5 Day Southern Idaho Road Trip Itinerary: Discovering Idaho’s Hidden Gems

Idaho
Written By Anna Rooker

(Updated: 2023)

Idaho is nicknamed the “Gem State” for a reason. Its vast and quick-changing landscape will leave you saying, “Wow, look at that” around every corner! The best (and in most parts the only) way to experience this state is by hopping in a car for a road trip. I took 5 days and road-tripped Southern/Central Idaho beginning and ending in Boise, I documented everything along the way, and have written down every detail so you can also experience this portion of the state to the fullest.

In this guide, I also include some places we didn’t get to or could be alternative options to what we experienced personally. Interactive maps are available to help you visualize the route and different things to do.

 

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Best Time to Visit Southern Idaho

You can’t go wrong no matter what season you choose to visit Idaho. There are activities and sights year-round. Winter and summer are the busy, tourist seasons. Winter brings people coming to hit the slopes and hot springs, but some locations in this itinerary may not be available due to weather and road closures. Summer offers hiking, outdoors, family vacations, and warmer weather, but larger crowds.

During the Spring, the weather begins to warm up and wildflowers begin to bloom. Fall brings back the cooler weather and crowds start to slim out.

So it’s really up to preference! Personally, I visited during the peak of summer in July. The weather was perfect - cool mornings and evenings, and to help avoid crowds we would arrive in the early morning if possible to our daily destinations.

How Many Days in Southern Idaho

This itinerary is for 5 days and I found this timeframe works well to fit in a good chunk of the Southern Idaho region following the route and destinations I prioritized. As with any location, more time is always going to be better. It will allow you time to stay in one place for longer or add more stops to your trip. I recommend at minimum 5 days, ideally 7+.

If you have less than 5 days, this itinerary can be slimmed down by removing a variety of stops like Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Bruneau Dunes State Park, staying only 1 night in the Sawtooth’s vs 2, or scratching this region entirely.

Where to Start and End your Southern Idaho Road Trip

Boise International Airport (BOI) is the only international airport in Idaho and in my opinion, the best start and stop location if you are coming from out of state and are truly intending to stick to Southern Idaho. For the sake of this itinerary, I have laid out a day-by-day plan for beginning and ending in Idaho’s capital Boise.

If you are within the state already or are driving through, pick any starting spot closest to you that makes sense!

TIP: A 2WD works great for this road trip itinerary UNLESS you are visiting in the winter in which case I recommend driving a 4WD and keeping a close eye on road condition updates.

Complete 5-Day Southern Idaho Road Trip Itinerary

I would be remiss to not mention that there are so many various ways to adjust, lengthen, and shorten this trip. And this is just for the Southern Idaho region! There is much more to see in this state. Everyone’s availability and budget are different. I have done this road trip myself so I can attest to this route/itinerary I created as being one that will give you the most out of the area with only a 5-day span and limited budget.

Here is a breakdown of the road trip itinerary plus two maps; one of the route, one of all the places mentioned in this blog flagged for your convenience.

Road Trip Overview

Day 1: Arrive in Boise, Drive to Twin Falls

Day 2: Day in Twin Falls and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Drive to Ketchum

Day 3: Day in Sawtooth Mountain Range region, Drive to Stanley

Day 4: Day on Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway, Boise National Forest, Drive to Boise

Day 5: Day in Boise, Head home

Day 1: Arrive in Boise, Drive to Twin Falls

Beginning in Boise, get yourself situated with a rental car (if you didn’t drive your own), pick up any needed supplies or food, and you can be on your way to Twin Falls.

TIP: I would recommend while you are in Boise, and if you intend to do any big hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains, stop at the REI in Boise to grab essentials such as bear spray, any hiking gear, canned oxygen, etc. There is only one REI in the state and that is in Boise!

Today’s approximate drive time: 2hrs 36mins

First Stop: Bruneau Dunes State Park

From Boise, head southeast for 128 miles toward Twin Falls. On the way, there is a must-visit stop though! Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America at 470 ft. Spend some time in the park exploring the dunes, hiking, and learning about the geological area in the Visitor’s Center. You don’t need much time in the park to feel fulfilled in your experience. Spend 1-2 hours here and continue your drive towards Twin Falls.

Cost: $7/vehicle

Location: 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

READ ALSO: Day Trip Guide to Bruneau Dunes State Park (Idaho): Sand Dunes in Southern Idaho

 

Second Stop: Perrine Memorial Bridge

Heading into Twin Falls you will likely be crossing the striking Perrine Memorial Bridge. Pull off on the side of the road before the bridge, step out, and take in your first canyon views of Snake River. You can walk across the bridge and, if lucky, may witness BASE jumpers as this bridge is famous for thrill-seekers.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

This is a pretty full travel day, so end it here in your accommodation in Twin Falls to rest up for a full day of adventure for Day 2. Some hotel recommendations in Twin Falls include Fairfield Inn & Suites Twin Falls or Holiday Inn Twin Falls. For Airbnb we stayed at this guest house with a canyon in the backyard - it was incredible and I highly recommend staying here!

Booking.com

Day 2: Day in Twin Falls and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Drive to Ketchum

Today is quite an active day! You will want to start early to fit all these incredible Idaho activities in and make the most of your time. The drive is a bit longer today but with all the stops it passes by quickly.

Today’s approximate drive time: 4hrs 19mins

First Stop: Kayak to Blue Heart Springs

Start day 2 early with a morning kayaking on Snake River to visit Blue Heart Springs. These springs are the color of the Caribbean located in a secluded part of the river, only accessible by small watercraft (kayak, paddle boards, jet ski) and a hidden gem of Idaho. We rented our two-person kayak from Banbury Adventures and I highly recommend you do as well!

 

READ ALSO: How to Get to Blue Heart Springs: Crystal Clear Water in Southern Idaho

 

After a couple of hours on the river and taking a dip in the spring, freshen up at your accommodation in preparation for check-out and a slew of waterfall sightings in the area. This region of Idaho is filled with epic waterfall options.

Second Stop: Perrine Coulee Falls

The first must-visit waterfall is Perrine Coulee Falls, a 200-ft plunge waterfall that you can even walk behind. There are two viewing points. The first is from a platform located behind the Canyon Crest Event Center to get a view of the waterfall from above. The second takes you to a short rocky trail to get up close and behind it! Park on the curve of Canyon Springs Rd and walk up to the falls from the street.

TIP: Park with caution on this street! There are signs posted for ticketing and towing. We luckily did not have any issue with this but want to warn others just in case!

Cost: Free

Location of viewing point #1 (located behind Canyon Crest Event Center): Get directions on Google Maps

Location of viewing point #2 (parking): Get directions on Google Maps

 

Third Stop: Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls in Shoshone Falls State Park is home to the famously named Niagara of the West due to its height surpassing the actual Niagara Falls. There is a small fee to enter the park with plenty of hiking and sightseeing opportunities as well, but the showstopper is the falls themselves.

Cost: $5/vehicle

Location: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

There are others - pick and choose your favorites but visit at least a couple of these waterfalls while in the area. Here are some other recommendations in or a close drive from Twin Falls, ID:

Fourth Stop: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

After waterfall hunting, grab lunch before hitting the road towards your next amazing stop (and personally my favorite of the entire trip). That stop is Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve - a park of lava flow fields, cinder cones, and lava tubes. You can be satisfied with as few as a couple of hours in the park. If you are a more adventurous, backpacking type I recommend spending an extra night nearby so you can have 1-2 days.

I have a blog post dedicated to everything you need to know about your visit to Craters of the Moon.

Cost: $20/vehicle

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

READ ALSO: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve: Ultimate Guide

 

After a fun-filled few hours in the park, it’s time to head toward your accommodation for a laid-back evening on the town with dinner and drinks. I recommend spending a night in Hailey, Sun Valley, or Ketchum. We stayed at Mountain Valley Lodge located in Hailey, ID, a little tourist ski town filled with families on ski trips during the winter, and road-trippers passing through during the summer.

Booking.com

Depending on the time of year, there are other things to do in this area of Idaho to pack into your stay:

TIP: If you visit during the summer, many businesses, restaurants, and activities are on summer hours meaning some days of the week they are closed or have limited hours. Keep this in mind when planning a summer trip as you may find yourself with limited options!

Day 3: Day in the Sawtooth Mountains, drive to Stanley, Idaho

On day 3, you wake up in a beautiful, mountain-surrounded town. Start today early to begin your drive into the Sawtooth Mountain range towards Stanley for an early morning hike. Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains are a popular Idaho road trip destination. On this drive, be sure to pull over (safely, at turn-off points) to take in and enjoy the beauty of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, the Idaho scenic drive between Ketchum and Stanley.

 

READ ALSO: Driving the Sawtooth Scenic Byway: Central Idaho Road Trip

 

First Stop: Hike of your choice in the Sawtooth Mountains

While in the mountains, go on a hike on one of the many trails in the Sawtooths. AllTrails is the best source for finding the best trails for your ability and time.

Some highly recommended trails are (keep in mind you can break these up into smaller portions!):

Second Stop: Hot Spring

After your hike, or in lieu of a hike, relax in one of Idaho’s stunning nearby natural hot springs—the right of passage for the mountains. The Stanley area has several worthwhile options.

These activities will take up most of your day (and energy). Spending the evening in Stanley for dinner and exploring the town is the way to go. Stay awake until after dark because Stanley is in the Dark Sky Preserve which means the area restricts artificial light pollution to promote astronomy. In other words, you can look into the night sky and see billions of stars with the naked eye. You will get the best results driving a bit out of the town to be in total darkness. This is a must-see.

You can plan tonight’s accommodation in two ways, whether staying a night in Stanley or a 2nd night in the Hailey/Ketchum area. I recommend staying a night in Stanley to experience deep in the Sawtooths, in the Dark Sky Reserve. Hailey/Ketchum is only about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Stanley so making your way back down the mountains after a day in Stanley is entirely doable. We chose to stay the 2nd night in Hailey for a few reasons. Here are some things to know:

  • If you want to stay in Stanley, plan ahead. Accommodations book out well in advance (this was a factor for us not staying in Stanley).

  • Stanley's accommodations can be more expensive than staying in Hailey/Sun Valley/Ketchum.

  • Depending on where you stay, your route back to Boise may differ. For the sake of this blog, I am sharing the ideal itinerary with a night in Stanley.

  • Either way, you really can’t go wrong. Both regions are incredible and worth time in.

Day 4: Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway, Boise National Forest, Drive to Boise

Today is the longest travel day on the road of this itinerary so far. The distance from Stanley to Boise is 2hrs, 45mins along the Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway - another notable scenic drive in Idaho of its 31. Luckily there are stops along the way to help you break up the drive.

Today’s approximate drive time: 2hrs 58mins

First Stop: Park Creek Overlook

Noted as one of the best spots near Stanley to get a scenic view of the Sawtooth Mountain Range is the Park Creek Overlook. There is ample parking that is free and restrooms available to use before you hit the road again.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Second Stop: Hot Spring (yes, again)

If you didn’t make it to a hot spring yesterday or just want another dip, you would pass by Kirkham Hot Springs on your way West out of Stanley so this is your chance! Kirkham Hot Springs is located along the Payette River and is open for day use only. There is a short trail walk to the springs. This is a highly rated, well-known hot spring in the area that tourists and locals travel from all over to visit.

Cost: $5/vehicle

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Third Stop: Mores Creek Summit Hike

Take your time driving your second scenic byway during this trip keeping an eye out for wild animals and viewing points of the surrounding landscape. Along your drive, you will be passing a popular summit hike called Mores Creek Summit Hike. This is another long hike (9.7 miles out and back) but well worth it if you choose to make it to the top for vast, sweeping views of Boise National Forest below.

If hiking is a priority to you, I recommend prioritizing this hike over some of the other activities listed for this day due to its distance and the time required for it.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fourth Stop: Idaho City, Idaho

Idaho City, ID is a great stop for a late afternoon lunch or break in your drive. This historical mining town has its old-time charm and intrigue. Visit the Boise Basin Museum consisting of two historical museums, a blacksmith shop, a prison, residences from over 60 years ago, and more - all preserved to snapshot a time in history.

Stop by Trudy’s Kitchen for a comforting, homemade-style bite to eat followed by ice cream from Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor & Gift Shop!

A second option for day 4 is to spend an extra night in the Sawtooths and drive back to Boise on your final day. We chose to spend our last night in Boise so we wouldn’t be rushed getting back for our flight on Day 5. I can recommend staying at Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown-Boise (where we stayed) or Home2 Suites by Hilton Boise Downtown. Both are downtown, with options for restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Day 5: Day in Boise, head home

Make the most of your final day of this Southern Idaho road trip with a fulfilled Boise experience. Check out tours and more in Boise on Viator. Have more time in Boise? Read my blog on 13 Things to Do in Boise, Idaho.

First Stop: Table Rock

Table Rock Trail is a 3.7-mile loop trail in Boise, ID, always busy with hikers, and for good reason. This hike takes you to the top of an area overlooking Boise City and the surrounding area below. It is open from sunrise to sunset daily and is most popular at those times. There are benches at the top so bring a morning snack or coffee and stick around for a bit.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Map

 

Second Stop: Boise Fry Co & State Capitol

While in Idaho… 🥔. Boise Fry Co is a fast-casual dining chain in the area where the fries are the main dish. Your burger or sandwich is just a side. They mean potato business! A highlight of our day in Boise was grabbing lunch to-go from BFC and taking it across the street to the Boise Capitol lawn for a picnic.

Location: 204 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

Third Stop: Freak Alley Gallery

Located between 8th and 9th street in downtown Boise, is the northwest’s largest open-air mural gallery, Freak Alley Gallery. It's free of cost so don’t leave Boise without visiting.

Cost: Free

Location: 210 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702, United States - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Have more time in Boise? READ ALSO: 13 Things to Do in Boise, Idaho

 

More Things to Do on a Southern Idaho Road Trip

Balanced Rock

This unique, natural rock formation located south of Buhl is a must-see if you have more time in the Twin Falls, ID area. Balanced Rock weighs 40 tons and stands at 48 ft tall and just by the look of this rock, you can understand why it’s called what it is. Wind over time has etched this rock into the shape it is today.

Black Magic Canyon

Another, almost supernatural, type of rock formed by the power of nature of thousands of years of water created the Black Magic Canyon. These canyon walls of carved lava rock show spectacular twisting shapes, unlike anything you’ve seen before.

VERY IMPORTANT: Check the weather before coming here. This canyon floods quickly and dangerously when raining. Visit only on dry days and with sturdy hiking shoes.

City of Rocks National Reserve

City of Rocks National Reserve is known for its jutting granite rock landscape just a couple miles north of the state of Utah. If you are interested in hiking, camping, or rock climbing, this is another ideal Idaho park to do so.

Evil Knievel Jump Site

A famous jump-site location where Evil Knievel attempted to jump across the quarter-mile-wide Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. Yes, attempted. He did not make it across and his parachute malfunctioned. He survived with only a broken nose! It is on private property, but you can access the jump site to see it for yourself from either the Twin Falls Visitor Center or trekking the 1.8-mile Centennial Trail.

Whitewater Rafting on Payette River

There are several parts of Idaho that bring in adrenaline-seeking tourists and fanatics to whitewater raft the rough rivers. Payette River Company offers excursions (day, overnight, multi-day) on the Payette River located in Lowman, ID.

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Anna Rooker
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