Idaho is a state with a diverse landscape, from the towering mountains of the Sawtooth Range to the lush forests of the Palouse. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Idaho is a popular destination for road trips.
Whether you’re looking for a long weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, this Idaho road trip itinerary has you covered. With stops at some of the state’s most iconic landmarks, you’ll be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Boise to Sun Valley
If you’re flying into Boise, you’ll start your road trip by heading north on I-84. After about an hour and a half, you’ll reach the town of Twin Falls. This is a great place to stop for lunch and check out the Perrine Bridge, which is one of the highest single-span bridges in the United States.
From Twin Falls, continue north on I-84 for another hour and a half until you reach the town of Ketchum. This is the gateway to Sun Valley, one of the most popular ski resorts in the United States. If you’re visiting during the winter, be sure to spend some time skiing or snowboarding.
If you’re visiting during the summer, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Sun Valley. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, or swimming in the nearby rivers and lakes. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops to explore in Ketchum.
Scenic Drive: The Sawtooth Scenic Byway
One of the best ways to see the Sawtooth Mountains is by taking the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. This 65-mile drive winds through the mountains, offering stunning views of the peaks and lakes. There are plenty of pull-outs along the way where you can stop to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.
Day 2: Sun Valley to Craters of the Moon National Monument
After spending the night in Sun Valley, you’ll head east on Highway 75. This will take you through the Sawtooth National Forest, where you’ll see more stunning mountain views. After about an hour and a half, you’ll reach the town of Arco. This is a good place to stop for lunch and visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument Visitor Center.
Craters of the Moon is a volcanic field that was formed by a series of eruptions over the past 15,000 years. The park is home to a variety of volcanic features, including lava flows, cinder cones, and maars. You can explore the park on a self-guided tour or by taking a ranger-guided hike.
Scenic Drive: The Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway
After visiting Craters of the Moon, you’ll continue east on Highway 20. This will take you through the Snake River Canyon, which is one of the deepest canyons in the United States. There are plenty of pull-outs along the way where you can stop to take pictures and enjoy the views.
Day 3: Craters of the Moon to Yellowstone National Park
From Craters of the Moon, you’ll head north on Highway 20 for about two hours until you reach the town of Island Park. This is a good place to stop for lunch and visit the National Elk Refuge. The refuge is home to over 10,000 elk, which can be seen grazing in the meadows.
From Island Park, you’ll continue north on Highway 20 until you reach the Idaho-Wyoming border. Once you’re in Wyoming, you’ll continue on Highway 20 for another hour and a half until you reach Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, and elk. You can also see some of the most amazing geysers in the world, including Old Faithful.
Scenic Drive: The Grand Loop Road
The best way to see Yellowstone is by driving the Grand Loop Road. This 235-