7-Day Idaho Travel Itinerary: National Parks, Hot Springs & Scenic Drives
The Ultimate Idaho Family Vacation: Mountains, Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Outdoor Fun
Idaho is the perfect destination for a family-friendly adventure, offering scenic landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and unique natural wonders that will keep kids and parents engaged throughout the trip. This 7-day road trip itinerary is designed to include kid-friendly hikes, interactive wildlife experiences, and relaxing hot springs, making it a well-balanced vacation for families of all ages.
Start in Boise, where families can explore parks, bike trails, and cultural landmarks before heading to Craters of the Moon, a volcanic playground where kids can venture through lava tubes and climb volcanic cones. Next, head to Twin Falls, home to Shoshone Falls and Snake River kayaking, where families can enjoy waterfall hikes and stunning canyon views.
In the Sawtooth Mountains, families can paddle on Redfish Lake, spot wildlife on scenic trails, and unwind in natural hot springs before exploring Sun Valley and the charming town of Ketchum. The excitement continues with whitewater rafting on the Salmon River before ending in McCall, where kids can play at Payette Lake, explore Ponderosa State Park, and soak in relaxing hot springs.
With a blend of outdoor adventure, easy scenic drives, and family-friendly destinations, this Idaho road trip is the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation for families looking to create lifelong memories. Pack up the car, bring your sense of adventure, and experience the best of Idaho together! 🚗🏞️🌲
🏔️ 7-Day Idaho Travel Itinerary – National Parks, Hot Springs & Scenic Drives
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 cafés.
🏨 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.