The 15 Best Idaho Hiking Trails
Idaho has a stunning bounty of hiking trails, from dusty paths through sage and juniper to switchbacking routes that lead to alpine lakes and towering peaks. From easy hikes to backcountry adventures, these are Idaho’s top trails.
Lakes, Rivers, and Creeks
1. Hull’s Gulch Interpretive Trail
6.7 miles (10.8 km); moderate
On the fringes of downtown Boise, this route traverses Hull’s Gulch, a creek-cooled canyon speckled with colorful wildflowers in spring. Here, you’re far enough from the city to feel like you’re in the wilderness. The views on the way back stretch all the way to the Owyhee Mountains.
2. Crooked River Trail
7.5 miles (12 km); easy-moderate
Take the path along the Crooked River, enjoying the gurgling of the water as you hike. This area burned in a wildfire in 2016; while the trees are a bit blackened, the wildflowers are a kaleidoscope of color. Hike to a high saddle with wide-reaching views down into the canyon you were just in.
3. Blue Lake Trail
2.6-5.6 miles (4.2-9 km) round-trip; moderate
This moderate hike is an excellent option if you’re out with kids or a dog. The trail is relatively short and ends at the brilliantly colored Blue Lake, which is surrounded by fir and pine trees. Make it a longer trek by hiking all the way around the lake. Note that the hike in is downhill; be prepared to go up on the walk back out.
4. Duck Lake Trail
2.8 miles (4.5 km); easy
Little elevation change makes this trail a pleasant high-altitude hike. Starting at 6,600 feet (2,010 m), you’ll amble along a well-maintained trail through wildflowers to Duck Lake, a lovely spot for a picnic.
5. Palisades Creek Trail
7.8 miles (12.6 km); moderate
The willows and brush close in a bit on this well-traveled, undulating trail. A good choice for hikers with dogs, the trail follows the rushing Palisades Creek all the way up a canyon to the bright blue Lower Palisades Lake. Creekside beaches offer stopping points for a shorter hike.
Picturesque Photo Ops
6. City of Rocks Loop
6.8 miles (10.9 km); moderate
See the best of the City of Rocks National Reserve on this loop. Get close enough to touch the beautiful rough granite. High points along the way also provide sweeping views across this otherworldly landscape. Hike at sunrise or sunset to capture magical light on the stone formations.
7. Bloomington Lake Trail
8.4 miles (13.5 km); strenuous
Alpine scenery, wildflowers, a thigh-burning climb—this trail has everything a hardcore and photo-happy hiker could ask for. The crystal-clear Bloomington Lake is worth the trek, surrounded by sheer cliffs dotted with snow and high green meadows.
8. Washington Lake Trail
5-6.5 miles (8-10.5 km); easy-moderate
Capture the majesty of the White Cloud Mountains through your camera’s viewfinder on this popular route. Alpine lakes, views of the peaks, wildflower-filled meadows, and a moderate grade make this a fun hike for trailblazers of all ages. Stop at Fourth of July Lake, or go farther to picturesque Washington Lake, which is surrounded by a jagged ridgeline and a few idyllic campsites.
9. Sawtooth Lake
10 miles (16 km); moderate-strenuous
This hike is a photographer’s dream, with granite cliffs that rise precipitously above a wide canyon, a waterfall, and Alpine Lake, a peaceful blue gem. Not to be outdone, Sawtooth Lake, with Mount Regan presiding gloriously above it, is majestic. Catch it on a calm day for a spectacular reflection.
Backcountry Adventures
10. Summit Creek Trail
6.4 miles (10.3 km); moderate
Hike along a spongy, needle-covered pathway up to a wide meadow bisected by Summit Creek, dotted with stubby pines and flanked by high pink and tan ridges. Look for beaver activity along the creek. Savor the peaceful wildflower-filled wilderness and views that stretch to Devils Bedstead. Only 11 miles (18 km) from Sun Valley, this trail feels far removed from the bustle of the resort area .
11. Seven Devils Loop Trail
27 miles (43 km); moderate-strenuous
In the high country above Hells Canyon, the alpine lakes, sharp ridgelines, and wildflower-filled meadows of the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area are worth the long trek. This is a bucket-list backpacking loop that links picture-perfect lakes and awe-inspiring views of the lofty Seven Devils.
12. Selway River Trail
8-26 miles (12.8-42 km); moderate
In the remote Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, hike this undulating waterside trail through the narrow Selway River Canyon. Lush cedar and ponderosa forest, fern grottos, and fragrant syringa flowers color the landscape here. Pick a sandy beach to stop and soak in the solitude. There are many great camping spots along the trail should you want to make this into a backpacking trip.
Peak-Baggers
13. Independence Lakes
6 miles (10 km); moderate
Near the City of Rocks, find a less-traveled slice of solitude in the Cache Peaks area. Wend through mostly open and rocky terrain to a saddle between the soaring Mount Independence and Cache Peak. The lakes are down below in a high cirque. It’s a good spot to fish. Peak-baggers can continue to either of the summits from the lakes.
14. Gibson Mountain Trail
8.8 miles (14.2 km); moderate-strenuous
Easily accessible from Pocatello, this loop hike climbs through sageland that explodes with colorful wildflowers in spring. High on grassy slopes, you’ll take in sweeping valley views. Gibson Peak can be summited from a spur trail on the route. The small, babbling creek near the trailhead offers a spot to cool sore feet afterward.
15. Inferno Cone Trail
0.8 mile (1.3 km); strenuous
It’s a short but heart-pounding exposed climb to the top of Inferno Cone, elevation 6,181 feet (1,885 m). The views that sweep across Craters of the Moon National Monument are out of this world. Take the challenge and earn an eagle-eye panorama of the volcanic landscape. Don’t forget water and sunscreen.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our list of the top 9 things to do in Idaho!
Pin it for Later
