7-Day Idaho Itinerary

The Ultimate Idaho Family Vacation: Mountains, Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Outdoor Fun

Theme: A mix of mountains, outdoor adventures, scenic byways, and natural wonders.

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-September) for hiking & outdoor activities or Fall (September-October) for stunning foliage.

Day 1: Arrive in Boise & Explore

Fly into Boise Airport (BOI)

Top Things to Do in Boise:

Explore the Idaho State Capitol – A historic landmark in downtown Boise.

Stroll Through the Boise Basque Block – Try Basque cuisine at The Basque Market or Bar Gernika.

Walk or Bike the Boise River Greenbelt – A scenic trail along the river.

Hike to Table Rock – A short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the city.

Overnight in Boise.

Day 2: Craters of the Moon National Monument

Drive from Boise to Craters of the Moon (3.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Craters of the Moon:

Explore the Lava Tubes & Caves – Bring a flashlight to venture into underground lava formations!

Hike the Inferno Cone Trail – A short but steep climb with a surreal volcanic view.

Drive the 7-Mile Scenic Loop – Stop at Devil's Orchard and Spatter Cones.

Catch Sunset Over the Lava Fields – The landscape looks otherworldly at dusk.

Overnight in Arco or Twin Falls.

Day 3: Shoshone Falls & Twin Falls Adventures

Drive from Arco to Twin Falls (2 hours).

Top Things to Do in Twin Falls:

Visit Shoshone Falls – The "Niagara of the West," taller than Niagara Falls!

Walk Across the Perrine Bridge – One of the most famous BASE jumping spots in the world.

Kayak in the Snake River Canyon – Paddle to Pillar Falls or the base of Shoshone Falls.

Hike to Perrine Coulee Falls – A hidden waterfall you can walk behind.

Overnight in Twin Falls.

Day 4: Sawtooth Mountains & Stanley

Drive from Twin Falls to Stanley via Sawtooth Scenic Byway (3 hours).

Top Things to Do in the Sawtooth Mountains:

Kayak or Paddleboard on Redfish Lake – Crystal-clear waters with mountain views.

Hike to Alice Lake or Sawtooth Lake – Some of the most scenic alpine hikes in Idaho.

Soak in Boat Box Hot Springs – A unique natural hot spring along the river.

Dinner in Stanley – Try local trout at The Redd Restaurant.

Overnight in Stanley.

Day 5: Sun Valley & Ketchum

Drive from Stanley to Sun Valley (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Sun Valley & Ketchum:

Visit Sun Valley Resort – One of the most famous ski resorts in the U.S. (also great for summer hiking & biking).

Tour Ernest Hemingway's Memorial & Gravesite – The famous author spent his final years here.

Mountain Bike or Hike Bald Mountain – Stunning views over the valley.

Explore Downtown Ketchum – Great art galleries, local shops, and cozy cafes.

Overnight in Sun Valley.

Day 6: Salmon River & Hot Springs Adventure

Drive from Sun Valley to McCall via Salmon River Scenic Byway (4.5 hours).

Top Things to Do Along the Way:

Stop at Sunbeam Hot Springs – A scenic riverside soaking spot.

Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River – One of the best rafting destinations in the U.S.!

Hike in the Frank Church Wilderness – One of the largest protected wilderness areas in the U.S.

Drive to McCall – A charming lakeside town.

Overnight in McCall.

Day 7: McCall & Return to Boise

Explore McCall before heading back to Boise (2 hours).

Top Things to Do in McCall:

Relax at Payette Lake – A beautiful alpine lake with beaches and hiking trails.

Soak in Gold Fork Hot Springs – A luxurious natural hot spring experience.

Bike or Hike in Ponderosa State Park – Great lake views and wildlife spotting.

Drive back to Boise for your flight home.

Fly out of Boise Airport (BOI).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 20-24 hours of driving across Idaho.