enjoy incredible sights of the Big Wood River. If you don’t tackle this trail in the spring, I strongly recommend adding it to your fall bucket list. The vibrant autumn leaves are a sight you don’t want to miss.

2. Inferno Cone, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve – 0.4 Miles

There are many hikes at Craters of the Moon I’d recommend. However, I suggest hiking the Inferno Cone Viewpoint Trail in the spring. This trail is short — only 0.4 miles — but it’s a bit challenging. You will climb a steep incline to the top of a volcanic cone, where you can see for miles. Because this trail has zero shade and the terrain can become quite hot, I like to tackle this hike before Idaho really starts to heat up.

3. Lower Cedar Creek Trailhead, near Mackay — 3 Miles

Of course, our hiking road trip must involve a waterfall. This trail in the Salmon-Challis National Forest is Lower Cedar Creek Falls. This is a lesser-known trail, so you may not see many other hikers along your way. This is a place where it's easy to feel far away from the rest of the world. This trail can be a bit rocky, so sturdy hiking boots are strongly encouraged. Plus, the road to the trailhead is quite rough — a high-clearance vehicle is strongly encouraged.

4. Merriam Lake, near Mackay — 3.7 Miles

If you aren’t an experienced hiker, you may want to skip Merriam Lake on this spring road trip. This is a difficult hike, and you’ll climb nearly 1,500 feet in elevation in just a short distance — it’s definitely going to challenge you physically and mentally. However, the view at the end is stunning. Merriam Lake is a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by bold, steep mountains. If you visit too early in the spring, you may encounter snow on your way.

5. Bayhorse Ghost Town Loop Trail, Challis — 0.9 miles

For a unique stop on this road trip, Bayhorse Ghost Town is an absolute must. Located in the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, this loop trail takes you through a well-preserved ghost town. You will view abandoned buildings, old equipment, and more. Plus, you can learn a lot about Idaho’s history as you take this journey. Keep in mind that because this trail is located within an Idaho State Park, a fee is required. Also, consider camping at Challis Hot Springs Campground and relaxing in Challis Hot Springs. You can learn more about these destinations on the Idaho State Parks website.

6. Lady Face Falls, near Stanley — 5.1 Miles

Lady Face Falls is an Idaho hike that is scenic almost every step of the way. During late spring and early summer, you’ll encounter fields of wildflowers with mountain backdrops. You’ll hike through forested areas, next to Stanley Lake, and near gorgeous overlooks ... not to mention the gorgeous waterfall that tumbles into a natural pool. It’s no wonder this is such a popular trail in the area.

7. Scenic Overlook via Bald Mountain Trail, Ketchum — 3.5 Miles

The last hiking trail on this road trip is the Scenic Overlook via Bald Mountain Trail in Ketchum. This out-and-back hike takes you through lush forests and near the Big Wood River. You’ll come to an overlook where you can stand and admire breathtaking views of Ketchum. Sit and admire the views at the top of this trail — there’s no rush down. And if you're looking for more things to do on your road trip and hiking adventure, be sure to check out our itinerary planner so you know where to stop along the way!