Central Idaho Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to try, food to taste, and everything in between in Central Idaho with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Central Idaho

Central Idaho occupies a vast area in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the most underrated destinations in the USA. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures, Central Idaho offers an off-the-beaten-path experience to travelers who seek a break from the usual tourist crowds.

List of Places to Visit in Central Idaho

Here are the top places to visit in Central Idaho:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Natural Attractions of Central Idaho: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sawtooth National Recreation Area: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, this area offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument: A unique landscape that mimics the Moon’s surface, Craters of the Moon is perfect for hiking, caving, and stargazing.
  • Shoshone Falls: Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is a stunning waterfall that offers scenic views and recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Idaho

Central Idaho is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in the USA.

  • Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area: Offering more than 50 miles of trails, Bogus Basin is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
  • Galena Lodge Trail System: A series of interconnected trails near Sun Valley, Galena Lodge offers a range of difficulty levels for all hiking and biking enthusiasts.
  • Salmon River Scenic Byway: This scenic byway is perfect for road cycling and offers stunning views of the Salmon River and the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Central Idaho: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other things to do and experience in Central Idaho.

  • Take a scenic flight over the Sawtooth Mountains
  • Enjoy a hot spring soak at Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs
  • Go whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Salmon River
  • Learn how to fly-fish on the Big Wood River
  • Explore the ghost town of Bayhorse

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Idaho

Here’s what a week-long itinerary for Central Idaho might look like:

Day 1: Arrive in Boise, the capital of Idaho. Spend the day exploring the city’s museums and galleries.

Day 2-3: Drive to Ketchum and spend two days exploring Sun Valley’s ski museum, hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains, and soaking in hot springs.

Day 4-5: Drive to Stanley and spend two days exploring the surrounding area. Go rafting on the Salmon River, visit Redfish Lake, and take a scenic flight over the Sawtooth Mountains.

Day 6-7: Return to Boise and spend the final days of the trip exploring the city’s food and drink scene and shopping for souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Central Idaho

Central Idaho isn’t just known for its natural beauty; it also has an emerging food and drink scene that’s worth exploring.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Huckleberry ice cream
  • Finger steaks (deep-fried strips of beef)
  • Trout from the Sawtooth Valley

Local Beverages

  • Local craft beer from Sockeye Brewery and Payette Brewing Company
  • Wine from the Snake River Valley

Where to Stay in Central Idaho: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Idaho offers a range of accommodation options for travelers.

  • Rustic lodges in Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains
  • Luxury hotels and resorts in Sun Valley
  • Budget-friendly motels and hostels in Boise

What to Buy in Central Idaho: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Huckleberry jam
  • Handcrafted pottery from Stanley
  • Local artwork
  • Outdoor gear from local outfitters

Local Culture and Customs of Central Idaho

Central Idaho is known for its laid-back lifestyle and Western hospitality. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors to the area are encouraged to embrace the area’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.

Best Time to Visit Central Idaho

The best time to visit Central Idaho is between June and September, when the weather is warmest and many of the outdoor activities are available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Idaho

Do:

  • Respect the local wildlife and natural environment
  • Embrace the outdoor lifestyle
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Overlook the smaller towns in favor of the bigger cities
  • Engage in activities that harm the natural environment
  • Disrespect the locals and their way of life

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Idaho

Central Idaho is a safe area overall, but visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling to a new place. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.

Health in Central Idaho

Medical facilities in Central Idaho are limited, so travelers should bring any necessary medications with them and take the necessary precautions to avoid illnesses like tick-borne diseases.

Getting to Central Idaho: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Central Idaho

  • Boise Airport
  • Friedman Memorial Airport (Hailey/Sun Valley)

Bus Stations Near Central Idaho

  • Boise Greyhound Station

Other Options

Many visitors to Central Idaho choose to drive, as this allows for more freedom and flexibility when exploring the area.

How to Get Around in Central Idaho

While driving is the most common way to get around Central Idaho, there are other options available, including:

  • Bike rentals
  • Bus tours
  • Private tours

Where to Go Next from Central Idaho: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Grand Teton National Park
  • Glacier National Park

Conclusion

Central Idaho is a hidden gem in the USA’s Rocky Mountains and offers an off-the-beaten-path experience to travelers who seek natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From hiking and biking to hot springs and local cuisine, Central Idaho has something for every type of traveler.



    Custer Ghost Town
    Stanley