Are you feeling envious of all the amazing road trips your friends seem to be posting about online lately? These days, you can’t go online without being bombarded by pictures of everyone else’s latest escapades to jaw-dropping destinations.
Maybe you are ready to witness some mind-blowing scenery in person rather than through the experiences of others. Since a camera cannot capture the smell of fresh pine trees or the feeling of a cool stream rushing over your feet, it’s time to unplug and create lasting memories. Get out there to see, hear, smell and feel it for yourself. To get started, we mapped out a road trip in Idaho for you with more adventure than most cross-country trips can offer.
1. Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park is up first on this list of Idaho road-trip destinations and is an ideal place to begin your adventure. More than 12,000 years ago, the Bonneville flood waters receded here, and a large amount of sand was left behind. The wind transported the sand to Idaho’s Bruneau Basin, creating the present-day state park, Bruneau Dunes. This park is home to the highest single-structured sand dune in North America at 470 feet high. In addition to these sandy drifts, Bruneau is home to Idaho’s largest public telescope and two public observatories. Gaze at the stars, climb the staggering dunes or rent a sandboard and surf the family-friendly sands. Enjoy a scenic stop along the Snake River or visit Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry on your way to another of Idaho’s geological wonders, Balanced Rock.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Bruneau Dunes State Park to Balanced Rock: 1 hour, 25 minutes (77.4 miles)
Getting to Balanced Rock
From Bruneau Dunes State Park, take State Highway 78 east to Interstate 84 in Hammett. Follow I-84 to Thousand Springs Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 30) and drive south toward Buhl. Follow signage south to Balanced Rock, taking Castleford Glenns Ferry Road to Balanced Rock Road.
2. Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is a peculiar natural wonder. This famous rock weighs more than 40 tons, is 48 feet tall and stands on a base only three feet wide. Over time, the wind has slowly etched every crevice of this boulder to form one of nature’s most curious balancing acts. Park for a picnic and snap some pictures to add to your impressive and expanding Idaho trip photo album. For more fun, take a quick detour to hike around in one of the six units of Thousand Springs State Park—or discover more good times with a visit to the incredible Hagerman Fossil Beds—before setting back out on the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway toward Shoshone Falls.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Balanced Rock to Shoshone Falls: 50 minutes (33.5 miles)
Getting to Shoshone Falls
Starting from Balanced Rock, follow signs northeast toward Buhl. Then, drive the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway (U.S.-30) southeast to Twin Falls. Follow area signage north to reach Shoshone Falls.
3. Shoshone Falls
Did you know that Idaho has a waterfall taller than Niagara Falls? Shoshone Falls is a jaw-dropping 212 feet tall and is at its best during the spring and early summer when the water flow is high. The Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake Complex is operated by the city of Twin Falls and has playgrounds, groomed picnic areas, hiking trails and a spot for swimming. Plan to visit the scenic overlook for an unforgettable family photo from your road trip in Idaho while at Shoshone Falls. On the way to your next stop, experience other rocky (and historic) wonders at two destinations you may need to see to believe: nearby City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park on the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Shoshone Falls to the Museum of Idaho: 2 hours, 25 minutes (159 miles)
Getting to the Museum of Idaho
Travel on I-84 east to Interstate 86, and then continue on Interstate 15 North northeast to Idaho Falls.
4. Museum of Idaho
The Museum of Idaho is devoted to bringing first-rate exhibits to the Gem State. The museum preserves cultural and natural history by showcasing a variety of rotating exhibits and always-open options like Way Out West and the Marie Putnam Discovery Room for children. Journey into charming Idaho Falls, walk along the Snake River Greenbelt and seek out other community points of interest such as the nearby Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park or the Idaho Potato Museum, located about 30 minutes away in Blackfoot.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Museum of Idaho to Mesa Falls Visitor Center: 1 hours, 11 minutes (69.2 miles)
Getting to Mesa Falls
Take U.S. Route 20 northeast to Ashton. From there, drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (State Highway 47 North) to Upper Mesa Falls Road, and follow signage to the falls.
5. Mesa Falls
Found within the expansive Caribou–Targhee National Forest, Mesa Falls offers a remarkable experience for visitors of all ages. Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk to view Upper Mesa Falls, then stroll the Mesa Falls Nature Trail and take a moderate hike down to Lower Mesa Falls. Don’t forget to stop by the visitors center, where you can learn about the geological history of the area and gain insights into local flora and fauna. Keep your camera handy, as photo opportunities abound around every turn. A short drive from Mesa Falls, visit Yellowstone Bear World and Harriman State Park to extend your time on this fantastic eastern stop to your road trip in Idaho.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Mesa Falls Visitor Center to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: 2 hours, 31 minutes (147 miles)
Getting to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to U.S.-20, then head southeast on U.S.-20 and U.S. Route 26 toward Arco. Continue on U.S.-26 west past Arco to access the national monument and preserve. Please note some navigation devices may incorrectly direct visitors to dirt roads. If using navigation apps or devices, navigate to the Robert Limbert Visitor Center at 1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213. The visitor center and loop road are not accessible via any unpaved roads.
6. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon spans 750,000 acres—roughly the same size as the state of Rhode Island. This vast landscape of otherworldly terrain includes lava tubes, cinder cones, fissures and plenty to do. Venture out for a 15-minute walk to the top of Inferno Cone for a view of the fascinating lava formations, or get a free permit from the visitors center and traverse the cave system formed through bygone volcanic activity underground at Indian Tunnel. Visit the nearby town of Arco to grab a bite to eat and check out a submarine in the desert on your Idaho road trip.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Craters of the Moon to Sawtooth National Recreation Area: 1 hour, 26 minutes (72.3 miles)
Getting to Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Take U.S.-26 southwest to Carey, then turn onto U.S.-20 West. Drive to State Highway 75 and continue north past Sun Valley to the recreation area.
7. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is the epitome of Idaho exploration. In fact, this stunning location could be a vacation in and of itself. The area has 300 high-mountain lakes and 700 miles of trails to explore. You may struggle to choose just one day’s worth of activities, so stick around and scout out more if you have the time. Redfish Lake holds rich recreational opportunities complete with boating, fishing and hiking trails for beginners and more experienced outdoor recreationalists. Enjoy a different perspective of this area on a full- or half-day horseback ride with an outfitter like Redfish Corrals.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Sawtooth National Recreation Area to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: 7 hours, 10 minutes (339.7 miles)
Getting to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Leaving the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, travel the Sawtooth Scenic Byway northwest to State Highway 21 near Stanley, then turn north on State Highway 55 and continue until you reach New Meadows. From New Meadows, take U.S. Route 95 to State Highway 71, and journey on to Hells Canyon Road. Follow marked recreation area access signage.
8. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
At its highest point, America’s deepest river gorge dives a staggering 7,993 feet to the valley floor below. Hells Canyon carves its way along the Idaho–Oregon border next to the Seven Devils Mountain Range. While you are visiting this popular Idaho trip destination, be sure to take a guided raft excursion or jet boat tour between the giant slabs of green and black basalt walls of this mammoth canyon. Cambridge is the last stop for fuel, snacks and bathrooms before entering Hells Canyon. The town of Riggins offers food, groceries and limited lodging, as well as outdoor recreation and access to numerous outfitters and guides. Soak up the sun and scenery before setting off on your journey to Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area to Lake Coeur d’Alene: 7 hours, 35 minutes (375 miles)
Getting to Lake Coeur d’Alene
From Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, drive State Highway 71 south to Cambridge, and then take U.S.-95 north. Hop on the White Pine and Lake Coeur d’Alene scenic byways to reach your next destination.
9. Lake Coeur d’Alene
Lake Coeur d’Alene spans 26 miles and boasts more than 135 miles of shoreline. This international resort destination is home to the nearby Coeur d’Alene Resort, Silverwood Theme Park (the Northwest’s largest theme park) and a never-ending list of outdoor ventures. The city of Coeur d’Alene provides a peaceful place to stop with dining, shopping and a range of activities to explore and enjoy. Take a breather here and gear up for your last Idaho road-trip stop—the Route of the Hiawatha.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Lake Coeur d’Alene to Lookout Pass: 1 hour, 22 minutes (73.9 miles)
Getting to the Route of the Hiawatha
Take Interstate 90 and head east to Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area to pick up trail passes for the Route of the Hiawatha.
10. Route of the Hiawatha
Make sure you keep your camera handy for this final portion of your epic Idaho road trip. The Route of the Hiawatha is a converted railroad line that winds for 15 miles along the Bitterroot Mountains. Ride your bike over seven towering trestle bridges and cruise through 10 tunnels. The trail is all downhill (a good time for the whole family) with shuttle buses to transport you back to the top. Visit Lookout Pass and appreciate the panoramic vistas offering views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests, or check out historic Wallace’s museums, tours and restaurants. When you are ready to wrap up your journey, turn south toward Boise to finish out your epic Idaho drive.
Travel Time to Final Destination
Route of the Hiawatha to Boise: 8 hours, 30 minutes (430 miles)
Getting to Boise
Leaving the trail, take I-90 west to State Highway 3 South. Continue south to U.S.-95, and then follow SH-55 farther south to Boise.
Where to Rest on Your Idaho Road Trip
Search for places to stay along your ultimate road trip in Idaho! Browse a range of lodging options on Visit Idaho’s website—from cozy cabins up in the mountains to charming bed and breakfasts found in historic towns—and select lodging that suits your style.
Stay Busy While on the Road With Idaho Bingo
Turn up the fun on your Idaho road trip with a game of bingo! Search to find all the pictured items on each card and be the first to get bingo! Some of the items will require you to leave the car, giving you a convenient excuse to get out and stretch your legs. This game is great for keeping kids happy and parents sane.
Set out on the road and make memories on a trip of your own in Idaho!
Looking for more riveting Idaho trip routes? Explore the state’s 31 scenic byways.
Updated on August 11, 2023
Published on October 28, 2015
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