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From the remarkable lakes in the panhandle to the waterfalls dotting the southern part of the state, there is so much to see and explore in Idaho. While there are many different ways to enjoy the Gem State, one of the best is a scenic drive. There are dozens of Idaho road trip ideas to help you experience the majestic views found all around the Gem State. But, if you feel a little overwhelmed and don’t know which Idaho road trip itinerary to choose, we are here to help. Below are just 11 of the best road trips in Idaho, from single-day excursions to adventures with the entire family. Get ready because no matter which option you choose, you are in for a journey to remember.
For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState’s Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. And, whether you’re leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can’t forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.
1-Day Road Trip In Idaho
The Boise Train Depot at sunrise. (Charles Knowles/Flickr)
- Route: Boise Train Depot > Idaho State Museum > Boise Fry Company > Idaho Botanical Garden > Military Reserve
- Distance: 7 miles
- Trip Time: 30 minutes driving time
Quick road trips in Idaho can be just what we need for a fun day trip. This short road trip in Boise, Idaho will take you on an adventure from sunrise to sunset. You will visit five different attractions in Treasure Valley including historical sites, unique places to eat, and the most beautiful botanical garden. This is one road trip where you can take your time and see some incredible views all at the same time.
3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Idaho
View of the iconic Perrine Bridge with the Snake River flowing beneath. (knowlesgallery/ iStock Via Getty Images Plus)
- Route: Bruneau River Canyon > Box Canyon State Park > Snake River Canyon
- Distance: 105 miles
- Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
With this incredible Idaho road trip itinerary, you can visit three incredible canyons in a single weekend. You will only travel 105 miles, giving you plenty of time to explore each area and go on adventure after adventure. This road trip is best during the warmer months of the year so you can truly get out and appreciate many of the wonders and gems that Idaho offers. Don't be surprised if you consider this one of the best weekend road trips in Idaho.
Idaho Hot Springs Road Trip
Hot springs. (j.a.woodhouse/ jesswoodhouse.com/Flickr)
- Route: Lava Hot Springs > Heise Hot Springs > Goldbug Hot Springs > Kirkham Hot Springs
- Distance: 450 miles
- Trip Time: 8 hours driving time
Spend a weekend with relaxation in mind when you experience this Idaho hot springs road trip. You will travel approximately 450 miles in a single weekend and visit four different hot springs. Make sure you bring your hiking boots because some of these hot springs will require a bit of a trek, but all of them are going to help you unwind and soak away your worries. This is one of the best road trips to take in Idaho for enjoying nature - especially if hot springs are your jam.
Highway 95 Road Trip In Idaho
- Route: Weiser > Council > Riggins > Grangeville > Lewiston > Moscow > Coeur d’Alene
- Distance: 345 miles
- Trip Time: 6 hours and 15 minutes driving time
Highway 95 is one scenic road that will practically take you from one end of the state to another. On this Highway 95 road trip in Idaho, you will visit several of the best towns located along this stretch of road. This specific itinerary will take you from Weiser to Coeur d’Alene but you can also start wherever you desire — there really are numerous stops and attractions along this route that you won’t want to miss.
Best Idaho Road Trip For Spring
- Route: Lava Hot Springs Resort > Shoshone Falls > Thousand Springs State Park > Boise River Greenbelt > Payette Lake > University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Moscow > Route of the Hiawatha
- Distance: 740 miles
- Trip Time: 13 hours driving time
When spring arrives in Idaho, you are often itching to get out of the house to explore. This road trip in Idaho takes you to many bucket-list-worthy destinations to start your warm months off right. This is a long road trip — approximately 13 hours of drive time — so we strongly suggest you break it up into multiple days. But, if you complete the trip in its entirety, you’ll get to enjoy destinations like Thousand Springs State Park, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Best Summer Road Trip In Idaho
- Route: Jump Creek Falls, Marsing > Deadman Falls, Glenns Ferry > Thousand Springs, Hagerman > Perrine Coulee Waterfall, Twin Falls > Pillar Falls, Twin Falls > Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls > Big Fiddler Creek/Long Gulch Falls, Elmore County
- Distance: 418 miles
- Trip Time: 11 hours driving time
Summer is all about waterfalls. There are dozens of incredible waterfalls all over the state, but this road trip focuses solely on the best falls in southern Idaho. You will get to chase seven waterfalls on this 420-mile trip. From Jump Creek Falls to Long Gulch Falls in Elmore County, you are going to see some pretty remarkable sights. Just make sure you break this road trip into multiple days so you can enjoy each waterfall and never feel rushed.
Best Idaho Road Trip For Fall
Mount Heyburn in autumn. (Charles Knowles/Flickr)
- Route: Coeur d’Alene > Hells Canyon National Recreation Area > Ponderosa State Park > Sawtooth National Forest > Boise > Owyhee River Wilderness Area
- Distance: 610 miles
- Trip Time: 14 hours driving time
We have created the ultimate leaf-peeping road trip itinerary in Idaho. You will travel all across the state from Coeur d’Alene to the Owyhee River Wilderness. You will spend a lot of time in the car as this scenic drive is approximately 14 hours but there are plenty of spots along the way to admire the red, orange, and yellow hues of fall. Just make sure you time this road trip right so you can enjoy the colors during peak fall foliage.
Best Winter Road Trip In Idaho
- Route: Lava Hot Springs > Black Swan Inn, Pocatello > Sun Valley Ski Resort > Stanley Ice Skating Rink, Stanley > Kirkham Hot Springs, Boise National Forest
- Distance: 318 miles
- Trip Time: 5.5 hours driving time
Even when the weather is cold and chilly outdoors, it doesn’t mean you need to stay cooped up inside. In fact, when you take this chilly weekend road trip, you may just discover your love for this season in Idaho. With multiple hot springs, an outdoor ice skating rink, and charming places to stay, you are going to love this season of the year.
Family Friendly Idaho Road Trip
- Route: Splatter Lab, Rexburg > Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg > East Idaho Aquarium, Idaho Falls > Leo’s Place, Idaho Falls > Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls > ARTitorium, Idaho Falls > Potato Museum, Blackfoot
- Distance: 61 miles
- Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
Are you ready for a road trip in southeastern Idaho? Grab your family and head on an adventure that will create some incredible memories. You’ll stop at attractions like Splatter Lab in Rexburg, the ARTitorium in Idaho Falls, and the Potato Museum in Blackfoot. This is one of the best road trips in Idaho and it is the perfect way to make memories with the people you love the most.
Road Trip to Idaho Landmarks & Natural Wonders
- Route: Sun Valley > Stanley > Lake Cascade > McCall > The Palouse > Lake Coeur d’Alene > Priest Lake
- Distance: 592 miles
- Trip Time: 12.5 hours driving time
This may be one of our favorite road trips in Idaho and it will certainly make you fall in love with the beauty of Idaho all over again. If you complete this trip in its entirety, you will travel from central Idaho all the way to the northern area of the panhandle. You’ll encounter incredible mountains near Sun Valley, small towns like McCall, the grandeur of the Palouse, and breathtaking lakes like Coeur d’Alene. It’s a trip of pure beauty.
Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Idaho
- Route: Island Park > Driggs > Ketchum > Stanley > Idaho City > McCall > Riggins
- Distance: 590 miles
- Trip Time: 11.5 hours driving time
There is nothing like the mountain towns in Idaho and on this road trip, you can visit some of the best. Riggins, McCall, Stanley, and Island Park are just a few of the stops along your way. This road trip is scenic and picturesque and there are countless things to do along your route. Don’t rush through this road trip. You may travel nearly 600 miles one way but the charm you’ll experience and the views you will see are worth every single mile.
Have you taken any of the above trips through Idaho? What is your favorite place to travel in Idaho? What do you consider to be the best road trips in Idaho? Share it with us in the comments and don’t forget to include your Idaho road trip map!
To help you find a charming cabin in Idaho along your travels, check out some of our favorites.
