Hiking in Idaho is so vast.

You could virtually hike a different trail every day throughout the state and possibly not cover them all in your lifetime. So, we’ll start a little closer to home

If you weren’t a hiker before you moved to Boise, the picturesque backdrop of the Boise Foothills and 190 miles of interconnecting trails known as Ridge to Rivers might convince you. With so many family-friendly hikes that are easily accessible from anywhere in the valley, introducing your family to hiking is fun and easy to do. 

Table Rock, located right outside downtown Boise, is the most popular trail. This location makes it quick and easy to reach the trailhead. The trail is short—about a mile and a half up—but steep, making for a good workout. Upon reaching the top, the view overlooking downtown and the valley is remarkable.

The 21-mile drive up to Bogus Basin offers numerous trailhead opportunities for a splendid hike in the foothills. Once at the top of Bogus Basin, hikers can explore the many trails in the shade of the pine trees overlooking the vast valley below.

From short, flat trails to rigorous climbs, hiking in Idaho will make an adventurous day outdoors.

Hiking in Idaho can be a wonderful experience, as the state offers a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, forests, canyons, and lakes. Here are a few popular hiking destinations in Idaho:

Sawtooth Mountains:

The Sawtooth Mountains are located in central Idaho and offer breathtaking alpine scenery. There are numerous trails in the Sawtooth Wilderness, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. The Alice-Toxaway Loop, Sawtooth Lake, and Hell Roaring Lake are some of the popular hikes in this area.

Shoshone Falls:

Known as the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is located near Twin Falls, Idaho. It is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States. There are hiking trails in the area that provide stunning views of the falls and the Snake River Canyon.

Craters of the Moon National Monument:

Located in south-central Idaho, Craters of the Moon is a unique and otherworldly landscape formed by ancient volcanic activity. The park offers several hiking trails, including the North Crater Flow Trail and the Tree Molds Trail, which allow visitors to explore lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes.

Hells Canyon:

Situated along the Idaho-Oregon border, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. It offers rugged terrain and stunning vistas. Hiking trails in this area, such as the Seven Devils Loop, provide opportunities to explore the canyon, see wildlife, and enjoy the Snake River.

City of Rocks National Reserve:

Located in southern Idaho, the City of Rocks is a unique granite rock formation that attracts rock climbers and hikers. The reserve offers a variety of trails that wind through the towering rock formations and provide panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Payette National Forest:

Covering a large portion of west-central Idaho, Payette National Forest offers numerous hiking trails through dense forests, alpine meadows, and along picturesque rivers and lakes. The popular hikes include the Blue Lake Trail, Boulder Lake Trail, and the Burgdorf Hot Springs Trail.

Remember to check the weather conditions, pack appropriate gear, carry plenty of water, and let someone know about your hiking plans before embarking on any hiking trip. Additionally, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with any regulations or permits required for hiking in specific areas.