Most Scenic Road Trips in Boise, Idaho, United States
1. Boise River Greenbelt
A scenic 25-mile trail that follows the Boise River, perfect for biking, walking, or jogging, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding parks.
- Natural Beauty: Provides a peaceful and serene environment amidst nature.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers various recreational activities suitable for all ages.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from many points within Boise, making it a convenient road trip destination.
2. Lucky Peak Scenic Byway
A picturesque drive offering breathtaking views of Lucky Peak Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Stop at the overlook for stunning panoramas.
- Scenic Views: Showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in Boise.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides chances for fishing, boating, and picnicking at Lucky Peak Reservoir.
- Seasonal Attractions: Enjoy the changing seasons as you drive through this scenic byway.
3. Craters of the Moon National Monument
A unique volcanic landscape featuring lava fields, cinder cones, and spatter cones. Explore the area on foot or by car.
- Geological Wonders: Showcases a moon-like landscape unlike any other in the lower 48 states.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides insights into the geological history and formation of the area.
- Stargazing: Offers incredible stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and dark skies.
4. Bojesen Lake Scenic Byway
A winding road trip through the Boise National Forest offering panoramic views of Bojesen Lake and surrounding mountains.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of pristine lakes, forests, and mountain ranges.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides chances for camping, hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Wildlife Sightings: Potential encounters with various wildlife species such as elk, deer, and bears.
5. Hulls Gulch Reserve
An urban oasis offering hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a unique geological formation known as the 'Hulls Gulch Snakepit'.
- Urban Hike: A great escape from the city while staying within Boise's limits.
- Geological Formation: Features an unusual geological formation that attracts geology enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Sightings: Offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as raptors, rabbits, and chipmunks.
6. Idaho Bird of Prey Center
A rehabilitation center for birds of prey where visitors can learn about these majestic creatures and watch them soar overhead.
- Education: Provides valuable insights into the lives and conservation efforts for birds of prey.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits and shows that engage visitors in a fun and educational way.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the surrounding Idaho countryside.
7. World Center for Birds of Prey
A research facility dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey, featuring exhibits, raptor demonstrations, and a falconry apprentice program.
- Conservation: Contributes to the conservation efforts for birds of prey through research, education, and rehabilitation.
- Exhibits: Offers educational exhibits about birds of prey and their habitats.
- Interactive Experiences: Provides opportunities for visitors to interact with raptors through guided tours or falconry apprentice programs.
8. Shoshone Falls
A stunning 212-foot waterfall located near Twin Falls, approximately a 3-hour drive from Boise. Accessible via a scenic drive and a short hike.
- Natural Wonder: A must-see natural wonder that rivals Niagara Falls in terms of beauty.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers incredible opportunities for capturing stunning photos and memories.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Boise, making it a convenient road trip destination.
9. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
A beautiful drive through the deepest river gorge in North America, offering breathtaking views of the Snake River and surrounding mountains.
- Scenic Views: Showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Idaho.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides chances for camping, fishing, and boating.
- Historical Sites: Passes by historic sites such as the Kinnee Ranch and Oxbow Railroad Trestle.
10. Bridge of the Gods
A scenic drive over the Columbia River Gorge, offering spectacular views of both Oregon and Washington. Stop at the nearby Vortex Spring for a unique geothermal experience.
- Scenic Views: Showcases stunning vistas of the Columbia River Gorge.
- Geothermal Experience: Offers a unique geothermal experience at Vortex Spring.
- Historical Significance: Passes by the historic Bridge of the Gods, one of the oldest bridges in the region.
11. Crater Lake National Park
A pristine volcanic lake located in Oregon, approximately a 5-hour drive from Boise. Known for its deep blue waters and surrounding cliffs.
- Natural Wonder: A breathtaking natural wonder showcasing the power of volcanic activity.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the lake and its surrounding cliffs.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides incredible opportunities for capturing stunning photos and memories.
12. Yellowstone National Park
A massive park located primarily in Wyoming, approximately a 7-hour drive from Boise. Known for its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife.
- Geological Wonders: Showcases some of the most unique geothermal features in the world.
- Wildlife Sightings: Offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as bison, elk, bears, and wolves.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into the geological history and formation of the area.
13. Glacier National Park
A massive park located primarily in Montana, approximately a 9-hour drive from Boise. Known for its glaciers, lakes, and diverse wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases stunning landscapes filled with glaciers, lakes, and mountains.
- Wildlife Sightings: Offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolves.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into the cultural history of Native American tribes and early European settlers.
14. Grand Teton National Park
A picturesque park located primarily in Wyoming, approximately a 9-hour drive from Boise. Known for its towering peaks and pristine lakes.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley.
- Wildlife Sightings: Provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as moose, bison, and grizzly bears.
- Historical Significance: Offers insights into the cultural history of Native American tribes and early European settlers.
15. Yosemite National Park
A massive park located primarily in California, approximately a 13-hour drive from Boise. Known for its waterfalls, deep valleys, and towering cliffs.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.
- Wildlife Sightings: Offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into the cultural history of Native American tribes and early European settlers.