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"Idaho is one of the most underrated states in the US, with some of the country's most stunning wilderness, most spectacular nature, fascinating history and welcoming locals - but get there now before the secret's out."

Travel Director

Discover Montpelier city

Our Idaho holidays will take you on a journey to beautiful Bear Lake Valley and the historic town of Montpelier. Set on the route of the famous Oregon Trail, this little town was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1863, and we’ll dive into this incredible history, from the Old West bank once robbed by Butch Cassidy to the covered wagon-themed restaurant.

Visit the Oregon Trail Center

You’ll follow in the footsteps of thousands of pioneers who took on the Oregon Trail in the 1850s when we visit this incredible center. It’s one of the best places in Idaho to really get to know this unique part of American history, with interactive displays including a real wagon train experience with live actors, and the chance to ride in a classic covered wagon.

Drive through the scenic Idaho roads

Ernest Hemingway once said, “A lot of state, this Idaho, that I didn't know about.”, and you’re in for a stunning surprise when we take you through the Idaho’s diverse landscapes and beautiful byways. With lush green hills, rugged mountains, glittering lakes and golden farmlands, you’ll know all about the state’s treasures after an Idaho tour with Trafalgar.

Our top 3 things to do in Idaho

When you travel Idaho with Trafalgar, we’ll show you all the best things to do in Idaho, from the famous Oregon Trail to the historic city of Montpelier.

Museum of Idaho

From a life-size Columbian mammoth replica to the world’s first snowmobiles, this museum is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Idaho. It’s dedicated to the state’s natural and cultural history, with amazing exhibits like rare artifacts from Charles Darwin’s life, a walkthrough street of a 19th-century frontier town, and even haunted history tours after dark.

Idaho Museum of Natural History

With over half a million specimens in collection, this museum is the place to go to discover the natural history of Idaho and the Intermountain West. You can see incredible skeletons, fossils, minerals and artifacts from the Ice Age, and you can even compare your skull to over 100 other animals like dinosaurs, whales, sharks and crocodiles.

Boise Art Museum

Located in the capital of Idaho, this art museum features a superb collection of 20th-century realism and contemporary ceramics from Idaho artists to international pieces. You’ll also discover the largest collection of works from famed Idaho artist James Charles Castle, and there’s even a beautiful sculpture garden to explore.

Best museums in Idaho

If you can tear your eyes away from the mountain ranges, you’ll discover some of the best Idaho attractions are its museums, from superb art collections to prehistoric treasures.

Basque Food

As a hub for Basque culture, with Basque schools, festivals and the only Basque museum in North America, you’ll find some of the country’s best Basque cuisine in Idaho. Originating from Basque immigrants of the mid-1800s, you’ll fall in love with the delicious dishes like lamb stews, croquetas, codfish and custard-filled cake.

Habanero Pizza

If you can handle the heat, you’ve got to try the famous habanero pizza, served up by the Flying Pie Pizzeria, an Idaho institution in Boise. Every year, from June to September, they dish up these pizzas that are so eye-wateringly spicy, you have to sign a waiver to take them off the premises. We say give this traditional Idaho challenge a go - if you dare!

This dessert wine is one of the rarest and trickiest wines to pull off, made with grapes that are hand-picked and pressed while still frozen - but you can find some of the world’s best, award-winning ice wines in Idaho. The wine is incredibly sweet and pairs perfectly with a good cheese platter, and you have to try some of this liquid gold on your Idaho holiday.

Best food in Idaho

Your Idaho travel guide will show you all the best places to try the most beloved dishes in Idaho, from traditional Basque cuisine to fine ice wine.

What to pack for Idaho

There’s nothing better than putting on your headphones and the perfect playlist, as you kick back and cruise along the scenic byways and country roads of Idaho.

Walking shoes

With so many museums, monuments and gorgeous landscapes to explore, you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes on your Idaho tour.

From water bottles, snacks and sunscreen, to souvenirs and gifts, a day bag will carry everything you need on your Idaho adventures.

Portable charger

Whether you’re snapping some memorable photos or following maps on your phone, a portable charger will help all your devices stay connected on your Idaho vacation.

Water bottle

You’ll be heading to a dryer, higher altitude when in Idaho, so remember to keep a water bottle handy and stay hydrated on your trip.

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A Travel Guide to the Ultimate Idaho Road Trip

Table of contents, 1. bruneau dunes state park.

• 2.  Balanced Rock
• 3.  Shoshone Falls

4. Museum of Idaho

5. mesa falls, 6. craters of the moon national monument and preserve, 7. sawtooth national recreation area, 8. hells canyon national recreation area.

• 9. Lake Coeur d’Alene

10. Route of the Hiawatha

Where to rest on your idaho road trip, stay busy while on the road with idaho bingo.

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.

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. 

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 .  

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Tyler Schnur

Updated on August 11, 2023 Published on October 28, 2015

Idaho road trip - The ultimate travel itinerary

Idaho may not be an obvious place for a road trip, but with its wild rivers, dramatic mountains, scenic byways and expansive national parks, there truly is no better place to get away from at all.

This epic Idaho road trip itinerary starts in Boise and dips briefly into Oregon, taking in all the most amazing sights in south-central Idaho - from the stunning Sawtooth National Forest and otherworldly Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve to the iconic Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, and numerous spectacular waterfalls along the way.

While this itinerary goes at a pretty quick pace, you can always opt to spend more or less time in each destination, extending the trip from 9 days to 12 or even to 2 weeks.

Here's how to make the most out of a road trip in Idaho.

Day 1: Start in Boise, then drive to Twin Falls

Welcome to the Gem State!

Arrive in Boise and see the city

You'll start your Idaho road trip in capital city Boise, which has an international airport with arrivals from many different airlines all over the world.

If you're not local, pick up your rental car at the airport ( Budget , Enterprise and Avis all have offices in the area). There will be plenty of time to explore Boise on days 8 and 9, so for now set your sights on stop number 1: the majestic Bruneau Sand Dunes, an hour south of the airport.

Go sand-boarding Bruneau Sand Dunes

The first destination on your driving itinerary does not feel like typical Idaho; in fact, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in Dubai or Africa when you arrive at Bruneau Dunes State Park.

This 4,800-acre geologic preservation area features an array of massive sand dunes sitting next to small lakes, making for quite the dramatic sight.

It's believed that the dunes were formed about 15,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, when the Bonneville Flood inundated parts of southern Idaho and eastern Washington.

Today, it's a popular attraction for Boise residents and visitors alike, who come to fly kites, do some stargazing, fish in the lakes or surf down the dunes.

Entry to the park costs $5.

Plan to arrive at Bruneau by around 10am so you can take full advantage of the park and still have plenty of time to travel to your next road trip destination.

Set your Sat Nav for the Bruneau Sand Dunes visitor center, where you can park your car and head inside to rent a sandboard for $15 a day. Then make your way to the top of the dunes and surf your way down!

For more information about getting to Bruneau Sand Dunes and what to do once you're there, head to the NPS website .

Drive to Twin Falls

After you've mastered sandboarding, dust off the sand, hop back in your car and drive towards Twin Falls. It's about 1.5 hours away, so you should arrive by lunch time.

The stunning city of Twin Falls is known as the gateway to Snake River Canyon, one of the most scenic parts of the state.

It's also a hotbed for water activities and adventure sports; to see what we mean, just head to Perrine Bridge and watch the base jumpers leap off the edge!

Have lunch at Idaho Joes

Seeing as you've had a big day already (and it's far from over!) you deserve a big, hearty, super American lunch.

For that, make your way to Idaho Joes, a casual local haunt that specializes in all things fried and delicious.

If you happen to be visiting at the weekend, the buffet breakfast is seriously popular. And be sure to save some room for pie!

See Shoshone Falls - the 'Niagara of the West'

Once you're suitably stuffed, pile back into the car and drive to Shoshone Falls. Don't worry, it's just 15 minutes away.

This awe-inspiring waterfall is known as 'The Niagara of the West,' and it's easy to see why. In fact, it's actually a whole 42ft taller than Niagara, spewing out water at an incredible 3,600 cubic feet per second.

It's especially amazing to look at after rainfall, when the falls are at their most impressive.

There's plenty of parking at Shoshone Falls, and it's an easy walk to the viewpoints.

Head onwards to the city of Blackfoot

After about 45 minutes or so of admiring the falls, it's time to continue on with your Idaho trip.

Your final stop of the day is Blackfoot, a small city with a big claim to fame: 'the Potato Capital of the World.'

You'll get your fair share of spuds tomorrow, but for now you should find your hotel, check in, drop your bags and head into town for dinner.

There are a couple of food options in town, depending on what you're in the mood for. You'll soon notice that 'light bites' are not really a concept in Idaho, so be prepared for some more hefty portions and lashings of fried food!

Day 2: Blackfoot to Swan Valley

Rise and shine! It's time to explore more of this wild and wacky state, starting with perhaps one of the wackiest Idaho tourist attractions you'll see on this road trip: the Idaho Potato Museum.

Visit the Idaho Potato Museum (because obviously)

Yes, it is as corny as it sounds, but the Idaho Potato Museum is also surprisingly interesting, offering a wealth of historical and cultural information about the humble spud.

Plus, museum visitors get a free box of tater tots when they leave - how could you turn that down!

Entry to the museum costs $4 for adults and $2 for children aged 5 to 12. Kids aged 4 and under go for free.

Note that the museum opens at 9:30am and is closed on Sundays.

Drive Blackfoot to Swan Valley

Around 10:30am or so, jump into the car once more to drive to your next Idaho road trip destination: Swan Valley, which is an hour northeast of Blackfoot.

The lovely Swan Valley is famously the location of the South Fork of the Snake River, the best wild trout fly-fishing river in the country.

This waterway boasts an incredible 4,000 fish per mile, making it one of the most productive rivers in the country.

Seeing as fishing is king here, it's only right for you to spend the rest of the day out on the river, seeing what you can catch.

Hire a guide and do some fishing on Snake River

If you're new to fly-fishing, there are several guide companies in the area that will provide equipment and show you the way.

The Lodge at Palisades Creek is a highly rated tour agency, offering half-day guided fishing excursions for $450 for 1 to 4 people (including water and tackle, plus lunch for an additional $20).

The trip lasts four hours, so plan to arrive by around noon or 1pm so you can be out on the water all afternoon.

Alternative: Dip into Wyoming and explore Grand Teton National Park

If fishing's not your thing, you can opt out of Swan Valley and instead drive a bit further east to the mind-blowingly beautiful Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone's less crowded neighbor.

You could easily spend several days wandering around this wild expanse, but it's also completely doable to squeeze a lot into one day.

Your Grand Tetons itinerary should definitely include taking the ferry across Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls, hiking around Cascade Canyon, and seeing how close you can get to the summit at Inspiration Point. The views from there are absolutely breathtaking.

Tonight, you can either stay in luxury in a cabin at the Lodge or head to one of the other, less expensive, accommodation options in the area.

There are also plenty of campgrounds and RV parks if you've brought a tent or a campervan.

Day 3: Drive from Swan Valley to Sun Valley via Craters of the Moon

On day 3, before continuing on with your Idaho road trip, treat yourself to a big breakfast at Angus Restaurant.

The menu at this friendly and rustic truckstop-style eatery consists of breakfast classics like delicious omelets, sizzling bacon, biscuits and gravy, and free coffee refills.

Throw in a milkshake if you're feeling crazy!

Drive to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Breakfast devoured, it's time to move on to your next stop: the mystically named Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

It's a 2.5-hour drive from Swan Valley, so stop halfway in Idaho Falls to buy some food and water for a picnic lunch later. Gandolfo's New York Deli on S Woodruff Avenue has a great selection of sandwiches and salads. And if you've got a sweet tooth, pick up one of their mousse cakes as well - you won't regret it!

You should plan to arrive at the Craters by around 1pm.

Explore Craters of the Moon

Begin your visit to this jaw-dropping place at the Craters of the Moon visitor center (or the Robert Limbert Visitor Center, as it's called on Google Maps), where they'll give you trail suggestions and information about the park.

You can also watch a short film there that provides more background on the natural history context.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve consists of 1,600 square km of blackened lava flows, cinder cones, volcanic fissures and lava caves.

It was formed during eight major volcanic eruptive periods between 15,000 and 2,00 years ago.

You'll definitely want to bring your camera (and a torch!) to capture these amazing natural features and venture into the caves, which date back thousands of years.

To get the most out of your visit, embark on the 7-mile loop, which includes access to hiking trails that take you up close to the incredible volcanic features.

(You can find a Craters of the Moon map and details of the Loop Road on the National Park Service website .)

The seven-mile loop takes about 30 minutes to drive, but you should allow about 3 hours for stops, hikes, and lunch.

Note that there's a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.

Drive on to Ketchum/ Sun Valley

Once you've completed the loop, it's time to drive on to the next stop on your Idaho road trip: the beautiful Sun Valley.

Not only is Sun Valley incredibly scenic, but it's also historically important. It was one of the original stops on the Union Pacific Railroad (founded in 1862), and it's the final resting place of author Ernest Hemingway, who wrote his most popular novel, For Whom The Bell Tolls , right here in Sun Valley Lodge.

You can head to the Visit Sun Valley website for more info about Hemingway's Sun Valley legacy.

To get to the Sun Valley-Ketchum area from the Craters, follow Highway 20 West for about an hour before hanging a right onto Gannett Road. From there, get on State Highway 75 North, which will take you into the city of Ketchum.

It's a 2-hour drive from Craters of the Moon, so you should arrive around 6pm.

Check into your Ketchum hotel and go out for dinner

Ketchum is the gateway to Sun Valley, the country's first ski resort and one of its most popular, so as you can imagine it's an outdoor lover's dream!

We'll explore the ins and outs tomorrow, but for now it's time to get some dinner.

There are lots of places to grab a bite in the center of Ketchum, from Mexican eateries to casual burger joints to romantic family-run Italian restaurants.

Make your way to the corner of North Main Street and Sun Valley Road to browse your options.

Day 4: Sun Valley - Skiing / fishing / hiking in the great outdoors

Good morning Idaho road trippers!

Today you get to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. What you get up to completely depends on the time of year you've decided to go on your Idaho road trip.

Lucky for you, Sun Valley is fantastic no matter the season, so here's how to make the most of your day:

Sun Valley in winter: Spend the day skiing or snowboarding

With two gorgeous mountains (Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain) and more than 2,000 acres of snowy terrain, Sun Valley is the ultimate skiing paradise.

Chair lifts start running at 9am, so roll out of bed, layer up, and make your way to Door 2 Door Ski and Snowboard Rental Delivery on 9th Street East, which opens at 8am every day, to pick up all the equipment you need.

From there, it's a 5-minute drive to the Roundhouse Express gondola, which takes you to the base of Bald Mountain.

Spend the day shredding and skiing to your heart's desire, pausing for a warming lunch at Seattle Ridge Day Lodge at the top of the Seattle Ridge chairlift.

Sun Valley in spring/summer: Go mountain biking in Silver Creek

When the ice thaws and the sun comes out, Sun Valley becomes a veritable haven for cyclists.

Whether you like to ride on hardcore, rugged terrain or prefer cruising along gentle trails, there are literally hundreds of miles of mountain biking tracks to choose from.

In the morning, head to Sturtevants of Sun Valley on Ketchum's Main Street, where you can rent a mountain bike starting from $40 for a half-day. (Don't forget a helmet!)

Then pick up some snacks and embark on your mountain biking adventure.

For more ideas on where to go, head to the official Sun Valley tourism website , which has a detailed list of the best trails for every ability.

Sun Valley in Autumn: Go on a hike to see the fall foliage

There's nothing more magical than fall in Sun Valley, when the trees take on lemon yellow and golden hues, turning the landscape into an autumnal dreamland.

Not only is this one of the most beautiful times to visit Sun Valley, but it has the added benefit of being less crowded than in winter or summer, which means you'll have no trouble finding a peaceful hiking trail.

Plus, hotel and restaurant rates tend to drop outside of tourist season, so you'll get more bang for your buck!

The best way to see the beautiful autumnal foliage is by going on a nice long hike.

For a moderate five-mile hike, head to the scenic Proctor Mountain loop, which offers lovely views of Ketchum below.

If you want more of a challenge, try taking on Pioneer Cabin loop, an 8.7-mile trail with steep inclines and rugged terrain.

For driving directions, mapped routes and lots more information about the best hikes in Sun Valley and Ketchum, head to the Hiking Project website .

Go stargazing and spot the Milky Way

After you've warmed up at your hotel, had a hot shower, and eaten some dinner, it's time to do some stargazing.

Sun Valley and Ketchum are part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve - the only such reserve in the whole country, and one of just 12 in the entire world.

What that means is that, thanks to clear skies and efforts to limit light pollution, the stars here are unusually brilliant, illuminating up the night sky - and there's a good chance you'll be able to see the Milky Way as well.

Unbelievably, a 2016 survey found that 80% of Americans can't view the Milky Way anymore from where they live, so this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

Day 5: Drive Ketchum to McCall via Sawtooth National Forest

On day 5 of your Idaho road trip, it's time to experience one of America's famous scenic byways - the first of two on this trip.

What is a scenic byway, you ask?

In short, it's a road recognised by the U.S. Department of Transportation as being outstanding for having one or more of these 'intrinsic qualities': cultural, archaeological, historic, recreational, natural, and scenic.

Drive along Sawtooth Scenic Byway

Sawtooth Scenic Byway, which runs through the wild Sawtooth National Recreation Area, starts about an hour northwest of Ketchum by car.

Once you've checked out of your hotel, make your way north along Highway 75 to the town of Stanley.

On your way along the scenic route you'll pass by the panoramic Galena Summit overlook, the glittering Alturas and Redfish Lakes, and the dramatic Sawtooth Mountains

The drive from Ketchum to Stanley takes just over an hour, but allow three so you have time to get out at all the amazing stops along the way.

Have lunch in Stanley, Idaho

Sitting at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley is a tiny hamlet (population below 100) and one the last vestiges of the old Idaho frontier.

If you want to extend your Idaho road trip, Stanley is a great place to use as a base for exploring the surrounding area, where you'll find horseback riding opportunities, hiking, and therapeutic hot springs (we highly recommend Goldbug Hot Springs in particular, which is just under 2 hours northeast of Stanley).

Once you reach Stanley, make your way to the super popular Papa Brunee's on Ace of Diamonds Boulevard for lunch.

This laidback eatery specializes in all things pizza, with tonnes of flavors and toppings to choose from.

They also serve up some seriously delicious calzones in unique flavors like the 'Buffalo hot wing' and the 'Stanley Cheesesteak' (made with garlic sauce, sirloin steak, and vegetables).

Grab an ice cream to go at Stanley Scoops next door, then get back in your vehicle and set your Sat Nav for McCall, which is about 3 hours away.

Drive from Stanley to McCall

If all goes to plan, you should arrive in McCall by around 5pm, with plenty of time to do some exploring after you've checked into your hotel and freshened up for the evening.

This lively mountain town sitting on the south shore of Payette Lake is known as the gateway to Ponderosa State Park, yet another one of Idaho's spectacular natural areas.

With golf courses, hiking trails, and lots of opportunities for water sports on the lake, McCall is a popular summer vacation spot for Idahoans and day/weekend trip destination from Boise.

And in the wintertime, the town buzzes with skiers and snowboarders who use McCall as a base as they venture to the surrounding mountains.

Have a walk around town and admire the views of the lake before treating yourself to a hearty dinner.

If you need some food inspiration, My Father's Place has the best burgers around, and Pueblo Lindo is famous for its authentic fajitas and tacos.

Day 6: Spend the day at Ponderosa State Park

After waking up to a croissant breakfast sandwich and lavender latte at Fogglifter Cafe, pick up some picnic food for later at Albertsons grocery store.

Then put on your comfy walking shoes and hiking gear and head to Ponderosa State Park, which covers the majority of a 1,000-acre peninsula jutting into the lake.

With peaceful beaches, a huge network of hiking trails and wildlife galore, it's easy to while away the day exploring this beautiful park.

We do recommend hiking to Osprey Point via the Ridge Line trail to breathe in the fresh air and admire the fantastic views from the overlook.

It's the perfect place to spread a picnic blanket and sit down for some well-deserved lunch.

If you're visiting Idaho in the wintertime, take to the hills in the park for some cross country skiing or snowshoeing.

Stay the night in McCall

In the evening you have the choice of either staying in a hotel back in town, or pitching a tent on a campground in the park itself.

You can also stay in one of the deluxe cabins or yurts near the shores of the lake.

Day 7: Hells Canyon Scenic Byway road trip

To wrap up your epic Idaho road trip, we're taking you to the incredible Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, which is just under 3 hours away.

Plan to leave McCall by 9am so you can make it to Hells Canyon before lunchtime.

The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a 218-mile-long road in west Idaho and eastern Oregon featuring lush valleys, colorful fields of wildflowers, rugged basalt cliffs and the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains.

Getting to the route can be somewhat confusing for first-timers, as it's not clearly marked on Google Maps.

The road technically starts in Baker City, Oregon, looping northeast through Richland and Halfway to the Hells Canyon dam, then veering west through Joseph and Enterprise before finishing in La Grande.

Coming from McCall, you'll probably want to hop on the route from Oxbow and follow the loop anti-clockwise.

You can download a PDF map of the region on the official Hells Canyon Byway website .

If you were to do it all in one go, the drive would take 6 hours, but we recommend allowing a day and a half to fully enjoy the route.

Some Hells Canyon highlights:

Snake River - You're already familiar with Snake River thanks to your fishing trip on day 2, but in this part of Idaho it's even more spectacular. Watch as the water tumbles through Hells Canyon, North America's deepest canyon.

Hells Canyon Dam - Generally considered one of the best parts of this mini road trip, this colossal concrete dam is built on the Snake River, marking the border between Idaho and Oregon. From here, the views of the canyon are truly spectacular.

Hells Canyon Overlook - With easy parking and lovely picnic areas (plus a bathroom), this is the perfect place to get out, stretch your legs and admire the views. From here, you can see McGraw Creek and look over the canyon at the Seven Devil Mountains.

Wallowa Lake - This deep blue ribbon lake is sometimes referred to as 'The Crown Jewel' or 'The Sapphire in a Sea of Astounding Landscapes'. The surrounding Wallowa Lake State Park is home to lots of activities for the whole family including fishing, horseback riding, mini golf and go-karting.

Stay in Joseph for a night

However you decide to spend your Hells Canyon time, aim to get to Joseph (a town just north of Wallowa Lake) by nightfall so you can check into one of the charming inns and B&Bs there for the night.

The Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast is handily situated in the center of town and has some elegant guest rooms that are perfect for cozying up after a long day.

Before you nod off, walk north along Main Street to Embers Brewhouse, where you can round out the night with a local beer (or two).

Then stumble back to the B&B and roll into bed.

Day 8: See the rest of Hells Canyon Scenic Byway & return to Boise

Breathe in that fresh mountain air and get ready to hit the road; today is the final driving day of your Idaho road trip!

But don't fret - there's plenty more to do before we send you off home again.

After you've packed up your things and left your hotel room, grab a cup of coffee and a bagel at Old Town Cafe for breakfast.

Go for a stroll in Joseph, which is characterized by an eclectic mix of old-school cowboy charm and modern art.

Now's also a good time to fill up your tank before continuing on with the driving itinerary.

Once you and your vehicle are fuelled up, drive north on Highway 82 to complete your Hells Canyon route.

Drive through Enterprise, Wallowa, Elgin and La Grande

On your way to La Grande at the end of the scenic byway, you'll drive through a number of lovely towns and villages, passing by gorgeous ranches, farmlands, forests, and the ever-present Wallowa River.

Stop at any viewpoints and rest stops that catch your eye, then follow Highway 82 all the way to La Grande, where you can get out for some lunch.

Stop for lunch in La Grande

Thanks to the presence of Eastern Oregon University, La Grande is a bit more vibrant and bustling than the cities you've visited so far on this Idaho road trip.

It was also one of the stops on the Oregon Trail, and you can even see remnants of the historic path traveled by pioneers in La Grande's Oregon Trail Interpretive Park.

Spend an hour so browsing through the city's quaint antiques shops, small museums and independent art galleries before settling in somewhere for lunch.

For an all-American treat, nab a table at Side A Brewing, housed in an old fire station on Washington Ave, which serves up delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients.

Stars of the menu include the Ahi tuna sandwich and the peanut butter bacon burger (trust us!) and we highly recommend getting a helping of Dirty Fries to share.

Last leg of your Idaho road trip: Drive back to Boise

After lunch, it's time to come full circle by driving back down to Boise, where this road trip began. The journey from La Grande to Boise should take you about 3 hours.

You can return your rental car as you won't need to drive from now on; the next day and a half will be spent getting to know Idaho's underrated capital city.

Drop off your vehicle at the airport and then hail a taxi to downtown Boise. It's an easy 10-minute journey to the city center.

Have dinner at every Boise local's favorite restaurant

Once you've found your accommodation for the night and dropped your stuff there, take a walk or a taxi to the corner of North 8th street and West Idaho Street and nab a table for dinner at Fork.

Ask any local where to have dinner in Boise, and chances are they'll recommend this atmospheric gem, which is housed in an elegant old bank building.

Some of the most mouth-watering menu items are the asparagus fries, the glazed Brussels sprouts and the Cubano pulled pork sandwich. Yum!

On your way back to your hotel, take a five-minute walking detour just around the corner to see the famous Idaho State Capital Building all lit up at night.

Day 9: Boise - Make the most of your last day in Idaho

It's the last day of your Idaho itinerary, and there are lots of activities to squeeze in!

Boise truly is an under-the-radar gem of a travel destination, with a lively downtown area that's a joy to explore. Some even say it's the new Portland ... we'll let you judge for yourself!

Grab a coffee at Big City Coffee & Cafe

The delightfully kitschy Big City Coffee & Cafe always attracts morning crowds - and for good reason. They serve up some of the best breakfast offerings in the city, from homemade biscuits and gravy to Belgian waffles and toasted bagels.

Plus, for every can of coffee they sell, the cafe donates $1 to breast cancer detection services. Time to stock up on those Idaho souvenirs!

Get your culture fix at BAM

Once you're suitably caffeinated, walk southeast about 20 minutes from the cafe until you reach the entrance to Julia Davis Park, the location of your next stop: the Boise Art Museum (BAM).

This small but charming art deco-style museum has a wonderful array of fascinating exhibitions centered around contemporary realism, ceramics and fine art, as well as a hands-on activity area for children. There's also a cool sculpture garden out back.

Entry costs $6 for adults and $3 for children between first and 12th grade.

Take a taxi to the Old Idaho Penitentiary

From BAM, hail a taxi or get an Uber to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, which is about 10 minutes away.

First opened in 1872, this former jail once housed some of the West's most notorious criminals, including a prominent member of Butch Cassidy's gang.

It stopped functioning as a prison in 1973, and these days, you can walk amongst the grounds, gallows and prison cells, imagining what life was like for the inmates way back when.

This may sound like a spooky tourist attraction (and it certainly is), but it's also a fascinating insight into America's penal system over the last century.

The Old Idaho Penitentiary is open 7 days a week from 12pm to 5pm.

Admission costs $6 for adults and $3 for children between the ages of 6 and 12.

Walk along the Greenbelt back to the city center

After you're finished exploring the jailhouse, make your way to the river and walk west along the Greenbelt, a pleasantly serene 30-mile-long pathway that connects many of Boise's best parks and sights.

Visitors and locals alike agree that the Greenbelt is a big part of what makes Boise so special, offering an unusual opportunity to immerse yourself in nature right in the middle of the city. There's a reason Boise is known as 'The City of Trees'!

After about 40 minutes you'll reach Julia Davis Park again, and from there it's a 20 minute walk to your next stop: the Basque Block.

Have lunch on the Basque Block

Bet you didn't know that Boise has one of the biggest Basque populations in the world!

This unique cultural heritage is celebrated and painstakingly preserved on Basque Block, an area of downtown Boise that's home to a historic Basque museum, a cultural center, and a handful of restaurants and bars serving up traditional Basque cuisine.

For lunch, take your pick from the eateries in the area (the Basque Market and Bar Gernika are local favorites). On Saturdays, Bar Gernika serves up a ridiculously popular beef tongue sandwich... get there early to get your order in before they run out!

Go on a brewery crawl

Now that you've lined your stomach with all the Basque food you can eat, it's time for a drink.

The perfect way to round off your trip to Idaho is with a tour of all the best breweries in Boise, many of which are concentrated around the downtown area.

Start with a stroll along Freak Alley, where you'll see an outdoor art gallery of brightly colored graffiti and wall murals adorning the buildings, highlighting the urban, edgy side of Boise.

From there, you're within easy walking distance of many of the city's best breweries including Boise Brewing, White Dog Brewing Co. and the Woodland Empire Brewery.

When the hunger pangs set in again, make your way to one of the many cheap eats options in the city. If you like Mexican food, you can't go wrong at the no-frills Tin Roof Tacos, where tacos cost less than $3 each.

Then roll back to your hotel and get some well-deserved rest before setting off for home tomorrow morning.

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51 Years in the Making! 

The 51st annual Zions Bank Boulder Mountain Tour will take place in Ketchum, Idaho, on its traditional day, the first Saturday in February, falling in 2024 on February 3….

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Upon registering, you will be given the opportunity to submit past race information. Racers are assigned to waves based on previous race results submitted, not previous start positions…

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All racers should plan on picking up their race bag and packet at the BMT Expo. Each racer receives a bib, timing chip, race-day details, SWIX souvenir hat….

Transportation

Buses will begin transporting racers and spectators from Hemingway Steam School to Galena Lodge starting at 7 a.m. Travel time on average is approximately 35 minutes from Ketchum….

She Makes Her Own Adventure

Adventuring through small towns, good books and coffee shops

12 Days Road Trip through Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, & Wyoming

Teddy and I took the road trip of a lifetime in the late summer of 2022. We headed to five states that were new for the two of us to visit together – Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming. I’d been to each of these before, but some were brand new to Teddy. We wanted to see National Parks and Monuments, small towns, the open range and mountains, wildlife, and beautiful scenery of more rural parts of the United States. We accomplished all of that and so much more. This was also the trip where Teddy proposed and we were able to enjoy our new engagement in some of the most beautiful areas of the United States.

Below you’ll find suggestions on what to do each day if you plan to do some portion or all of this trip. I’ve linked both blog posts to a deeper dive into some of the areas as well as posts to business or location websites to help you in your research. Teddy and I don’t mind driving and being in the car for 3-6 hours a day to get places. We call these trips our “Scouting Trips” so that then we know where we’d like to go back to and where we’d don’t necessarily need to visit again. While some places like Glacier you may know ahead of time you’d like to visit for a few days, others like the Black Hills or the Bitterroot National Forest area you may not realize until you’re there. After each trip, he and I write down what we would like to revisit in the area and for how long and what we’re okay to not do again. We also include anything we missed or just didn’t have time for along the way. So by the end of each trip, we have a few additional trips planned in our minds for the future.

I’ve also included a map at the bottom of the post to show. you where exactly we went in each state. It doesn’t include every single stop but includes most of them. We drove about 3000 miles in 12 or so days which is about 250 miles a day or 4 hours of driving on average per day. If you’d like to travel slower than that, cut out some of the stops or add more days to your trip. We are fully aware that our travel style is not everyone’s travel style.

DAY 1 – Boise & Southern Idaho

• Fly into Boise. Depending what time your plane lands, grab lunch or coffee in town before beginning your exploration of southern Idaho .
• Visit Box Canyon. Go for a hike on the Box Canyon Springs Trail . We did part of this trail but the heat was quite awful the day we were there so we opted to just get a few looks over the trail, and not finish it completely.
• Drive 30 minutes east to Twin Falls. Check out the Perrine Bridge and see if you can spot any base jumpers. We saw so many the afternoon we were there.
• Walk under a waterfall at Perrine Coulee Falls . I’ve never been able to do that at a waterfall before, so this was a stop we both have as a highlight of our trip.
• Drive over to the 900 foot wide falls at Shoshone Falls. I do think it’s worth a look, but keep in mind it is man made because of the hydroelectric plan there. It’s not a fully “natural” waterfall.
• Head to South Market in town for dinner. It’s a food hall and you have an opportunity to try an array of food and ice cream!
• Stay overnight along I-84 (We stayed in Blackfoot)

DAY 2 – Tetons National Park

• Get up early the next morning and begin making your way to Wyoming. Try to get up early enough that you’re able to see sunrise in Teton National Park .
• Drive to Mormon Row and check out the various old barns along the dirt road.
• Check out the Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend
• Take the boat across Jenny Lake and then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
• Get lunch in Jackson Hole downtown where there are quite a few options or grab coffee at Cowboy Coffee Co. in town. Stretch your legs and walk into some of the shops.
• Head back into the park and go on the hikes from String Lake to Leigh Lake . This is one of the most peaceful ares that’s easy to get to in the park. (And a special place for us since Teddy proposed here)
• Find a spot for dinner in the park at one of the Restaurants or back in Jackson. We enjoyed the sunset view at the Mural Room in Jackson Lake Lodge as an engagement celebration dinner. We probably would have eaten somewhere a little lower key if it hadn’t been for us celebrating.
• Check into your lodging for the night within the park or in Jackson. We stayed in a small cabin at Colter Bay which was perfect for us.

DAY 3 – Tetons & Yellowstone National Parks

• Get up early and go to Schwabacher Landing for sunrise. It’s one of the most magical experiences in the park. Try to get there 30 minutes before sunrise.
• Head into Jackson for Breakfast. Bonus points if it happens to be their farmer’s market day like it was when we went.
• Head back into the park and hike one of the trails like Taggart Lake or Moose Ponds . We opted to hike the other direction at String Lake which we didn’t see the day prior and because we wanted to take some photos of where got engaged.
• Drive north into Yellowstone National Park . It’s a pretty drive but not a lot along the way until you get into the park.
• Take the left at the branch to drive into the West Thumb toward Old Faithful. Since we both saw Old Faithful before, we skipped it, but if it’s your first time, it’s worth a stop.
• Head to the parking lot for the Fairy Falls / Grand Prismatic Overlook trail. Depending on how much energy you have, at least hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook . If you want, you can head a few miles further to Fairy Falls. Our intention was to go to both on our trip but we had a thunderstorm roll in when we were hiking so we headed back to the car after the Grand Prismatic.
• Drive to West Yellowstone for dinner. We loved our food at The Buffalo Bar and highly recommend the Bison Queso and the Huckleberry Margarita
• Drive toward the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone area and check out some of the scenic stops along the way. We were able to see a bear along our drive!
• Stay overnight inside the park. We picked Canyon Village since it was a good location for us.

DAY 4 – Yellowstone National Park, Cody, & The Big Horns

• Get up early and try to go see some wildlife. We went to the Hayden Valley to hopefully see some wolves. Unfortunately no wolves but quite a few bison.
• The next stop was Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. While I appreciate the waterfall, I thought the view looking the other way with the red rocks into the canyon was even more spectacular.
• We grabbed breakfast at one of the lodges before heading out of the park through the east entrance. Teddy and I have both been to Yellowstone on previous trips, so we intentionally planned our time here to be just one day, especially since some portions of the park were still closed after the flooding earlier in 2022.
• Drive to Cody and stop in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West . Teddy and I are not really museum people but we went to this one for a few hours and loved it. It is 5 museums in one so I checked out the Plains Indian Museum and Teddy visited the Cody Firearms and part of the Natural History museum. To see this whole museum would probably take days, so choose 1-2 areas you’d really like to see.
• Have lunch in Downtown Cody. We ate at the Proud Cut Saloon . We loved the decor and the food was our vibe. Walk around some of the shops in town before heading further toward Ten Sleep.
• If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat in 10 Sleep before heading into Big Horn National Forest. There’s the Sleepy Coyote Cafe & Bar and 1 Cow.
• Go for a hike in the Bighorns. We loved the James T. Saban Lookout hike. It’s short but steep and had beautiful views. We were also the only ones there during our visit.
• Stay overnight in Buffalo.

DAY 5 – Devil’s Tower, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial

• Drive to Devil’s Tower National Monument. Like most other days, this is a great one to get up early to not only beat the crowds, but to see Devil’s tower in a beautiful bluish purple light in the morning.
• Hike around the base of the Tower. You can choose either the Devil’s Tower Trail at 1.7 Miles or the Red Beds Trail at 2.8 miles. Or both! It’s really hard to describe our experience here but it felt a little magical, very peaceful, while also feeling like you were part of something bigger that happened there. Again, really hard to describe, but it was one of my favorite places on our entire trip and we were only there for about 2-3 hours.
• Head toward Rapid City, South Dakota.
• Take a cave tour through Wind Cave National Park . You’ll need tickets for this one since you can only do a guided tour, but worth it. It’s very different than other caves I’ve visited like Luray , Carlsbad , and Mammoth .
• Drive north after your tour into Custer State Park . On the way, check out the fire lookout hike to a firetower on Rankin Ridge .
• Drive the scenic Wildlife Loop in Custer. This one does cost an entrance fee, but is good for 7 days and you’ll use it the next day. Hopefully you will see bison, wild burros, and other unique animals along your drive!
• Drive into Custer for dinner. Go to The Begging Burro . Teddy loved his meal so much he wanted come back the next day. He got a Mezcal Steak and it was incredible.
• Watch the Light Show at Crazy Horse Memorial . While you wait for the show, visit the museum and learn about the individuals who lived in this area initially as well as the development and meaning of the Crazy Horse structure. This was another favorite stop.
• Pick a spot in the Black Hills to stay overnight. We opted to stead in Hill City because of it’s location to what we were doing in the area.

DAY 6 – Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Spearfish Canyon

• Walk the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore . Did you know the park opens at 5 AM? If you get there at first light, again no crowds, and yes beautiful light on the faces of the rock, but also you can see an incredible sunrise over the parking deck.
• Drive to Sylvan Lake . Again, another perk of this being first thing in the morning is that the sunlight on the rocks and lake is beautiful but also it is not packed full of people. This was another really special place to use on our trip. It was peaceful, surprising, and majestic. The 1 or so mile walk around the lake is worth the stop. If you want, check out the Sunday Gulch Trail that starts at the back of the lake for a more epic hike.
• Since it’s still early, drive the Needles Highway and go through the tunnels with again, pretty much nobody else on the road. If you have time, stop at the Cathedral Spires hike. We wished we would have done the hike as it looks incredible.
• Wall Drug & Badlands National Park is the next stop. It was about lunch when we got there, so we ate at the Badlands Saloon & Grill after checking out the famous Wall Drug. We also picked up coffee at Wall Stompin Grounds Coffee House before heading into the park.
• Drive the Scenic Road from west to east in the park. Stop at the various pulloffs and if you can, download the GyPSy guide to learn about the park while you’re driving.
• Hike the Windows, Doors, or Notch Trail (or all 3) and visit the Ben T. Reiffel Visitor Center and learn about the wild and mind blowing animals that used to live in this park millions of years ago.
• Drive back toward Rapid City and check out Spearfish Canyon – both the waterfalls and the wildlife. We did a short waterfall hike and on the way saw mountain goats along the stream.
• Stay overnight in the northern part of the Black Hills.

DAY 7 – Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Stop at Blackbird Espresso for coffee and breakfast in Spearfish before your drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Make the 3 hour drive north to Theodore Roosevelt National Park . Grab a picnic lunch in Medora or sit down to eat prior to heading into the park as there aren’t options inside.
• Choose a few hikes in the park you’d like to do as you drive the scenic route. We opted for the Wind Canyon Trail which was short and ideal for a very hot day. We stopped at Buck Hill as well as the Coal Vein Trail area.
• Go to the Medora Musical. We didn’t get a chance to do this as we were tired and wanted to get more sleep rather than stay up for the musical.
• Overnight in Medora or Glendive

DAY 8 – Glacier National Park

• Pack your snacks and drinks and get ready for a long day of driving. Depending where you stay overnight, you will have about 8-9 hours of driving ahead of you to get to Glacier .
• We stopped at Milk River Mocha for coffee along the way, and then grabbed gas and snacks at a gas statoin, but other than that we just kept doing so we could get to Glacier by late afternoon.
• We stayed in Apgar Village because they had 2 nights of availability and it was within the park which meant we didn’t have to get passes for those days into the park.
• We relaxed at our cabin along the river before heading into Columbia Falls for dinner at Gunsight Saloon and to watch the Penn State Game.

DAY 9 – Glacier National Park

• Time to get up early again. To get a parking spot and beat the crowds, you will want to get to the trailhead for Avalanche Lake early. We got there before the sun even rose and were able to see that bluish purple light again on the mountains and lake. We even got to see a bear from a safe distance at the lake. This 6ish mile hike is a must do on the trip. The waterfalls in the background of the lake are beautiful as is the trail.
• Drive to Polebridge Mercantile for a Bearclaw. Be prepared as the roads to get there are more country stone/dirt roads than paved but it’s worth it. You can even grab lunch there too at the food truck or cafe.
• Relax by Lake MacDonald in the afternoon before getting dinner in Columbia Falls, Apgar, or somewhere else in the park. Then drive up to Logan Pass to watch the sunset.
• Then back down the Going to the Sun Road to your accommodations for the night.

DAY 10 – Glacier National Park

• Another early morning. Get up before sunrise so you can get to the trailhead for either the Highline Trail or Hidden Lakes Overlook Trail in the morning. They both depart from Logan Pass. While we wanted to do part of the Highline Trail, heights aren’t really our thing and neither are crowds, so we opted for the shorter and less crowded hike.
• We drove down the other side of the mountain with the attempt to go to Many Glacier. It was already full by the time we got there, but if you are able to get in, please go. So many people told us it was their favorite part of the park.
• Otherwise, grab lunch in St. Marys at the Snowgoose Grill & Gift Shop. We had a bison quesadilla which was divine.
• Go back into the park and hike the St. Mary’s, Virginia, and Baring Falls Hike. We only made it to Baring Falls because of where we parked and the heat, but would have loved to make it to all of them.
• We were tired, so we headed to our lodge in East Glacier for the night. We had intended to do another hike in the evening, but decided dinner and relaxing at the lodge sounded more appealing.

DAY 11 – Missoula & Hamilton

• Drive 3.5 toward Missoula stopping in Columbia Falls on the way for breakfast at coffee at Copper Mountain Coffee. Make a short stop at Great Gray Gifts along the drive.
• Grab lunch in downtown Missoula and walk around the city. We enjoyed our lunch at Tamarac Brewing Company and had hoped for ice cream at Sweet Peaks but it was closed the day we were there. We walked around town for a bit before heading just outside of town.
• Hike the “M” Trail. We didn’t get to as the smoke was coming in from the wild fires in the area but plan to next time we’re in the area.
• Drive to Hamilton and hike Blodgett Canyon . This was another we didn’t get to do because the smoke was awful further south and it was not a good idea to be outside for longer periods of time.
• Enjoy dinner downtown and check out some of the spots where scenes from Yellowstone were filmed.
• Stay overnight in Hamilton.

DAY 12 – Red Fish Lodge, Stanley, & Craters of the Moon National Monument

• Continue the drive south toward Red Fish Lodge in Stanley, Idaho.
• Hike the Fishhook Creek Trail. You’ll start off by taking a boat over to the trail. This is another one we didn’t get to do because of wildfire smoke. The road we planned to take to even get to this area had intermittent closures so we ended up detouring over to Craters of the Moon National Monument.
• Get your permit at the Visitor Center to go into a cave at Craters of the Moon or just enjoy a hike like the Devil’s Orchard Trail in the park. Check out the splatter cone and Inferno cone along the Scenic Loop.
• Head into Ketchum for dinner and walk around the cute shops.
• Stay overnight in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area.

DAY 13 – Homeward Bound

• Drive to Boise for your flight. If you’re from the east coast, stop at Dutch Bros. one last time before you leave. Don’t forget to dispose of your bear spray at a local recycling facility or check with your hotel if they take them.

Below is the map of about what we drove on our 3000 mile trip.

Happy travels!

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Rocky offers the best Wilderness Whitewater River Trips through America's mighty Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. A week on a wilderness river is a life changing experience. Whether you are a family seeking quality time or a seasoned adventurer, the Middle Fork and Main Salmon will change you. Since 1978 our Rocky Guide's have shared these amazing rivers, untouched wilderness, crystal clear waters, natural hotsprings and world-class whitewater to guests from around the world. Rocky Mountain River Tours has a tradition of award winning Dutch Oven cuisine and the best guides on the water. Join us for an unforgettable, adventure of a lifetime!

#1 River Trip In America. Explore the Frank Church Wilderness and its hidden waterfalls, natural hot springs, gin-clear waters, winding trails, amazing vistas, Indian petroglyphs, history and beautiful riverside camps.

A perfect trip for the active, adventurous family! Idaho's Wild & Scenic Main Salmon boasts fun rapids, huge sandy beaches, amazing history and the best hot spring in Idaho. Inflatable kayaks, SUP boards, paddle boats and beach games included!

The Middle Fork is THE premier multi day, blue ribbon trout fishery in the Rockies. Rocky offers fly fishing opportunities all summer long and Fall Fly Fishing trips for the serious Angler when the conditions are perfect.

Idaho River Trip Dates & Rates

Rocky offers Middle Fork & Main Salmon all inclusive, wilderness river trips June thru September. Our rafting trips include 6 staff and 24 guests. Private trips availiable. More

Amazing Food...Its a vibe

Sticky Buns, Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Tomato Basil Tart and many more. Rocky has a 40 year tradition of serving amazing good. Special Diet? No problem, give us a call to learn more More

What to expect...

While Rocky has a long tradition of top-shelf service, great guides and fantastic food...The Frank Church Wilderness brings the magic. Click here to see More

Rocky Blog: River Signals

This is the place for updates, recipes, guide bios, current conditions, great photography and more...keep in touch with Rocky Mtn River Tour More

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• Idaho Scenic Train Rides

Idaho Scenic Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide

Last revised: December 13, 2023

By:  Adam Burns

Idaho may only rank as the 11th largest in terms of total land area and 39th in total population.  However, the Gem State enjoys a diverse railroad heritage, ranging from flat deserts in the south to mountainous operations in the Northern Panhandle. 

Today, there are nearly a dozen railroads still in service there.  They include Class I's Union Pacific and BNSF Railway as well as short lines:

• Boise Valley Railroad
• Bountiful Grain & Craig Mountain Railroad
• Eastern Idaho Railroad
• Great Northwest Railroad
• Idaho, Northern & Pacific
• Montana Rail Lin
• Pend Oreille Valley Railroad
• Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad
• St. Maries River Railroad
• Washington & Idaho Railway

These companies remain an important aspect of the state's economy, handling a wide range of products from agricultural and minerals to petrochemicals and wood products (timber, logs, finished products, etc.). 

Unfortunately, Idaho's history with the iron horse is not well represented as few museums can be found there. Until 2016 one could enjoy a train ride targeted as a tourist attraction but this has since closed.

State Rail History

According to an in-depth analysis  Trains Magazine  published in its January, 2007 issue entitled, " Great Railroading: State-By-State ," Idaho's introduction to trains began with the Utah Northern Railroad's (UN) chartering on August 23, 1871. 

In his book, " American Narrow Gauge Railroads ," author and historian Dr. George Hilton points out its purpose was to reach gold mines located near Butte and other points in Montana Territory's southwestern region. 

A project of the Mormons, it was designed to bring funding into the church while also spreading its influence north of Utah.   Led by John W. Young, William B. Preston, and George W. Thatcher the UN was engineered as a 3-foot, narrow-gauge system to reduce construction costs. 

Interestingly, they also chose the alignment due to the nearby Denver & Rio Grande's perceived success although this endeavor had only gotten underway itself. 

Track construction began from Willard, Utah, south of Brigham City, on March 25, 1872 and proceeded northward. 

The effort was very slow but rails finally penetrated Idaho at the small community of Franklin on May 2, 1874.  This event marked the first time a railroad served the state

The financial Panic of 1873, though, proved its undoing.  While additional grading was completed no more tracklaying was carried out and construction stalled.  Between 1875 and 1878, mogul Jay Gould acquired control, leading to Union Pacific's takeover. 

It was subsequently reincorporated as the Utah & Northern Railway (U&N) during April, 1878.  Work was soon underway once more and rails reached Butte, Montana Territory by December, 21, 1881. 

After another year the line was completed to Garrison in November, 1882, a location which became a future interchange point with the Northern Pacific. 

Since Union Pacific had no interest in narrow-gauge operations, the entire property was converted over the years:

• The Butte-Garrison was partially sold to NP and became the Montana Union Railway on August 1, 1886 (it was converted to the standard-gauge of 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches almost immediately).
• The Pocatello-Butte segment (264 miles) was converted July 25, 1887; and finally the Pocatello-Ogden segment was finished on October 1, 1890.  

Altogether, the U&N, which became part of UP's Oregon Short Line subsidiary, proved a successful venture.

While UP controlled virtually all rail service to the south, the Northern Panhandle was quite different.  This rugged region served as the crossing point for three transcontinental corridors; the first was Northern Pacific. 

After several starts and stops, financial setbacks, and delays track construction passed through Idaho during 1883 and a formal "Golden Spike" ceremony, marking the lines completion from Duluth/Superior, Wisconsin to Tacoma, Washington, was held at Gold Creek, Montana on September 8th that year. 

Following the NP was James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway.  It began as the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (StP&P).  Eventually, the so-called "Empire Builder" gained full control of this enterprise and set out westward. 

It reached Great Falls, Montana in 1888, became the Great Northern Railway a year later, and was completed to the Puget Sound in 1893. 

The last and most interesting endeavor was undertaken by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul; long known as a Midwestern "granger" system (handling primarily agricultural products), officials elected to reach the Pacific Northwest in 1905. 

Crews worked from both ends and the so-called "Pacific Extension" was finished by 1909.  It was subsequently renamed as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific, better known as the Milwaukee Road . 

Between Harlowton, Montana and Avery, Idaho, (near the Montana border) the railroad was electrified to improve efficiency (it also electrified a western component between Othello, Washington and the Puget Sound). 

Unfortunately, the Milwaukee would leave the West for a variety of reasons in 1980.

• Canyon County Historical Museum/Nampa Train Depot Museum

Located in Nampa (along 12th Avenue and Front Street) this museum, which highlights the region's local history, is housed inside the historic Union Pacific depot, a beautiful brick and stone building constructed between 1902-1903.   

It was later donated to the current organization, which officially dedicated the museum on July 3, 1976.  It is operated by the Canyon County Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

They state their mission is:

" ...to help investigate and preserve for future generations any kind of historical records, documents, sites, buildings, articles and artifacts, pertaining to Canyon County and to promote interest and concern for Canyon County history.

To bring together those people interested in this history and promote better understanding of our state and nation, plus a better appreciation of our American heritage. " 

They are open Thursday - Saturday each week.  Admission is free.

• Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum

This museum is located within Northern Pacific’s attractive brick depot in Wallace, Idaho that was completed in 1901.

The Wallace depot was styled in the chateau design and was actually constructed of brick shipped all of the way from China.

Finished around the turn of the century it played host to passenger trains for years and after services ended was placed on the National Register of Historic Places while still owned by then Burlington Northern. 

It houses a small collection of artifacts related to the local area and other railroads which operated there. Perhaps what the museum is most well known for its annual "Depot Days" event, which generally celebrates transportation, highlighted by a car show. 

For anyone interested in classic/appealing cars you may want to plan a trip to the event! Also, if you are interested in biking and/or the Milwaukee Road, very close by is part of the former Pacific Extension turned into a rail/trail known as the Route of the Hiawatha .

Thunder Mountain Line ( Closed)

Soon after the Idaho, Northern & Pacific took over the Union Pacific’s Oregon Short Line Division in 1993 the railroad began operating its " Thunder Mountain Line " in 1998 as a tourist attraction.

The railroad traveled roughly 60 miles north from Montour, following the Payette River to Cascade next to beautiful Lake Cascade.  

There were three different trips offered including the Horseshoe Bend Route (Horseshoe Bend to Banks), Montour Route (Montour to Horseshoe Bend), and the Cabarton Route (Smiths Ferry to Cascade).

Unfortunately, sagging patronage resulted in the service's suspension in 2016 and there are currently no plans to see it resumed anytime in the foreseeable future.

• Thunder Mountain Line (Closed)

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

© Copyright 2007-2024 American-Rails.com. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted).

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Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route

• Riding Conditions
• Updates & Corrections

Mountains, and Hot Springs, and Bikes, Oh My!

The Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route guides riders over and through the breathtaking landscape of central Idaho. From blue ribbon trout streams to sub-alpine terrain and cozy mountain towns, riders will pass through some of the most spectacular country the West has to offer, with the opportunity to indulge in the highest concentration of soakable hot springs in North America.

The route is divided into two maps. The Main Route Map contains routing for the main dirt road loop, the paved Lowman Cutoff, which divides the main dirt road loop in half, and the Boise Spur, which guides riders to and from the Boise Airport. The narratives for all routing on the Main Route Map are bi-directional.

The Singletrack Options Map contains routing for four unique singletrack options. The Singletrack Options Map is a supplement to the Main Route Map, and you will need to purchase both if choosing to incorporate any of the singletrack offerings into your adventure. The four singletrack options are not bi-directional. If you choose to ride them with the main route, you should go in a counter-clockwise direction.

A wide variety of road conditions exists along this route. Surfaces range from pavement, good gravel roads, four-wheel-drive roads, singletrack, and old railroad beds. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as black bears, deer, elk, eagles, osprey, and other birds and animals are in abundance on this route. The area is also rich in history with ghost towns, deserted mines, forgotten homesteads, and even the first ski lift erected in the country. The route features 50 hot springs. Amenities range from developed resort-style springs to remote natural pools. The route passes near several designated wilderness areas, including the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return, which form the largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states. No bikes are permitted in any designated wilderness area.

Temperatures tend to be chilly at night and warm-to-hot during the days as you are in mountainous regions most of the way. Snow, hail, and afternoon thunderstorms can be a factor. Medical help is often a long distance off of the route, so riding within your abilities and being aware of dangers is a must. Mosquitoes are a fact of life during certain times of the year — bring repellent.

Photo by Casey Greene

The part of central Idaho that the route traverses is defined by big mountains that form the Idaho Batholith and the rivers that run through it. While names such as the Main Salmon, South Fork of the Salmon, and North Fork of the Payette conjure up images of major rapids and serious rafting, rivers such as the South Fork of the Boise and the Big Wood are some of the West’s most storied fly-fishing waters. The route passes all of these while sometimes climbing high into the mountains from which their headwaters are formed.

Because of this terrain, you will be either gaining elevation, or descending, for the entire route. The elevations are lower near Boise and Crouch — building up to the highest passes near Ketchum and Stanley.

In the Northern Rockies, the best time to plan for a mountain bike tour is that sweet spot after the snow has melted up high, but before wildfire season starts. In central Idaho, this would mean sometime between late June and late July. If you’re planning your trip six months in advance, shoot for this window. Concerning the other end of the cycling season in Idaho, plan on being off the route by late October. Keep in mind that heavy snows can start accumulating as early as late September. Regardless of when you strike out or how long you intend to be there, pack along rain gear and cold-weather clothing. Light snow and cold rain are possible any day of the year at some of the elevations encountered, and hypothermia is an ever-present possibility.

If you are accustomed to road-oriented bicycle travel, we recommend planning shorter days due to the nature of this route. It is one that requires greater exertions over shorter distances.

We discourage you from attempting to ride this route solo. In fact, a minimum group size of three is strongly recommended. If a rider is debilitated in the backcountry, you will want to have at least one person to stay with the injured/sick rider, and another to go for help. A growing number of backcountry travelers are carrying cell phones for such emergency situations, but be aware that reception is still very spotty along much of the route.

Some campgrounds will charge a cyclist traveling alone less if they have hiker/biker sites, but often they will charge the price of a regular tent site, and that can easily be $10-$20/night. This route goes through national forests and you are allowed to camp anywhere on national forest land as long as you “pack it in, pack it out.” Many city parks are free to camp in.

You may also wish to sign up with Warmshowers , a reciprocal hospitality site for bicycle travelers, for other overnight options.

Tough on Equipment

The Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route is extremely hard on equipment. The weight of your gear exponentially multiplies the stress of riding steep, fast, rough downhills. Wheels, tires, and drivetrains (chains, cassettes, bottom brackets, chainrings) take a lot of abuse and may even need replacing along the course of the entire route. Suspension equipment on the bicycle helps to mitigate the abusive nature of the terrain. That said, nylon pivots of some full-suspension bikes wear out extremely fast and are not recommended. Suspension seatposts, good handlebar grips, and front-suspension forks help smooth out the many miles of washboarded and chuckholed roads. On the Main Route, weighting a suspension fork with panniers works well, evens the weighting of the bike, and adds a little extra stress to the fork. Trailers would also work well on the Main Route and lighten the rear triangle of the bike.

Well-made camping gear is essential for the many nights of high-elevation cold, dew, and rain. Sleeping bags should be rated to at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, and a sleeping pad or inflatable mattress is recommended to add comfort and warmth. A lot of effort must be taken to keep your possessions dry. Pannier covers, dry bags, and plastic freezer bags all work well to keep the rain and dew off clothing and gear. 

High-quality water treatment is mandatory. Advisably, carry one water-treatment system per person. Be it a water filter, chlorine dioxide drops, iodine tablets, or a UV water-treatment device, surface water should be ingested only after employing one of these proven water-treatment methods.

Singletrack Route Options

The nature of riding backcountry singletrack means dealing with the possibility of rough, steep, technical, and unmanicured trails. Plan on encountering all of these while riding any of the four singletrack sections detailed on the Singletrack Options Map. Riders using the Singletrack Options Map should prepare for hike-a-bikes, downed trees, and river crossings. Most of the hike-a-bikes and problematic water crossings are described in the Singletrack Options Map, but one may come across new and variable conditions at any time. Because of these conditions, we strongly suggest riders DO NOT use single-wheel trailers or low-riding front panniers to carry their gear on singletrack. It is illegal to ride with a two-wheel trailer on most singletrack. Packing your gear away from your wheels and maintaining a slim profile to avoid snags is important. We recommend riders use lightweight, bikepacking-style gear and frame bags. We also suggest riders prepare their bodies accordingly for these extreme physical conditions, and significantly lower their expectations on daily mileage. There are very few food services on the singletrack options. You may have to pack up to four days worth of supplies.

While there has not been a confirmed sighting of a grizzly in this part of Idaho in over half a century, it would not be improbable to find a straggler from the Teton range roaming the eastern extent of the route, which is part of their historic range. A rider will be much more likely to encounter black bears, wolves, or mountain lions, all of which have healthy populations along the entire route. We recommend that you carry bear repellent, available at outdoor sports shops along the route, and become familiar with its safe and proper use. Always be bear-aware, and follow these rules when camping:

• Store all food, garbage, and other attractants in a bear-resistant manner, well away from your tent. This can include hanging them in a stuff sack from rope slung over a high, isolated tree branch, or storing them in a bear-proof container provided at some campgrounds.
• Attractants such as food leftovers, fish entrails, and bacon grease should not be buried or burned in campfires. Leftover food and waste should be placed in a sealed bag or container and packed out with garbage. If leftover food or other attractants must be burned, do so in a contained fire stove or in an appropriate container over a campfire, then pack out the ash.

Route Highlights

Idaho hot springs highlights.

• 40 undeveloped backcountry hot springs
• 10 developed hot springs
• South Fork of the Salmon River
• East Fork of the Salmon River
• Secesh River
• Big Wood River
• South Fork of the Boise River
• Middle Fork of the Boise River
• South Fork of the Payette River
• Middle Fork of the Payette River
• North Fork of the Payette River
• Salmon River, also known as the River of No Return
• Sawtooth Range
• Lick Creek Range, which some locals refer to as the “McCall Alps”

More Route Resources

• International Mountain Biking Association’s (IMBA) Rules of the Trail 
• Boise National Forest
• Payette National Forest
• Salmon-Challis National Forest
• Sawtooth National Forest
• National Forest visitor maps
• USDA Forest Service campground and cabin reservations
• InciWeb Idaho fire information
• National Interagency Fire Center
• NOAA National Snow Analyses – current snow coverage maps and historical data
• NRCS Snotel for Idaho – both current and historical snotel data
• National Weather and Climate Center’s interactive map
• How to Mountain Bike Tour
• How to Pack Your Bike
• Biking with Bears
• Natural Idaho Hot Springs
• Complete Guide to Idaho Hot Springs guidebook
• Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Northwest guidebook
• Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest guidebook
• Sun Valley Trail Map
• McCall Trail Map
• Sawtooth & White Cloud Mountains Trail Map
• Cascade, ID ADV Side Routes
• Idaho Centennial Trail
• Idaho trespassing law
• Boise River Greenbelt
• Connect and share photos with other riders on Instagram: #acaIHSMBR

RIDING CONDITIONS

Many wild, remote stretches exist along the route that are not elaborated on here. High temperatures, lofty elevations, wild animals, wildfires, inclement weather (including lightning storms, snow storms, and extremely strong winds), and other potential hazards are plentiful. Un­der­stand how to prepare for and cope with them.

Piped water sources are limited, stock up when you can. High-quality water treatment is strongly recommended. There is plenty of surface water along the route, but it should be ingested only after running it through a good water filter, or using a chemical treatment.

Pack along bug repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Carry bicycle tools, a tire pump, and spare tubes. Be prepared for any possibility. You should also carry bear repellent spray, available at outdoor gear shops in the larger towns along the route, and become familiar with its safe and proper use. Always be bear-aware, and follow these rules when camping:

– Store all food, garbage, and other attractants in a bear-resistant manner, well away from your tent. This can include hanging them in a stuff sack from rope slung over a high, isolated tree branch, or storing them in a bear-proof container provided at campgrounds.

– Attractants such as food leftovers, fish entrails, and bacon grease should not be buried or burned in campfires. Leftover food and waste should be placed in a sealed bag or container and packed out with garbage. If leftover food or other attractants must be burned, do so in a contained fire stove or in an appropriate container over a campfire, then pack out the ash.

We discourage you from attempting to ride this route solo; in fact, a minimum group size of three is strongly recommended. If a rider is debilitated in the backcountry, you will want to have at least one person to stay with the injured/sick rider, and another to go for help. A growing number of backcountry travelers are carrying cell phones for such emergency situations – but be aware that reception is very spotty along much of the route.

In the Northern Rockies, the best time to plan for a mountain bike tour is that sweet spot after the snow has melted up high, but before wildfire season starts. This would mean sometime between late June and late July. If you’re planning your trip six months in advance, shoot for this window. Concerning the other end of the cycling season in Idaho, plan on being off the route by late October. Snow can start flying as early as late September.

While signs are sometimes referred to in the narratives, don’t count on them actually being present when you arrive at the designated spot. Signage disappears or changes more frequently than we might like, particularly on this route. Please alert us when you encounter missing signs so we can make the appropriate updates.

This route uses segments of the 900-mile Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT). The main ICT passes through designated wilderness areas, which do not allow bicycling. The pieces we use are alternates that avoid them. The ICT is shown off route as a reference. More information can be found at: advcy.link/ictrl .

Early season riding on this route can be enticing. However be aware that in heavy snow years this may not be viable until well into summer months. Snowpack data can be found online for the following locations: Deadwood Summit advcy.link/deadsno , Banner Summit advcy.link/bannsno , and Galena Summit advcy.link/galsno . For more locations see the National Water and Climate Center’s interactive map at: advcy.link/nwccmap . Snowmelt and rains impact the trails with high water flows and difficult creek crossings. Downed trees are also common and may block the trails creating a stretch of hike-a-bike conditions. While most hike-a-bike sections are contained within the Singletrack Options Map, conditions can change and they may develop on the Main Route over time.

Be aware that wildfire can also close segments of the route. Each year is unique and we advise checking current wildfire status with the National Interagency Fire Center by phoning 208-387-5050 or visiting their website at: advcy.link/fireinfo .

In July 2018, Idaho passed a new trespassing law. Be sure to obey all signs on the ground and make yourself familiar with the law: advcy.link/IDtrespass .

TRAIL GUIDE

We recommend contacting Ranger Offices to check current conditions which will change seasonally.

On the Boise Spur and Idaho City – Featherville, the unpaved portion of Middle Fork Rd./FR 268 can be highly washboarded. For getting around Boise, you can view a map of the Boise River Greenbelt at: advcy.link/brgmap .

The conditions on the Old Galena Toll Rd. trail can be very rough and challenging. SR 75 is an option.

CAMPING, PUBLIC CAMPGROUNDS AND CABINS

The route travels mainly on public land, the majority of which is administered by the U.S. Forest Service. There is an abundance of established Forest Service campgrounds to pitch one’s tent on, or just off, the route. Directions are noted for the campgrounds on route. The amenities of these campgrounds range from reservable sites with RV hookups and showers, to first-come-first-serve sites with fire rings and pit toilets. Campgrounds are open seasonally and open/close dates will vary. Contact Ranger Districts to confirm status, especially in the shoulder season. To get more information on individual campgrounds, and to make reservations, when possible, call 877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov .

In addition to established campgrounds, it is legal to camp anywhere on Forest Service land unless it is posted otherwise. Dispersed camping options abound on the route, especially in valley bottoms and near water sources, but options dwindle on the more steep mountainous stretches.

The Forest Service also maintains and rents a number of historic cabins in the area. Some of these are winter only rentals. Reservations are required. To get more information and to reserve a cabin, guard station, or lookout tower, visit www.recreation.gov .

There are also a few privately owned campgrounds scattered around the map.

HOT SPRINGS

Besides cycling through a beautiful part of the country, an enjoyable activity on this route is to partake in the abundance of natural hot springs. This route has 40 hot springs. Some of these are front-country resort style pools, other are difficult to access and even treacherous to reach at different times of the year. Please use extreme caution and sound judgment when traveling to these springs, especially when attempting to ford a body of moving water. Also, remember hot springs are fragile natural resources and should be treated as such. To help keep them as pristine as possible, we ask you observe any rules posted at the springs and use the following guidelines:

• Wash before entering a spring. This can include a creek bath or using alcohol based wet wipes.
• Do not use soap in hot springs. This includes biodegradable varieties.
• Be considerate of other users. If there are others using a pool, ask how long they are soaking, or if you may join.
• Stay hydrated. Bike riding and hot springs can leave you severely dehydrated. Have drinking water at your disposal while soaking. If you start to feel light headed, exit the spring and rehydrate. Never drink hot spring water.
• Always check the temperature of the water before entering the spring.
• Keep your head out of the water. There are many forms of bacteria around hot springs and some may make you ill if ingested.
• Do not use glass containers around hot springs.
• Refrain from sexual activity in or around hot spring.
• Do not relieve your bladder or bowels anywhere near a hot spring.
• Pack-it-in, pack-it-out. Please leave all hot springs nicer then you found them, so we all may enjoy them for a long time to come.

We ask that all riders follow the International Mountain Biking Association’s Rules of the Trail. More info can be found on IMBA’s website: www.imba.com

• 1. Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
• 2. Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
• 3. Control Your Bicycle. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
• 4. Always Yield Trail. Let your fellow trail users know you’re coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots.
• 5. Never Scare Animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback rider (ask if uncertain). Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
• 6. Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding – and prepare accordingly.

Updated: May 13, 2021

Many wild, remote stretches exist along the route that are not elaborated on here. High temperatures, lofty elevations, wild animals, wildfires, inclement weather (including lightning storms, snow storms, and extremely strong winds), and other potential hazards are plentiful. Understand how to prepare for and cope with them.

– Store all food, garbage, and other attractants in a bear-resistant manner, well away from your tent. This can include hanging them in a stuff sack from rope slung over a high, isolated tree branch, or storing them in a bear-proof container provided at some campgrounds.

Early season riding on this route can be enticing. However be aware that in heavy snow years this may not be viable until well into summer months. Snowpack data can be found online for the following locations: Secesh Summit advcy.link/secsno , Atlanta (James Creek) Summit advcy.link/atlsno , and Big Creek Summit advcy.link/bigcrsno . For more locations see National Water and Climate Center’s interactive map at: advcy.link/nwccmap . Snowmelt and rains impact the trails with high water flows and difficult creek crossings. Downed trees are also common and may block the trails creating a stretch of hike-a-bike conditions.

SINGLETRACK

The nature of riding backcountry singletrack means dealing with the possibility of rough, steep, technical, and unmanicured trails. Plan on encountering all of these while riding these singletrack options. Riders should prepare for hike-a-bikes, downed trees, and river crossings. Most of the hike-a-bikes and problematic water crossings are described in the Trail Guide section of each option, but one may come across new and variable conditions at any time. Due to these conditions, when planning your itinerary for a tour on this route, you may want to set yourself up for shorter mileage days.

Because of the conditions listed above, we strongly suggest riders DO NOT use single-wheel trailers or low-riding front panniers to carry their gear. It is illegal to ride with a two-wheel trailer on singletrack.

Willow Creek Option

The Willow Creek Option starts along the Middle Fork of the Boise River on FR 268 which can be highly washboarded. It first travels to the backside of the Sawtooth Wilderness where riders will encounter the small historic mining town of Atlanta. Services are limited. It leaves town up a steeply graded dirt road, where the last couple of miles are rocky, sometimes overgrown hike-a-bike, before heading off onto beautiful singletrack through an old forest fire burn. The Decker Creek Trail casually follows the creek before its final steep grade up to the summit. There are a few nice primitive camp spots at various creek crossings along Decker Creek.

The descent off the summit is enjoyable. After a short stretch, riders will turn onto Willow Creek Trail. Following a long descent, which ranges from technical to flowing, the route will bring riders back to the main route via a few miles of dirt road. There are numerous primitive camp spots along Willow Creek, including a few near Willow Creek Hot Springs.

Eagle Nest Option

Unlike the other Singletrack Options featured here, the Eagle Nest Option starts out relatively high. After a very short climb, riders will be able to indulge in one of the best descents in the region. The flowing Eagle Nest Trail will deposit riders at Davis Reservoir, then up past Horsethief Reservoir, up and over a ridge, and up again to the East Mountain ATV Trailhead. The East Mountain ATV Trail features short challenging ascents and descents along its length. There is a seasonal spring just upstream from the bridge crossing at Fool Creek. Good primitive camp spots are limited on this option, but there are a few along Clear Creek.

White Cloud Option

The White Cloud Option starts with a short stretch along Pole Creek Road. It climbs out of Grand Prize Gulch and into the East Fork of the Salmon River drainage. After a long descent riders will encounter a major obstacle in the form of a river fording. While this will not pose a problem after early July, it could force early season riders to find an alternate way around. One option would be to backtrack to Pole Creek Road and approach Germania Creek Trail from the west via FR 197 and Trail 111, which has a few smaller creek fordings. Another option would be to head off route at Turn E, following a lesser used trail on the northwest bank of the river to the bridge at the Bowery Guard Station. This option may not always be viable or safe. Please use caution when attempting to ford the river at anytime during the year.

After the Bowery Guard Station, riders will take the East Fork Road north to connect to the Germania Creek Trail 111. The 9.5-mile Germania Creek Trail begins with a short climb that quickly offers great views into the long drainage. Upon descending to the creek, riders will face at least 5 stream crossings and multiple, mostly short hike-a-bikes along the gradual ascent to Washington Lake Trail 109. As with other parts of the singletrack routes, loose rock and gravel may force riders off bikes on the steep descents. This is also a popular hiking trail so watch for hikers. The Washington Lake Trail winds up into open grassy slopes and sparse ponderosa forest en route to Washington Basin, before heading uphill on a stiff hike-a-bike to the divide above Washington Lake Creek.

Upon reaching the creek, the route closely follows it toward Washington Lake. Then it goes up and over to Fourth of July Lake. Both have ideal primitive camp spots. Immediately after Fourth of July Lake, it is pretty much a smooth 2-mile descent to the busy Fourth of July Creek Trailhead. A fast 10.1-mile descent on Fourth of July Creek Road will bring the rider to paved SR 75, but only for a brief 1.7-mile spell.

Fisher Creek Road returns the route to dirt through a burned area which can be potholed, but is very bikeable until the final stretch where it becomes more steep and rough. The popular Fisher Creek Trail 332 is a beautiful, flowy singletrack, mostly downhill, with great views of the surrounding mountains. It sometimes straddles the side of the mountain so an evenly balanced load is key to maintaining balance. Warm Springs Creek Trail 671 is mellow with a few water crossings, mostly flowy ups and downs with a few short climbs and descents and rocky sections. The trail through The Meadows can become overgrown and hard to navigate. There are numerous nice primitive camping opportunities at the creek crossings in this area, especially at the junction with Martin Creek.

Having made it this far, the last major climb will not be as tough as the ones already completed. It still features a few short, steep, loose sections that may call for some hike-a-bike. Riders will find places to refill water in the Garland Lakes area.

After the final pass, the hard work is done. Except for the hump up the ridge above Little Casino Creek, get ready for a seemingly unending rippin’ descent. Use caution, and don’t forget to stop and take in the amazing views of the Sawtooth Range.

Secesh Option

The Secesh Option starts out with a mellow climb up the Zena Creek drainage. After turning off the road, and a short ridable stretch on the Zena Creek Trail, the singletrack turns skyward and riders may have to hike-a-bike. The route continues to a series of short, sometimes steep, climbs and descents along a high ridge. If riders strain their eyes eastward, they will be able to see the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The descent to the Secesh River is steep and loose in spots. Use caution. There are numerous primitive camping spots just across the river from Secesh Hot Springs.

The ride along the Secesh River, up to Loon Lake, and on to Burgdorf Hot Springs is enjoyable. Part of this section has been honored as an IMBA Epic Ride.

After Burgdorf Hot Springs, riders will continue toward the Bear Pete Trail with views of the Salmon River Canyon to the north. The Bear Pete Trail is another spectacular backcountry ridge trail with amazing views. It features numerous steep ascents and descents. Camping spots are limited on this stretch, but there are many small creeks, which flow year-round, to refill a water bottle.

The route descends to the Twentymile Trailhead. The trail itself is graded nicely, but features a few stretches of deep motorbike ruts that may force riders off their bikes. The trail is situated in an old forest fire burn area and you may encounter a number of downed trees. Duck Lake offers beautiful primitive camp spots along its banks.

The first 20 and last 10 miles of this option can be rutted, and be seasonally clogged with downed trees requiring long stretches of hike-a-bike.

Besides cycling through a beautiful part of the country, an enjoyable activity on this route is to partake in the abundance of natural hot springs. This route contains 10 hot springs. While one of them – Burgdorf Hot Springs – features front-country resort style pools, it is the exception. The remainder of them can be difficult to access and some even treacherous to reach at different times of the year. Please use extreme caution and sound judgment when traveling to these springs, especially when attempting to ford a body of moving water. Also, remember that hot springs are fragile natural resources and should be treated as such. To help keep them as pristine as possible, we ask that you observe any rules posted at the springs and use the following guidelines:

Updates to Recently Released Maps

If you are planning a bike tour, be sure to get the most recent map updates and corrections for your route by selecting the route, and the appropriate section(s), from the drop-down menu below.

Over time maps become less useful because things change. Every year Adventure Cycling’s Routes and Mapping Department create map updates and corrections for every map in the Adventure Cycling Route Network, which now totals 52,047 miles. With the help of touring cyclists like you, we receive updates on routing, services, camping, and contact information. Until we can reprint the map with the new information, we verify the suggested changes and publish corrections and updates here on our website.

PLEASE NOTE: Covid has been particularly hard on the small businesses along our routes. While we do our best to keep the maps and these online updates current, you may encounter more closed businesses and longer stretches with limited or no services.

Refer to these updates for the most current information we have and submit reports of changes to the Route Feedback Form for the cyclists coming after you.

NOTE: Map updates and corrections only pertain to long term changes and updates. For short term road closures, please see the Adventure Cycling’s Routes Temporary Road Closures discussion in our Forums.

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Ian Munsick and special guests coming to Idaho Falls

EastIdahoNews.com staff

The following is taken from a news release from Mountain America Center.

IDAHO FALLS — Ian Munsick returns to the Rockies with “The Country & WESTern Tour” this fall. He will be making a stop at Hero Arena at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls on Oct. 1 with special guests Bryan Martin, Ole 60 and The Songs Swap (Jenna LaMaster, Faren Rachels, and Kasey Tyndall). Tickets start at $37.00 plus applicable fees and went on sale Friday, April 12, at Ticketmaster.com .

Wyoming native Ian Munsick has built a staunch fan base across the United States, touring coast to coast and proudly bringing the West to the rest with his sawing fiddle and sky high voice. Now, the Warner Music Nashville recording artist is returning to his roots due to fan demand, announcing his nine-show The Country & WESTern Tour this fall.

“This tour is absolutely stacked with talent.”

Running from Sept. 6 to Oct. 5, 2024, The Country & WESTern Tour will feature a rotating lineup of guests including Shane Smith & the Saints, Randy Rogers Band, Bryan Martin, Ole 60, Zandi Holup, Ryan Charles and The Song Swap (comprised of Jenna LaMaster, Faren Rachels and Kasey Tyndall). Honing in on the Rocky Mountain region that fostered Munsick’s budding career, the tour will make stops in Bozeman, Montana; Grand Junction, Colorado; Casper, Wyoming and more.

“We’re coming home!!! I am fully aware that the majority of our shows are East of the Rockies, that’s why we are dedicating The Country & WESTern Tour to the folks that have been here from day one!,” Munsick proclaims proudly. “This tour is absolutely stacked with talent and we’re bringing it back to where it all started… THE WEST. These will be our biggest and best shows yet, and I cannot wait to show you what we’ve built over the last few years. Get your tickets before it’s too late!”

RELATED | Ian Munsick performance to benefit Highland High School (2023)

The tour is sponsored by Boot Barn, the largest western and workwear retailer in the nation. Boot Barn named Ian Munsick a brand ambassador under Boot Barn Live, their newly launched program celebrating country artists with meaningful ties to the West. Ian Munsick joins additional acclaimed country artists who are leading Boot Barn’s deepening engagement within the world of country music.

Munsick recently released the deluxe version of his sophomore album titled White Buffalo: Introduce You To God . Timed to the one-year anniversary of White Buffalo, Introduce You To God is produced by Munsick and Jeremy Spillman and features five new songs, including the title track, which invites his son and listeners to join him as he introduces them to God through His greatest creation: nature. It’s this interconnection between his longing for the land and its inspiration on his lyrics that left The New Yorker proclaiming in a recent feature, “Ian Munsick puts the western back in country.”

For his full tour schedule and to follow along with updates, visit IanMunsick.com or follow @IanMunsick across social media.

About Mountain America Center

After opening in November 2022, the Mountain America Center is Eastern Idaho’s gateway for live entertainment! This community gem provides 27,000 square feet of event space within Hero Arena, along with an additional 11,000 square feet of meeting space in the Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center. The Mountain America Center hosts the Idaho Falls Spud Kings, a USPHL Junior A ice hockey franchise, and hosts a multitude of unique events with the ability to seat 6,000 guests. Our venue has welcomed over 250,000 visitors through our doors in our first year of operation, and our dedicated staff strives to provide all guests with a unique and unforgettable experience with each visit.

For more information about the Hero Arena inside Mountain America Center, visit www.mountainamericacenter.com .

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IDAHO SINGLETRACK

Singletrack all day, hotsprings every night.

• Private Tours and Custom Tours Solos, Couples & Friends
• Departure: Boise, ID
• Departs On: Monday
• Duration: 5 Days
• Lodging: First-Class Camping
• Fitness Level: 3-5
• Technical Level: 3-5
• Elevation Range: 4,000 - 8,000 ft.

We ride beneath the shadows of Greylock Mountain, cycling quick chutes through the Boise and Payette river backcountry. Like off-ramps to paradise, our course features stopovers at a succession of remote natural hot springs. Other highlights include a triad of noteworthy mining towns: Atlanta, Lowman, and Pine.

We offer two tour options: one that merges kinder-gentler riding with soothing hotspring soaks (Intro tour); the other, a main-course spiced with challenging trails, but finished with warm mountainside upwelling (Singletrack tour). Either way, Mother Nature’s healing waters, forever sought by people the world over await us each night, witnessed only by the starry constellations overhead.

 “Great Guides.  I would choose them again!!  Both Jacques & Max embodied what a good guide should be.  They made every ride an event that in the end was memorable.” – Paul & Neil, Idaho Singletrack and Hot Springs

Day 1-2 : Meet in Boise. Shuttle to Pine. Ride the Green Creek Trail, cradled by big, beautiful Boise National Forest. Cool off in the South Fork of the Boise River. Relax in the Paradise Hot Springs, next to camp. A short shuttle to the Yuba River Trail deep, within the Sawtooth Mountains; closed out by a ride into the mining town of Atlanta. Layover here: alongside a cascading hot spring. Day 3-4: Ride the challenging Decker Creek Trail. Shuttle to Banner Ridge; then descend 3000-ft to the roaring Payette River. The hotsprings just keep on coming, made all the more pleasurable—or necessary—on the heels of climbing the burly Deadwood Ridge trail. Day 5: Shuttle to Banner Ridge: cruise the latter’s densely wooded cross-country trails. Unmatched views onto the Steel Mountain, Sunset and Pilot Peaks, plus a thoroughly picturesque constant defines our last day’s riding. Shuttle back to Boise.

The food tastes better, the sky is certainly bigger, and your mind is clearer.

There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas. Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities while marshmallows roast. Enjoy a small-batch, local beer before retiring to your tent. Inside: a sturdy raised cot, fluffy sleeping bag, and a plush full size pillow. Wow. You earned this. Sweet dreams.

We choose well-maintained public campgrounds with scenic vistas and comfortable arrangements. You’ll move seamlessly from one day of your trip to the next, camping outdoors and enjoying wildly healthy, delicious homemade meals.

The majority of our selected campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers. Conversely, in more remote backcountry camping scenarios, we’ll provide portable toilets and private solar showers.

Camping gear  may be rented or you may bring your own. All of our camping gear is tested and hand-chosen from top manufacturers to ensure you get a good nights’ sleep. Our camp gear package includes a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp.

Campground Details

Night 1: Elks Flat Night 2: Atlanta Nights 3 & 4: Pine Flats

While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.

Find out more about Choosing a Tour .

You will be riding and sleeping at elevations over 4,000 ft. for this trip. Weather predictions in this area are often unreliable due to the elevation, so it is best to be prepared for cold evenings and inclement weather. Please use the following locations when checking the weather online: Boise, ID

All-Inclusive Prices

All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.

Renting Bicycles

Not only do we run an international bike tour business, but we also own and operate two premiere bicycle stores –  www.LasVegasCyclery.com  and  www.MoabCyclery.com . We have learned over the years that every cyclist is different and prefers different types of bikes for different types of terrain. That is why we offer the best bicycles for rent in the business. If for some reason you are not happy with the quality of your rental, we will refund the cost of your entire bike rental. If you are bringing your bike with you, check with your airline’s baggage policy in advance and be sure to pack your bike accordingly. If you are shipping your bike to your destination, confirm the address with our office and allow enough time for your bike to arrive. We’re happy to help you ship your bike. Whatever you need to get the most out of your tour, we are here to make it happen.

Renting Camping Gear

We rent high-quality camping gear for all of our camping tours. These include a tent , sleeping pad , raised cot , sleeping bag , sleeping bag liner , full size pillow , and ground tarp . Your Trip Leaders will always help to ensure your equipment is set up properly each night.

Camp Gear Kit Rental: $100.00

Free With Every Tour

When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!

Mountain Bike Rentals

Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have electric mountain bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. Looking to upgrade? We have carbon mountain bike rentals available as well – call our office for details. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.

Specialized Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($70/day)

This new Specialized Full Suspension bike is the best bang for your buck! This bike features 140 mm of front and rear travel, which is plenty of cushion to soak up any bump in the trail. Visit the  Specialized  site for more information. Individual components on rental bikes may vary slightly. Call for more information.

Electric Mountain Bike Rentals

Specialized turbo levo full suspension e-bike ($130/day).

The Turbo Levo Comp 6Fattie 650b has the perfect blend of trail performance, proper handling, technology, and durability, delivering you the power to ride more trails, longer, more comfortably.

Why travel with Escape Adventures?

Our commitment to you.

For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.

Our Commitment to the Environment

Our environmental commitment is second to none. It is our way of doing business, our way of being. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.

Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides

Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.

The Best Support Vehicles

Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain trucks are specifically designed for The White Rim and The Maze, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our guides is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced guides make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, camping gear and plenty of drinking water to a remote location.

The Best Bicycles and Gear

Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have eMountainbikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.

The Best Food

Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.

Food is a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. Our guides prepare all of your meals on our camping trips. Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods. These include fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as meats. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you are out riding. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.

Scheduled Departure Dates

August 2024, september 2024, private & custom tours.

The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.

Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:

• Clubs and co-workers
• Family reunions
• Corporate retreats

To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.

Rates on Private and Custom Departures:

All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary  from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price.  In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.

• 10+ GUESTS  Price as advertised*
• 8-9 GUESTS  +$400 per person to trip price*
• 6-7 GUESTS  +$900 per person to trip price*
• 4-5 GUESTS  +$1,900 per person to trip price*
• 2-3 GUESTS  +$2,500 per person to trip price*

* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.

#myescape - Guest Photos from IDAHO SINGLETRACK

Tour Photos

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A word from our founders.

For those who have yet to tour with us, we appreciate the opportunity to introduce you to our family-run company and guiding principles of sustainability and adventure. Our portfolio specializes in Western North America and is rapidly growing internationally. Building on over 100 destinations, we cater to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type. From road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first-timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels, on behalf of our Escape Adventures family, we look forward to many new and exciting adventures with you.

With much gratitude, and happy trails,

Jared and Heather Fisher

Founders and Owner-Operators Escape Adventures

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