What Are The Best Hiking Spots In Idaho?

Idaho is a hiker’s paradise, with an endless array of trails to explore. From towering peaks to pristine lakes, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state. If you’re planning a hiking trip to Idaho, here are a few of the best spots to consider:

Sawtooth Wilderness

The Sawtooth Wilderness is a 2.1-million-acre expanse of rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and pristine forests. It’s home to some of the most iconic hiking trails in Idaho, including the Sawtooth Traverse, the Alice-Toxaway Loop, and the Alpine Lakes Loop. These trails offer stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like moose, elk, and bighorn sheep.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument is a unique landscape of lava flows, cinder cones, and spatter cones. It’s a great place to hike and explore the volcanic history of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Lava Flow Trail, which takes you through a field of jagged lava flows.

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is the deepest canyon in North America, with a depth of over 8,000 feet. It’s a popular destination for hiking, rafting, and fishing. There are several trails to choose from, including the Hells Canyon Trail, the Seven Devils Trail, and the Imnaha River Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the canyon, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and black bears.

River of No Return Wilderness

The River of No Return Wilderness is a 2.2-million-acre expanse of rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and deep canyons. It’s home to some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking trails in Idaho. The most popular trail is the Middle Fork Salmon River Trail, which follows the Middle Fork of the Salmon River for 105 miles. This trail offers stunning views of the river, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like elk, deer, and bears.

Owyhee Canyonlands

The Owyhee Canyonlands is a vast and remote area of canyons, cliffs, and desert. It’s a great place to hike and explore the unique geology of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Castle Rocks Trail, which takes you through a field of towering rock formations.

Snake River Canyon

The Snake River Canyon is a deep and rugged canyon that stretches for over 100 miles. It’s a popular destination for hiking, rafting, and fishing. There are several trails to choose from, including the Snake River Trail, the Perrine Coulee Trail, and the Blue Heart Springs Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the canyon, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and raptors.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. It’s a great place to hike, explore the dunes, and go sandboarding. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Summit Trail, which takes you to the top of the tallest dune in the park.

City of Rocks National Reserve

The City of Rocks National Reserve is a unique landscape of granite domes and spires. It’s a great place to hike, climb, and explore the unique geology of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Castle Rocks Trail, which takes you through a field of towering rock formations.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

The Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is home to a rich fossil record of the Miocene epoch. It’s a great place to hike and explore the paleontology of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Hagerman Fossil Beds Trail, which takes you through a field of fossilized bones and teeth.

Conclusion

Idaho is a hiker’s paradise, with an endless array of trails to explore. From towering peaks to pristine lakes, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state. Whether you’re looking for a challenging day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, you’re sure to find the perfect trail in Idaho.

State Parks

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is the deepest canyon in North America, with a depth of over 8,000 feet. It’s a popular destination for hiking, rafting, and fishing. There are several trails to choose from, including the Hells Canyon Trail, the Seven Devils Trail, and the Imnaha River Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the canyon, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and black bears.

River of No Return Wilderness

The River of No Return Wilderness is a 2.2-million-acre expanse of rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and deep canyons. It’s home to some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking trails in Idaho. The most popular trail is the Middle Fork Salmon River Trail, which follows the Middle Fork of the Salmon River for 105 miles. This trail offers stunning views of the river, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like elk, deer, and bears.

Owyhee Canyonlands

The Owyhee Canyonlands is a vast and remote area of canyons, cliffs, and desert. It’s a great place to hike and explore the unique geology of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Castle Rocks Trail, which takes you through a field of towering rock formations.

Snake River Canyon

The Snake River Canyon is a deep and rugged canyon that stretches for over 100 miles. It’s a popular destination for hiking, rafting, and fishing. There are several trails to choose from, including the Snake River Trail, the Perrine Coulee Trail, and the Blue Heart Springs Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the canyon, as well as opportunities to see wildlife like bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and raptors.

Bruneau Dunes State Park

Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. It’s a great place to hike, explore the dunes, and go sandboarding. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Summit Trail, which takes you to the top of the tallest dune in the park.

National Monuments

City of Rocks National Reserve

The City of Rocks National Reserve is a unique landscape of granite domes and spires. It’s a great place to hike, climb, and explore the unique geology of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Castle Rocks Trail, which takes you through a field of towering rock formations.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

The Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is home to a rich fossil record of the Miocene epoch. It’s a great place to hike and explore the paleontology of Idaho. There are several trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Hagerman Fossil Beds Trail, which takes you through a field of fossilized bones and teeth.

Conclusion

Idaho is a hiker’s paradise, with an endless array of trails to explore. From towering peaks to pristine lakes, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state. Whether you’re looking for a challenging day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip, you’re sure to find the perfect trail in Idaho.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your hiking adventure today!