Most people associate the state of Idaho with potatoes, and for good reason. Idaho produces about 30% of all potatoes grown in the USA. But there is SO MUCH MORE to this amazing state! Our Idaho itinerary offers exciting cities and towns, incredible landscapes, and scenic drives.
Attractive, energetic cities such as Boise and Twin Falls provide cultural interest, while Coeur d’ Alene offers a fantastic vacation destination. Idaho’s natural wonders include spectacular sand dunes, deep gorges, a stunning waterfall (the “Niagara of the West”), an austere national monument area created by volcanic eruption, a magnificent mountain range, and stunning glacial lakes.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy world class hiking, fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, snow skiing. Idaho has hot springs, some of which can be visited for free, or you can indulge in a spa experience. Dig into our Idaho Itinerary and associated Guides cover many of these outdoor activities in depth.
Idaho has something for everyone!
In this guide, we present our suggested trip itinerary, including routes to destinations. The details for sights, drives, hikes, restaurants, etc. are provided in four Idaho guides listed below.
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The Route
The following spreadsheet shows the itinerary for a 10-day trip to the “Gem State.” Below the itinerary is a map showing our route and some of the key stops and sights. Note that this itinerary can be reduced or expanded for your schedule and rearranged to suit your interests and arrival/departure. For example, you could fly into Spokane, WA and fly out of Boise and roughly reverse the order – eliminating the long drive back to your starting point.
Download as Open Document Sheets and use in Excel or a cloud spreadsheet tool (e.g., GoogleDrive or Office 365). Then, update your arrival date in cell A2. Next, get started on your itinerary (automations/equations are embedded to make a few things quicker). This file can serve as a template for other trip plans as well.
Download as a KML file and use in Google Maps, Google My Maps, OpenMaps, or other mobile apps. Start from the full screen view of the map. Click the star next to the map title above to view in Google Maps and then save for later reference.
Because Idaho’s highlights are widely spread out, renting a car is essential for this itinerary. Comparing options early can save time and money, especially in peak summer season.
Detailed Guides
For detailed guides for this itinerary, dig into:
Scenic Drives in Central Idaho
Also see our guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Several routes, connecting Idaho destinations, are detailed in the Scenic Drives of Central Idaho guide. These include the cross-state drive from Stanley to Banks and the north-south Highway 95 through the Salmon River Canyon-“River of no Return.” The dedicated guide to Craters of the Moon describes the hikes and points of interest in the under-rated National Monument and Preserve. (A guide to the Palouse region of Idaho and Washington is also coming soon.)
Prioritizing your Sights and Activities
Here are our star rankings of destinations/regions and activities in Idaho. Our general scoring for this full itinerary is designed to help you pick what fits your schedule and budget. Naturally, your interests will be key to what you pick.
- Snake River/Hells Canyon ★★★
- Coeur d’Alene ★★
- Sawtooth Mountains ★★★
- Boise ★★★
- Craters of the Moon ★★★
- Twin Falls ★★
- Palouse ★★
- Lake Pend Oreille ★★
Boise makes a convenient base for exploring southern and central Idaho, with a wide range of lodging options. Here are current hotel choices in the area:
Related Guides
Scenic Drives in Central Idaho
Planning a Visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho