The 7 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Idaho

Idaho is beautiful. It is known for its gorgeous landscapes and postcard-worthy scenery, but it also has man-made attractions that amaze and inspire. In fact, some of the most colorful places in Idaho are destinations that have become wallpapers on my smartphone, that I share on social media, and that I love recommending to travelers. The following are just seven colorful spots in Idaho for every bucket list. From natural wonders to works of art, the Gem State is certainly not dark and dull. 

1. Freak Alley, Downtown Boise

No list of colorful places in Idaho is complete without mention of Freak Alley in downtown Boise. This is the largest open-air multi-artist mural gallery in the Northwest. As you walk between 8th and 9th Street and Bannnock and Idaho Street, you’ll find murals and graffiti-inspired artwork of all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Hundreds of people are needed to make this impressive area become a reality, and each summer, a large painting event is held where new murals are created.

2. Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise

There are a handful of botanical gardens and arboretums in Idaho, but one of the most well-known and most popular is the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise. This gorgeous garden is tucked away in the Boise foothills and is home to several main gardens filled with all types of plants, water features, artwork, and more. You can always walk around, admiring the plants and flowers on your own. Or I recommend attending one of the many events held at the Idaho Botanical Garden throughout the year. 

3. Blue Heart Springs, Hagerman Valley

Blue Heart Springs is the perfect definition of a hidden gem. Located in southern Idaho, this natural spring features crystal-clear water, green vegetation, and sandy shores. However, to see this gorgeous area in person, you'll need to put in some extra effort, as it’s only accessible by water. In fact, many people kayak or use a stand-up paddleboard to access this secluded area. From Banbury Hot Springs, it takes approximately 45 minutes to paddle to the beautiful blue water.

4. Sawtooth Mountains

The Sawtooth Mountains is one of the most photographed mountain ranges in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. Everywhere you look, you’ll find pure, natural beauty like bright-blue alpine lakes, green valleys, gray granite peaks, vibrant fall foliage, and wildflowers boasting every color of the rainbow. Of course, you can’t forget about the variety of wildlife that you may come across as you explore one of the many trails in the mountains, take a scenic drive, or visit nearby towns like Stanley.

5. Camas Prairie - Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Located just a short distance from Fairfield, the Camas Prairie - Centennial Marsh WMA is beautiful all year long, but if you want to see an extremely gorgeous landscape with lots of color, visit when the camas lilies are in bloom. Typically, from late May to early June, this area is covered in blue and purple flowers that create a scene that looks like it belongs in a painting. Even better, you’ll likely see all types of birds and other wildlife also enjoying the area, adding even more pops of color to the scene.

6. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

You may think that Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is just fields of dark, hardened lava flow, and you’d be absolutely correct. But if you time your visit just right, you’ll find truly colorful scenes. In fact, Craters of the Moon is one of our favorite places in Idaho to view wildflowers. The bright and vibrant colors of the flowers stand out as they grow above the dark, hardened lava. I even love visiting in the winter, after a light blanket of snow covers the ground, creating a stark contrast in the landscape. To see even more color, spend the night and look up. Craters of the Moon is an International Dark Sky Park and one of the best places in Idaho to stargaze, and view twinkling lights, the Milky Way, and more colorful secrets of the night sky. 

7. Palouse Region at Sunset

I must admit the Palouse Region is my favorite destination on this list. This massive area is 18,000 square miles and includes Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. It’s home to small hills that are made from dust and silt called loess that blew in thousands of years ago during dust storms. Today, these small hills create a gorgeous sight, particularly in early summer when they are bright green, and at harvest when all you can see are rolling fields of gold. No matter the time of year, the Palouse is even more stunning at sunset when the reds, oranges, and purples in the sky create truly stunning scenes—scenes that constantly make me homesick for northern Idaho. 

I know there are many more colorful places in Idaho that deserve a visit. The above destinations are just a few of my personal favorites. What other colorful spot in Idaho would you add? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to hear from you. And if you are feeling inspired and ready to get out and explore the Gem State, check out our Only In Your State itinerary planner for activity, restaurant, and accommodation recommendations.