9-Day Idaho Road Trip Itinerary for Adventurous Travelers

This itinerary is based on the many years I spent living in Idaho and all of the trips I’ve taken around the state.

Sawtooth Mountains behind a green meadow

I grew up in Idaho, and even with all of the traveling I’ve done, I still think Idaho is one of the prettiest states in the country. When I go back to visit family, I always carve out time to get outside to enjoy the jagged mountain peaks, pristine blue lakes, hot springs, and other outdoor activities.

If you are planning to visit Idaho and wondering where to go, I’ll just cut to the chase. In this post, I share the perfect 9-day Idaho road trip itinerary designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind, with my favorite places to visit, not-to-miss outdoor activities, cute hotels, epic campsites, and yummy restaurants.

Itinerary Overview

Using my 7-day Idaho road trip itinerary, you’ll make a big loop around the state, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Boise. Since outdoor recreation is my speciality and what Idaho is known for, this itinerary is packed with hiking, biking, rafting, and hot springs with stops in the cute towns of McCall, Coeur d’Alene, Stanley (my favorite), and Sun Valley.

Here is the day-by-day overview of all of the fun things you’ll get to do:

  • Day 1: Explore Boise
  • Day 2: Whitewater rafting on the Cabarton, Drive to McCall
  • Day 3: Burgdorf Hot Springs, Paddle the North Fork of the Payette River
  • Day 4: Drive to Coeur d’Alene, Hike Tubbs Hill
  • Day 5: Bike the Hiawatha Trail
  • Day 6: Drive to Stanley, Sunbeam Hotsprings, Redfish Lake
  • Day 7: Hike to Sawtooth Lake
  • Day 8: Drive to Sun Valley, Hike Pioneer Cabin Trail
  • Day 9: Explore Sun Valley, Drive back to Boise

I’m assuming you are going to stay in hotels, and I’ll share some suggestions. However, many of these destinations have amazing camping too. If that’s your plan, make sure to check out my guide on finding free camping to help cut down on your costs.

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Day 1: Boise

Morning – Ride Bikes on the Boise Greenbelt

I grew up in Boise and it’s changed a lot over the years – in a good way! Boise has a huge variety of outdoor adventures accessible right from town, plus great restaurants and other entertainment.

I tell every first-time visitor to Boise that riding bikes on the Boise Greenbelt is a must! The Greenbelt is a 25-mile paved trail system that runs along the Boise River.

There’s tons of trees, lots of pretty bridges, and plenty of places to stop and put your feet in the river. If it’s a hot day, you might even bring (or wear) your swimsuit so you can take a dip.

Bridge on the Boise Greenbelt

Assuming you aren’t traveling with your own bike, there are lots of different bike rental shops near the Greenbelt that rent both regular and e-bikes. There is also a bike share program with dozens of stations near the Greenbelt and downtown.

My favorite section of the Greenbelt is from Esther Simplot Park to Julia Davis Park. If you want to ride further, keep riding past Julia Davis to the Warm Springs Golf Course.

Afternoon – Grab a bite, visit a brewery, and explore downtown

Downtown Boise is very walkable and has so many great restaurants. A few favorites are:

  • High Note Cafe: an all-vegan menu with the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had
  • Wild Root: a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients with a great patio for people watching right on 9th street.
  • Funky Taco: eclectic, gourmet tacos

I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but Boise also has a ton of breweries. I really like the outdoor area at Payette Brewing Company. It’s dog and kid-friendly, and they also have NA options available.

Freak Alley in downtown Boise

Boise Accommodations

Get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow the real adventure begins. There are a ton of cute, boutique hotels in downtown Boise.

  • Boise Hotel Recommendation: I’ve stayed at The Modern and really enjoyed it. There is a great bar and really delicious food too, so you won’t have to worry about venturing out after your long day of exploring.
  • Boise Camping Option: There isn’t a whole lot of camping right in Boise (other than a few paid RV parks), but if you want to get out of town and start making your way up Highway 55 towards McCall, there are a number of small campsites right off the main road.
Kristen Bor sitting on a bed working on a computer at the Modern Hotel in Boise

Day 2: McCall

Morning – Whitewater Rafting on the Cabarton

You’re going to get up early today (6am departure) and make the beautiful 2.5 drive up Highway 55 towards McCall to Tamarack Resort .

Highway 55 is very scenic from Boise up to McCall (this is not the river you will be rafting FYI)

Once you get to Tamarack, check into the Tamarack Guided Adventures Desk for a full-day rafting trip on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River.

I love the Cabarton section because most of it is far away from the highway (as opposed to the Main Payette which runs right next to Highway 55). This means it’s very quiet, the scenery is stellar, and you may even spot some wildlife.

The biggest rapids are Class III, so it’s exciting but never too scary. There are also some calm pools where you can get in for a swim.

I found our Tamarack Whitewater guide to be very professional and fun. The trip includes transportation to and from the takeout, lunch, and safety equipment.

Raft on the Cabarton stretch of the payette river

Afternoon – Explore McCall

After rafting, make the short 40 minute drive up McCall. McCall is one of my favorite mountain towns in the West – I’ve thought about moving here more than once! McCall has tons of outdoor activities, including awesome hot springs, mountain biking, hiking, lakes, and more (which you’ll explore on Day 3).

McCall Accommodations

Wherever you decide to stay, book it for 2 nights.

  • McCall Hotel Recommendation: My favorite hotels in McCall are The Evergreen or the iconic lakeside Shore Lodge. Both are within walking distance of the lake and the main drag in town.
  • McCall Camping Option: Head to Ponderosa State Park (advanced reservations highly recommended) where you’ll find nice sites, lake access, and decent-enough showers.
The view from the docks at The Shore Lodge

McCall Restaurants

For dining in McCall, these are my recommendations:

  • Cutwater Cafe: lakefront dining at the Shore Lodge with a stunning outdoor patio
  • Rupert’s: new-American mountain fare (not vegan-friendly), reservations reommended
  • Cafe 6 Three 4: quick and yummy breakfast and lunch with lots of plant-based options
  • Frenchie’s: burgers and po-boys

Day 3: McCall

Morning – Burgdorf Hot Springs

Grab some breakfast in town. I also suggest packing a lunch for today so you don’t have to drive all the way back into town for food.

Start your morning off at Burgdorf Hot Springs, which I consider to be a quintessential Idaho experience. A short and beautiful drive from McCall, Burgdorf has three different gravel bottom soaking pools filled with geothermal spring water.

They require advanced reservations in order to prevent the pools from getting too crowded, and a 2-hour soaking pass costs $20. They don’t have much in the way of food, drinks, or other supplies, so bring whatever you need to enjoy your experience.

Plan a relaxing trip to Burgdorf Hot Springs in McCall, Idaho in summer or winter, including info on cabin rentals, nearby camping and more.

Afternoon – Paddle the Upper North Fork of the Payette River

On your way back from Burgdorf towards McCall, park at the North Beach boat ramp at the top of Payette Lake. Here you can rent a paddle board, kayak or canoe from Backwoods Adventures for exploring the meandering Upper North Fork of the Payette River.

This is a beautiful non-motorized, flatwater section of river, and everytime I’m in McCall, I make a point of exploring it. The first time I was lucky enough to see a moose hanging out right on the river bank, and other wildlife sightings are also very common.

I personally prefer paddling in a single kayak, but I’ve also done it on a paddle board and in my own packraft. Depending on the time and energy levels, you can do a 2 hour or half-day rental. The entire stretch is 7-miles long with several sandy beaches that you can pull off at.

Kristen Bor taking a selfie from a green kayak on a flatwater section of river in McCall Idaho
moose on the bank of the Upper North Fork of the Payette River in McCall idaho

Day 4: Coeur d’Alene

Morning: Drive to Coeur d’Alene

Today you’ve got a bit of a drive ahead of you. It’s 5 hours from McCall to Coeur d’Alene which is up in Idaho’s panhandle. This is a remote stretch of highway up through Riggins, Lewiston, and Moscow with sections hugging the Little Salmon River.

When I did this trip, I booked it up Coeur d’Alene, but if you have more time, you should consider doing a jet boat trip through Hells Canyon – the deepest river gorge in all of North America. My parents did this and loved it. Most of these trips depart from Lewiston.

Bridge over the Little Salmon River in Riggins

Afternoon: Hike Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene is a cute (but touristy) town on a massive lake in Idaho’s panhandle. If you’re into boating or golf, you could easily spend a few days here. However, on this itinerary, it’s going to be a quick stop on your way to the Hiawatha Trail.

Once you’ve got your bearings, head over to Tubbs Hill for a 2-mile loop along the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s an easy, flat trail with great views and gives you a taste of what this region is about. Note this is a very popular trail, so expect to share it with other visitors.

Coeur d’Alene Accomodations

  • Coeur d’Alene Hotel Recommendation: Hotels in Coeur d’Alene can be expensive, and since you’re only here for 1 night, I’d recommend picking somewhere simple that’s within your budget.
  • Coeur d’Alene Camping Option: If you want to camp in town, you’ll have to stay at a paid RV park. I’ve stayed at Blackwell RV Resort and it had laundry and nice showers, and it was right on the lake. For more primitive camping, you’ll have to head east out of town on I-90.

Coeur d’Alene Restaurants

For dinner, I recommend Fire Artisan Pizza that’s right in the heart of downtown and walking distance from Tubbs Hill.

Short on Time?

If you need to cut a few days out of this Idaho road trip itinerary, I would skip Days 4 through 6, eliminating the long drive to and from the panhandle and the Hiawatha Trail. Instead, I would drive directly from McCall to Stanley on spectacular Highway 21, stopping at Kirkham or Bonneville Hot Springs on the way.

Day 5: Bike the Hiawatha Trail

Morning: Biking

The Hiawatha Trail sits on the Idaho/Montana border, and as one of 15 rail trails in the country designated as a “Hall of Fame” trail, biking it is a really unique experience.

On this 14.4 mile bike trail, you’ll ride through 9 pitch black tunnels, some more than 1.5 miles long, using a bike light or headlamp, and over 7 train trestles where you’ll get expansive views.

Tunnel on the Hiawatha Trail

Most people (including myself) ride it one-way from the Pearson Trailhead to East Portal. The entire ride is downhill and when you reach the end there are shuttle buses waiting to transport you and your bike back to the top.

Prior to starting, you must stop at Lookout Pass Ski Area which is 7 miles from the Pearson Trailhead to get your trail pass and shuttle ticket. They also have bike rentals, bike lights, and bike racks for your car available if you’re not road tripping with your own.

When I biked the Hiawatha Trail it was mid-September, raining, and very cold, and I was grateful to have solid rain gear and gloves. Even in summer, the tunnels can feel damp and cold, so you might want to bring some layers, just in case.

For more details, see this writeup on biking the Hiawatha Trail.

Train trestle on the Hiawatha Trail
One of the 7 trestles you ride over on the Hiawatha Trail

Evening – Missoula

The most direct way from the Hiawatha Trail down to your next Idaho road trip stop in Stanley travels through Montana. So you’ll get to see a small sliver of Montana too.

Since you’re going to have a long day on the Hiawatha Trail, I suggest you drive 1.5 hours to Missoula, grab dinner, and call it a night. If you have energy and want to keep driving, Salmon (4 hours total from the Hiawatha Trail) would be your next good stop. However, the road does get pretty curvy and mountainous in sections, so you might not want to do that in the dark.

Missoula Accommodations

  • Missoula Hotel Recommendation: If you want to explore Missoula, I’d recommend staying somewhere near East Broadway. That will put you within walking distance to all the shops, restaurants, and riverfront. If you want to save money, you can stay on the outskirts near the highway at a cheap-o hotel.
  • Missoula Camping Option: Missoula camping options are slim, so I’d either camp in the National Forest near the Hiawatha Trail, or go south of Missoula to Lake Como in Darby. If all of the campgrounds at Lake Como are full, there are some dispersed camping options not far from there.

Note: There are two small stores in Stanley (your next stop) that carry groceries, but they both are pretty terrible when it comes to fresh, healthy foods. If you need to resupply on groceries, I suggest stocking up in Missoula or Salmon.

Day 6: Stanley

Morning – Drive to Stanley / Hot Springs

From Missoula, it’s a 5-hour drive to Stanley. The drive isn’t overly eventful, but there are some nice views as you drive past Lost Trail Ski Area back into Idaho, as well as along the Salmon River.

There is so much to do in Stanley, so I’d book it down there as quickly as possible.

On the way into Stanley, you’ll pass some of my favorite hot springs. Sunbeam Hot Springs is 12 miles outside of Stanley along ID-75. There is a sign and a small parking area, making it hard to miss.

Most of the soaking pools are down a small hill to the right of the bathhouse next to the Salmon River. You can go from hot springs to the river and back or find an area that’s the perfect temperature by mixing the hot and cold water together.

Note that if you go in early summer during peak run-off, the river levels might be too high, washing out the pools. If that’s the case, go left of the bathhouse where there are two tubs that have hot water piped into them.

Afternoon – Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is the most famous lake in the Sawtooths and is worthy of an afternoon hang.

They have paddle boards for rent, as well as pontoon boats. You can also take the boat shuttle to the other side of Redfish Lake where a number of different hikes leave from, including this backpacking trip to Baron Lakes which I did a few years ago.

If you’re just looking to hang on the beach and go for a swim, I prefer driving over to the Sandy Beach boat ramp on the east side of the lake. It’s a bit quieter than the area near the Redfish Lake Lodge, and you get great views of Mt. Thompson (pictured below), which is the highest peak in the Sawtooths.

Paddleboards floating next to the dock at redfish lake in stanely idaho

Stanley Restaurants

If you want to eat out, the best dinner options in Stanley are the Sawtooth Hotel (better for those with dietary restrictions) or the Mountain Village restaurant.

Stanley Accommodations

  • Stanley Hotel Recommendation: I’ve only camped in Stanley, but if I were going to stay in a hotel, I’d stay at the Stanley River Retreat and Cabins which are newly remodeled and located right on the Salmon River. If you prefer to be right in the heart of Stanley, Mountain Village Resort is another option. The rooms are more dated, but they have a restaurant and bar where you might be able to catch some live music in summer. Mountain Village also has its own private hot springs that are available for guests.
  • Stanley Camping Option: Stanley has so many free and paid campgrounds. My favorite paid campgrounds are right on Redfish Lake. You’ll definitely want a reservation though. If you can’t get a reservation, Sunny Gulch campground is also really nice and has first-come, first-served sites. You can also check out my guide to finding free camping to scout some awesome dispersed camping areas near Stanley. If you need cell service, check out Nip and Tuck Road.
Kristen Bor lying in the bed of a Sprinter Van looking out the back doors at a dispersed campsite in Stanley Idaho

Day 7: Stanley

Morning: Stanley Bakery / Hike to Sawtooth Lake

The Stanley Bakery is a MUST for breakfast. The oatmeal pancakes are famous around these parts, and they also have plenty of gluten-free and plant-based options, as well as baked goods to go. This place gets busy, so get there early or be prepared to wait in line.

After filling your belly, drive up Iron Creek to the Sawtooth Lake Trailhead. This is seriously one of my favorite hikes of all-time. The hike is almost 10 miles round-trip with 1,800 feet of elevation gain, leading to the most BLUEtiful lake you’ll ever see. There are some steeper parts, but length aside, I’d consider this a moderate hike.

You can prepare for this hike by reading my Sawtooth Lake hiking guide.

Kristen Bor sitting next to a border collie on the edge of Sawtooth Lake with snow capped mountains in the background

Afternoon – Mountain Village Hot Springs or Stanley Lake

Feeling like your muscles could use another good soak? Mountain Village Resort has 3 different hot springs, and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to use them. I like these hot springs because they are deep, and they have some of the best views of the Sawtooths in town. They are also super clean. To soak here, you have to make a reservation and pay a small fee.

If you’ve had enough of Idaho’s amazing hot springs, then I suggest heading to Stanley Lake. It’s a lot less busy than Redfish Lake with more gorgeous views of Mt. McGowan.

Day 8: Sun Valley

Morning – Drive to Sun Valley

The drive from Stanley to Sun Valley is beautiful. As you drive towards Galena Summit, you’ll pass Pettit Lake and Alturas Lake. If you’re looking for more photo opportunities, these are worth stopping at.

Next, you’ll drive to the top of Galena Summit. If you happen to be traveling with mountain bikes, there is an incredible free mountain biking trail system with over 40 miles of trails that starts right at Galena Lodge.

Sprinter Van parked on the shore of Alturas Lake in Stanley idaho with snowcapped mountains in the distance
Alturas Lake

Afternoon – Hike to Pioneer Cabin

Assuming you aren’t biking at Galena Lodge, today you’re going to tackle another hike. This one is a bit steeper and more challenging than the hike to Sawtooth Lake, covering 8.0 miles and gaining 2,500 feet in elevation.

The first 1.5 miles are in the forest, but as you get higher, the trail opens up to views of the Pioneer Mountains. At 4 miles, you reach Pioneer Cabin, which was built as a ski hut way back in 1937, with some of Sun Valley’s most dramatic landscapes.

Couple with two dogs standing in front of Pioneer Cabin in Sun Valley. On the roof it says "the higher you get, the higher you get"

Sun Valley Dining

For a small town, Sun Valley has a great food scene. Here are some of my favorite spots:

  • Rickshaw: super flavorful Asian street food
  • Serva: Peruvian ceviche with a separate vegan menu
  • 5B Fruit: smoothies and acai bowls

Sun Valley Lodging

Camping in Sun Valley isn’t quite as plentiful as it is in Stanley, but there are still quite a few options for free and paid campgrounds. There are also several nice hotels in town that put you within walking distance of all of the shops and restaurants. Keep in mind that Sun Valley is a resort town, and the lodging prices reflect that.

  • Sun Valley Hotel Recommendation: My top 3 choices for Sun Valley hotels would be the Limelight Hotel for modern amenities, Hotel Ketchum for a hip vibe, or the Knob Hill Inn for European charm.
  • Sun Valley Camping Option: The closest free camping to town is just a few miles up Trail Creek Road, close to the Pioneer Cabin Trailhead.
Sprinter van parked in field

Day 9: Sun Valley / Drive back to Boise

Morning: Explore Town / Ride Gondola

Sun Valley / Ketchum is a super cute town. It’s worth poking around Main Street and the rest of downtown.

For a birdseye view of the area, take the Roundhouse Gondola from the River Run base up Bald Mountain.

From the top of the gondola, you can grab lunch at the Roundhouse Restaurant with panoramic views or hop on the scenic Christmas lift to the top of the ski area. There are lots of different hiking trails if you want to explore, or you can take some pics and ride back down.

Afternoon: Drive back to Boise

That wraps up your 10-day Idaho road trip itinerary. The drive from Sun Valley to Boise is just under 3 hours. There aren’t a lot of places to stop, so you should grab lunch in Sun Valley before you hit the road.

If you have additional time

If you have more than 9 days for your road trip, there are so many more things you can do in Idaho. Here are some suggestions:

  • Go to Sandpoint: Sandpoint is at the top of the panhandle, and I actually prefer it to Coeur d’Alene. It’s home to Schweitzer Ski Resort and Farragut State Park where you’ll find tons of hiking, biking, berry picking, lakes, and more.
  • Spend more time in Stanley: There are literally dozens of epic hikes in Stanley. Some favorites include Bench Lakes, Hell Roaring Lake, and 4th of July Lake. I also have yet to do the Alice-Toxaway Loop (a long day hike or overnight backpacking trip) which is supposed to be the cream of the crop in Stanley.
  • Visit Southern Idaho: I didn’t cover Southern Idaho in this itinerary. Some highlights in these areas include Shoshone Falls, City of Rocks, and Craters of the Moon National Monument.
  • Drive Highway 21 between Banks and Stanley: This is a dramatic stretch of highway with several hot springs along the way. My favorites are Kirkham and Bonneville Hot Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best months for an Idaho road trip?

If you want to hike and bike, my favorite months to visit Idaho are late June, early July, and September. Mid-summer can be hot and smoky depending on whether there are wildfires burning. Winter is also great if you are looking to ski and do other winter sports.

How many days do you need in Idaho?

To properly explore the state, I think you need at least 7 days, although you could easily spend 2 weeks covering all of Idaho. If you have less time than that, I’d focus on the Boise, McCall, Stanley area for your road trip.

What is the most beautiful place to visit in Idaho?

My favorite area of Idaho is Stanley and Sun Valley. These are home to the most dramatic mountains in Idaho with tons of hiking, biking, paddling, hot springs, and other outdoor activities.

More Idaho Recommendations

Have a few extra days to spend on your Idaho road trip? Get additional ideas for things to do in these blog posts:

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What other Idaho road trip stops have you been to or would recommend for an itinerary? Leave a comment below!

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7 Comments

  1. Hi Kristen,
    I enjoyed your article on the Boise area. I would like to invite you to the Idaho Panhandle. We have Spokane airport only 70 miles away, on the I-90 and more trees, lakes, rivers, hiking, biking, history, berry picking, festivals, sporting events and easy laid back relaxation than you can pack into 1 week.
    Here in the Silver Valley we have the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, the Old Mission State Park (oldest standing building in Idaho), Silver Mountain and the longest straight line gondola, museums, breweries, and more.
    Thank you and I would love to hear from you.
    Have a great day.
    Colleen Rosson
    Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce
    208-784-0821

    1. Hi Colleen – Thanks for reading my article. I would love to come see you in the Panhandle. I visited Coeur d’Alene once as a kid. I remember it being beautiful, and I would be thrilled at the opportunity to come back! I will contact you directly via email. Thanks again! -Kristen

  2. Yep idaho/boise is the best! I rode when there on a work trip the foothills you show! Keep up the site. Looks awesome.

  3. Having thousands of river miles under my Teva’s I’m making a case for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River being one of the top five river trips, anywhere. The whitewater is challenging, but not (except in high runoff flows) heart stopping (though the scenery often is 😉 ) You might think of making a dedicated trip to the Sun Valley area. There is no Off-Season there 🙂

    1. Scott – I actually grew up in Boise and visited Sun Valley often as a kid. I’ve also done the Middle Fork twice as well as the Main twice, and you are right! The river running is absolutely unparalleled, along with the beach camping on those trips. I’m definitely headed home for a bit this summer and am working on some concrete plans for my trip. Stay tuned!

  4. Love your site and your style. Big cheers for your new custom Sprinter. I am just putting paces on my 2016 4WD Sprinter XL (just about 24′) with plenty of room for my better half and 2 dogs. Good luck and happy trekking in these amazing machines!
    We are headed Saturday from Bend OR via 26 and 30 (I think) to Stanley and a week on the MF of the Salmon. We have three nights for boondocking (off grid) or for the right campground this Saturday-Monday nights, a busy weekend for sure.
    Any chance you could recommend a memorable place or two, hopefully with brook, stream, river, pond or lake nearby, where we can find some solitude and wildness? Thanks very much for any suggestions.

  5. I went to research Skinnydipper hot springs and found out it will be closed for 5 years since June 2016. I also saw BLM records of trash throughout the site and it made me so sad to see a few extreme cases. I understand and support the closure so that the land can be healthy again.
    I’m driving through Idaho next week and have been surfing your site for amazing outdoor places to see. I need to go to at least one hot spring!