posted on June 15, 2026
Idaho features a wildly varied landscape where sprawling lava fields meet sparkling lakes, rugged cliffs rise above rivers, and jagged peaks frame some of the most unforgettable views in the American West.
This guide to things to see in Idaho is your starting point for an unforgettable Idaho road trip, from beautiful alpine lakes to skiing world-class slopes and so much more — all within a few hours’ drive of each other. And the best way to experience it all? Behind the wheel, chasing those incredible views at your own pace.
Idaho: What you need to know
- Gateway cities: Boise (BOI) is the main airport hub with the most direct flights. Gateway cities like Boise, Idaho Falls, and nearby Spokane also make it easy to access southern Idaho, eastern Idaho, and north Idaho.
- Getting around: Getting around Idaho without a car is difficult. Distances are long, and many of the best things to see in Idaho sit deep within central Idaho or tucked into northern Idaho’s forested corners. A car opens up scenic overlooks, spontaneous stops at natural hot springs, and time to see more. Browse Turo to find the perfect rental car in Boise.
- Best time to visit: Timing your trip depends on what kind of outdoor adventure you’re chasing. Summer delivers lake swims, mountain biking trails, and river activities along the Salmon River and Snake River. Fall brings golden aspen groves and quieter hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains. Winter transforms Sun Valley and Schweitzer Mountain Resort into snowy playgrounds, while spring reveals popular waterfalls like Shoshone Falls and blooming desert landscapes.
- Idaho’s regions: The state divides naturally into Southern Idaho (Twin Falls, Shoshone Falls, Bruneau Dunes), Central Idaho (Craters of the Moon, Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley), and Northern Idaho (Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Hells Canyon).
The top things to see in Idaho
1. Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Stanley Basin
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is Idaho’s crown jewel. A dramatic view of jagged granite peaks rising above 10,000 feet, dotted with more than 300 alpine lakes and laced with 700 miles of trails. At its heart sits Redfish Lake: a turquoise, glacier-fed beauty perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply soaking in the view. Nearby Stanley is a tiny-but-mighty base, with natural hot springs like Boat Box and Kirkham nearby, and the beloved Stanley Baking Company for a well-earned treat. This area shines year-round: wildflowers in summer, fiery fall color, and peaceful Nordic skiing in winter.
Tip from the author: Visit midweek or in September — fewer crowds and those hot springs feel even better when the air turns crisp.
2. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve feels like stepping onto another planet. It’s a vast 750,000-acre sea of black lava, cinder cones, and eerie volcanic formations. NASA astronauts even trained here before the Apollo missions, which tells you everything. The 8-mile Loop Road is the easiest way to explore, with stops for short hikes to lava tubes (bring a flashlight!) and panoramic viewpoints like Inferno Cone. It’s also an International Dark Sky Park, so if you’re staying late, the stargazing is seriously spectacular — a sky full of stars without a single city light in sight.
Tip from the author: Summer heat here is no joke. Go early or late, and bring more water than you think you’ll need.
3. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is staggering. It’s North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet, carved by the Snake River and deeper than the Grand Canyon (yes, really). You can admire it from above at the overlook, pick a hiking trail, or go all in with a boat or rafting trip from Lewiston or Riggins — the latter is easily the more memorable, slightly adrenaline-fueled option. Remote, rugged, and uncrowded, this is a great spot to experience wilderness in its rawest form.
Tip from the author: Fuel up in Cambridge as it’s your last reliable stop. It’s also best visited late spring through fall!
4. Lake Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint
Lake Coeur d’Alene is a 25-mile-long alpine lake that lives up to the hype with its calm, crystal-clear water, forested shores, and postcard-perfect views. National Geographic has even called it one of the most beautiful in the world — and when you arrive, you’ll see why. You can spend your days cruising, swimming, or strolling Sherman Avenue, then head north to Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille for a more laid-back escape. Summer is all about the water, from swimming to paddleboarding; fall brings golden hues; and winter allows for ski seasons at Schweitzer Mountain Resort and the Lake Coeur d’Alene floating Christmas tree cruise.
5. Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls
Shoshone Falls — often called the “Niagara of the West” — drops 212 feet and stretches wider than Niagara itself. Visit in spring when the snowmelt is roaring for peak drama. The surrounding Snake River Canyon is just as impressive, with viewpoints along the rim and the Perrine Bridge, where BASE jumpers regularly leap into the void. About 70 miles west, Bruneau Dunes State Park offers towering sand dunes (the tallest single-structure dune in North America) and excellent stargazing at the on-site observatory in the evening.
6. Sun Valley and Ketchum
Sun Valley is Idaho’s most iconic resort destination, centered around Bald Mountain — a world-class ski area known for its long, smooth runs and incredible vertical drop. Nearby Ketchum adds character with its mix of historic buildings, arts scene, and ties to Ernest Hemingway. But this isn’t just a winter destination. In summer, the same slopes transform into hiking and mountain biking trails, while nearby rivers offer fly fishing and other river activities. Whether you’re chasing powder or sunshine, Sun Valley delivers.
7. Boise
Boise blends city energy with outdoor access. Downtown Boise is lively yet relaxed, with great food, a growing arts scene, and quirky spots like Freak Alley Gallery tucked between historic buildings. The Boise River Greenbelt follows the Boise River for miles, offering a scenic path for walking or biking among nature. And just beyond, the foothills open up into miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. As a base for an Idaho road trip, Boise is hard to beat — central enough to launch into southern Idaho’s deserts or head north toward the mountains.
8. McCall and Payette Lake
This hidden gem is a small mountain town with big appeal, sitting right on the shores of Payette Lake. Summer days are made for swimming, paddling, and lakeside lounging, while winter brings snow-covered scenery and festive events like the McCall Winter Carnival. It’s a place that balances activity with relaxation perfectly. The drive here along the Payette River Scenic Byway is part of the experience — winding roads, river views, and the occasional stop at natural hot springs make it a road trip highlight in its own right.
9. The Route of the Hiawatha, Wallace
The Route of the Hiawatha offers one of the most memorable cycling experiences in the Pacific Northwest — a gentle downhill ride through tunnels and across towering trestle bridges in the Bitterroot Mountains. Nearby, Wallace is steeped in mining history, with beautifully preserved historic buildings and a designation on the National Register. This is the heart of Silver Valley, where old mining towns meet modern adventure.
Idaho by region
Idaho’s size means most travelers focus on one or two regions — southern Idaho for desert landscapes and waterfalls, central Idaho for mountains and hot springs, and northern Idaho for lakes and forested escapes.
Southern Idaho (Twin Falls area)
Southern Idaho is all about dramatic desert landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and wide-open canyon country.
- Shoshone Falls — “Niagara of the West”
- Snake River Canyon rim walks and Perrine Bridge BASE jumping
- Bruneau Dunes State Park — the tallest single-structure dune in North America
- Thousand Springs State Park — spring-fed waterfalls along the Snake River canyon
Central Idaho (Boise / Sun Valley / Stanley)
Central Idaho is where mountain adventure takes over, mixing alpine scenery with hot springs, lava fields, and classic Idaho road trip routes.
- Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Redfish Lake
- Sun Valley / Ketchum
- Natural hot springs near Stanley
- McCall and Payette Lake
Northern Idaho (Coeur d’Alene / Sandpoint)
Northern Idaho leans into lakes, forests, and mountain scenery. A greener, cooler contrast with plenty of unspoiled nature and historic towns.
- Lake Coeur d’Alene
- Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille
- Schweitzer Mountain Resort
- Route of the Hiawatha and historic Wallace
- Hells Canyon (accessible from Lewiston)
Idaho by interest
For outdoor adventurers
If you’re chasing pure outdoor adventure, Idaho delivers some of the most varied and underrated terrain in the Rocky Mountains.
- Sawtooth Wilderness hiking — 700 miles of trails among 40+ peaks over 10,000 feet
- Hells Canyon boat and raft tours — the deepest river gorge in North America
- Whitewater rafting on the Salmon River (“River of No Return”)
- Mountain biking near Sun Valley and on the converted mining trails around Wallace
- Backcountry skiing in the Sawtooths and Sun Valley
For families
Idaho is surprisingly family-friendly, with plenty of hands-on landscapes, easy-access adventures, and outdoor activities that suit all ages.
- Redfish Lake — swimming beach, paddleboats, kayak rentals, and easy lakeshore walks
- Craters of the Moon — the Loop Road and lava tube caves delight kids
- Route of the Hiawatha — a downhill bike trail through tunnels and over trestles (all ages)
- Silverwood Theme Park near Coeur d’Alene — the Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park
- Bruneau Dunes — sand dune climbing and the observatory stargazing program
For scenery and photography
If share-worthy photos are the priority, Idaho is packed with cinematic landscapes — from alpine reflections to desert waterfalls and forested lakeshores.
- Sawtooth Mountains at Redfish Lake — granite peaks reflected in turquoise water
- Craters of the Moon at golden hour or under dark skies
- Shoshone Falls in spring — peak water flow makes it genuinely Niagara-like
- Lake Coeur d’Alene from the lake cruise or the scenic drive around the shoreline
- McCall Ponderosa State Park in fall — aspen color against the lake
For hot springs lovers
Idaho’s natural hot springs are one of its best-kept secrets. Think rustic aesthetics, remote, and perfectly placed in wild mountain settings.
- Kirkham Hot Springs — pools carved from rock on the Payette River, 1.5 hours from Boise
- Boat Box Hot Springs — a converted railroad boiler on the Salmon River near Stanley
- Valley Creek Hot Springs — near Stanley; accessed via a short walk through the woods
- Burgdorf Hot Springs — remote and rustic; near McCall, accessed via forest road
Frequently asked questions
What is Idaho most famous for?
Idaho is famous for potatoes and its diverse outdoor landscapes, including the Sawtooth Mountains, Hells Canyon, and Craters of the Moon. It’s known for hiking, skiing, rafting, and scenic drives, often with fewer crowds than neighboring western states.
When is the best time to visit Idaho?
Summer (June–August) offers the fullest access — all parks and scenic drives are open, lakes are swimmable, and the days are long. Fall (September–October) is the local favorite: wildflower trails give way to golden aspen forests, crowds drop significantly, and the hot springs are particularly enjoyable. Winter is excellent for skiers at Sun Valley and Schweitzer.
Do I need a car to visit Idaho?
Yes — Idaho’s attractions are spread across a large, rural state and are unreachable without a vehicle. Even within regions, distances between key sites are substantial. Discover a wide range of cars on Turo in Boise.
What are the best things to see in Idaho in one week?
A one-week Idaho road trip usually includes Boise, the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley Basin, Craters of the Moon, and Sun Valley. This route combines mountain scenery, natural hot springs, alpine lakes, lava fields, and scenic desert drives in a relatively compact itinerary.
Is Idaho worth visiting?
Absolutely — Idaho is one of the most diverse and uncrowded destinations in the American West. From dramatic canyons and volcanic landscapes to sparkling lakes and rugged mountain ranges, it offers a constant sense of discovery without the heavy tourism seen in neighboring states. For travelers seeking space, scenery, and a true outdoor adventure feel, it’s well worth the trip.
Explore Idaho by car with Turo
Idaho is a state that rewards slowing down and taking the scenic route. It’s the sudden appearance of sprawling lava fields against endless sagebrush, the first glimpse of Redfish Lake tucked beneath the jagged Sawtooth peaks, and that jaw-dropping moment you peer into Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and genuinely can’t compute how something that deep can exist. These are the kinds of experiences that happen through the windshield first and on foot second. To make the most of it, start your Idaho road trip in Boise and explore at your own pace. Browse vehicles on Turo and plan a trip built around the places you actually want to spend time exploring.
Share your car, earn extra cash
Cover your car payments or earn some extra cash by sharing your car whenever you’re not using it.
Get startedHit the road
Browse thousands of cars for every occasion and budget near you, or wherever you’re going.
Browse cars
Sian Henderson
Sian is both a cosied-up content writer and an avid outdoor traveller. She’s road-tripped around NZ, navigated the bustling streets of Vietnam, eaten her way through the night markets of Malaysia, and sunbaked on the islands of Hawaii and Fiji. As a travel partner, she’s usually the one to discover hidden gems and remember the snacks.
