No matter the time of year, Idaho is home to exquisite beauty. One of the best ways to see some of the stunning landscapes around the Gem State is on a hike. However, strapping on a pair of hiking boots and heading into the mountains isn’t just for the summer months. There are scenic trails in Idaho that are waiting to be explored all year long. We’ve compiled this list of some of the best hikes in Idaho, one for each month of the year. So, you better keep your hiking boots ready!
January: Blue Creek Trail, Coeur d’Alene
Janine Harvey/AllTrails The Blue Creek Trail in Coeur d’Alene is the perfect trail during the winter months. It is an easy trail through the Wallace Forest Conservation Area. It is also quite flat and at only 2.6 miles, it is perfect for the entire family or an easy afternoon in the fresh air. Plus, after a large snowfall, you’ll feel like you are walking through a winter wonderland. Coeur d’Alene, ID, USA
February: Fourth of July Summit Loop, Cataldo
Corina Hakkarainen/AllTrails Despite the name, the Fourth of July Summit Loop is ideal during the winter months. This trail is part of Fourth of July Park, which is well-known for its groomed snowshoe and cross-country trails in the Gem State. Make sure you prepare for this adventure as the Fourth of July Summit Loop is a 6.4-mile loop. For more information on this Idaho trail, you can visit the National Park Service website. Fourth of July Summit, Idaho 83814, USA
March: Goldbug Hot Springs, Salmon
Kyle Daniels/AllTrails There’s no questioning why Goldbug Hot Springs is a favorite hiking trail for Idahoans. This gorgeous out-and-back trail features some of the most stunning scenery and then you can soak in the popular Goldbug Hot Springs at the end. This trail is 3.5 miles and there are some steep areas, so make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear on this climb. Goldbug Hot Springs, Salmon, ID 83467, USA
April: Mores Mountain Loop, Boise
Ron Nelson/AllTrails Mores Mountain Loop is a 2.1-mile loop trail that is north of Boise. Give yourself some time to climb this trail. The hike may be short, but you’ll want plenty of time to look around and admire the incredible views. If you are new to this trail near Boise, it is recommended to bring a map as there are a handful of smaller trails around and it is easy to become a little lost. Pico de Morés, Idaho 83716, USA
May: West Highland Valley Trail, Boise
Chani Sepulveda/AllTrails The West Highland Valley Trail is a 3.4-mile, out-and-back trail that takes you through the foothills of Boise. This trail is a bit difficult as you do have several inclines to climb but the wildflowers and the views make each step worth it. Make sure you avoid hiking this trail too early in the spring as this trail can become quite muddy and in the middle of the summer, there is little shade. Boise, ID, USA
June: Crooked River Trail, Idaho City
Danielle Scott/AllTrails Crooked River Trail near Idaho City is a popular and well-known hiking trail in Idaho. This is a 7.5-mile, out-and-back trail and there are some parts of the trail that are a bit challenging. However, you will follow along a river and see some gorgeous scenery as you explore. Make sure to stop and admire the beauty as you walk along this scenic trail in Idaho. To learn more about one of the best hiking trails in Idaho, visit the Boise National Forest website. Lower Crooked River Trailhead, NF-327, Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
July: Blue Lake Trail, Cascade
Tamera Rotarius/AllTrails The Blue Lake Trail is a 1.6-mile, out-and-back trail that will take you to some of the bluest water in the Gem State. While it is short, be prepared for a bit of a challenge as the first part of the hike is steep but the blue water at the end of the journey is incredible. There’s no doubt that the Blue Lake Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in Idaho. Blue Lake Trail, Idaho 83611, USA
August: Box Canyon Springs Trail, Wendell
Cole Allen/AllTrails The Box Canyon Springs Trail is a 4.3-mile loop trail that will take you to some of the most remarkable areas in the Gem State. This trail is located in Box Canyon, which is a unit of Thousand Springs State Park, and is considered one of the best hikes in Idaho. Because it is found within a state park, this means there is a small fee to access this scenic hiking trail in Idaho. Box Canyon State Park, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
September: Cress Creek Trail, Ririe
Micki Harper/AllTrails Cress Creek Trail is not only an easy and beginner-friendly hike in Idaho, but it offers some gorgeous views of the Snake River and the surrounding area. This is a 1.3-mile loop trail, and the first part of the trail is paved, making it even easier and more accessible for the entire family. This is not only one of our favorite hikes in the Gem State, but it is also one of the best hikes in Idaho. Cress Creek Nature Trail, 11760-11894 S Snake River Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
October: Pulaski Tunnel Trail, Wallace
Management/TripAdvisor The Pulaski Tunnel Trail near Wallace is one scenic hike in Idaho that must be on your bucket list. Not only will you see gorgeous views and bright fall foliage if you explore during the autumn months, but this trail has a fascinating history. It is a popular trail and is 4 miles, out-and-back. The Pulaski Tunnel Trail is certainly one of the best hikes in Idaho that you need to tackle this year. Pulaski Tunnel Trail, NF-456, Wallace, ID 83873, USA
November: Upper Falls Community Forest Trail, Post Falls
Jan Mounce/AllTrails The Upper Falls Community Forest Trail is an easy 3.3-mile, out-and-back trail in the heart of the Post Falls Community Forest. This trail has it all from wooded areas, a river, and even views of Post Falls and the surrounding area. If hiking early in November, you may still catch a glimpse of fall foliage but if you begin too late in the month, you may want to wear snow boots on your adventure. Post Falls Community Forest, Post Falls, ID 83854, USA
December: Snowshoe Hare Loop, Boise
Megan Nimer/AllTrails Snowshoe Hare Loop is a 2.7-mile loop in the Boise National Forest that is enchanting to explore on a pair of snowshoes. This trail is a combination of both uphill and downhill terrain and you’ll see some gorgeous views along the way. Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
What do you consider the best hikes in Idaho? We’d also love to hear about some of your favorite hiking trails or any that you plan to tackle this upcoming year. Share with us in the comments below!
Janine Harvey/AllTrails
The Blue Creek Trail in Coeur d’Alene is the perfect trail during the winter months. It is an easy trail through the Wallace Forest Conservation Area. It is also quite flat and at only 2.6 miles, it is perfect for the entire family or an easy afternoon in the fresh air. Plus, after a large snowfall, you’ll feel like you are walking through a winter wonderland.
Coeur d’Alene, ID, USA
Corina Hakkarainen/AllTrails
Despite the name, the Fourth of July Summit Loop is ideal during the winter months. This trail is part of Fourth of July Park, which is well-known for its groomed snowshoe and cross-country trails in the Gem State. Make sure you prepare for this adventure as the Fourth of July Summit Loop is a 6.4-mile loop. For more information on this Idaho trail, you can visit the National Park Service website.
Fourth of July Summit, Idaho 83814, USA
Kyle Daniels/AllTrails
There’s no questioning why Goldbug Hot Springs is a favorite hiking trail for Idahoans. This gorgeous out-and-back trail features some of the most stunning scenery and then you can soak in the popular Goldbug Hot Springs at the end. This trail is 3.5 miles and there are some steep areas, so make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear on this climb.
Goldbug Hot Springs, Salmon, ID 83467, USA
Ron Nelson/AllTrails
Mores Mountain Loop is a 2.1-mile loop trail that is north of Boise. Give yourself some time to climb this trail. The hike may be short, but you’ll want plenty of time to look around and admire the incredible views. If you are new to this trail near Boise, it is recommended to bring a map as there are a handful of smaller trails around and it is easy to become a little lost.
Pico de Morés, Idaho 83716, USA
Chani Sepulveda/AllTrails
The West Highland Valley Trail is a 3.4-mile, out-and-back trail that takes you through the foothills of Boise. This trail is a bit difficult as you do have several inclines to climb but the wildflowers and the views make each step worth it. Make sure you avoid hiking this trail too early in the spring as this trail can become quite muddy and in the middle of the summer, there is little shade.
Boise, ID, USA
Danielle Scott/AllTrails
Crooked River Trail near Idaho City is a popular and well-known hiking trail in Idaho. This is a 7.5-mile, out-and-back trail and there are some parts of the trail that are a bit challenging. However, you will follow along a river and see some gorgeous scenery as you explore. Make sure to stop and admire the beauty as you walk along this scenic trail in Idaho. To learn more about one of the best hiking trails in Idaho, visit the Boise National Forest website.
Lower Crooked River Trailhead, NF-327, Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Tamera Rotarius/AllTrails
The Blue Lake Trail is a 1.6-mile, out-and-back trail that will take you to some of the bluest water in the Gem State. While it is short, be prepared for a bit of a challenge as the first part of the hike is steep but the blue water at the end of the journey is incredible. There’s no doubt that the Blue Lake Trail is one of the most scenic hiking trails in Idaho.
Blue Lake Trail, Idaho 83611, USA
Cole Allen/AllTrails
The Box Canyon Springs Trail is a 4.3-mile loop trail that will take you to some of the most remarkable areas in the Gem State. This trail is located in Box Canyon, which is a unit of Thousand Springs State Park, and is considered one of the best hikes in Idaho. Because it is found within a state park, this means there is a small fee to access this scenic hiking trail in Idaho.
Box Canyon State Park, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
Micki Harper/AllTrails
Cress Creek Trail is not only an easy and beginner-friendly hike in Idaho, but it offers some gorgeous views of the Snake River and the surrounding area. This is a 1.3-mile loop trail, and the first part of the trail is paved, making it even easier and more accessible for the entire family. This is not only one of our favorite hikes in the Gem State, but it is also one of the best hikes in Idaho.
Cress Creek Nature Trail, 11760-11894 S Snake River Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
The Pulaski Tunnel Trail near Wallace is one scenic hike in Idaho that must be on your bucket list. Not only will you see gorgeous views and bright fall foliage if you explore during the autumn months, but this trail has a fascinating history. It is a popular trail and is 4 miles, out-and-back. The Pulaski Tunnel Trail is certainly one of the best hikes in Idaho that you need to tackle this year.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail, NF-456, Wallace, ID 83873, USA
Jan Mounce/AllTrails
The Upper Falls Community Forest Trail is an easy 3.3-mile, out-and-back trail in the heart of the Post Falls Community Forest. This trail has it all from wooded areas, a river, and even views of Post Falls and the surrounding area. If hiking early in November, you may still catch a glimpse of fall foliage but if you begin too late in the month, you may want to wear snow boots on your adventure.
Post Falls Community Forest, Post Falls, ID 83854, USA
Megan Nimer/AllTrails
Snowshoe Hare Loop is a 2.7-mile loop in the Boise National Forest that is enchanting to explore on a pair of snowshoes. This trail is a combination of both uphill and downhill terrain and you’ll see some gorgeous views along the way.
Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
If you are searching for even more hiking trails in Idaho, check out these eight trails that each offer incredible payoffs. Let us know which ones you try!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in idaho December 22, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best hikes in Idaho? Choosing the best hike in Idaho is almost impossible. With hundreds of hiking trails all over the state, there is truly something for everyone. In fact, it doesn’t matter the distance or skill level you are searching for, you can easily find a trail to match your desired specifications in the Gem State. Some scenic hikes in Idaho you may want to consider include:
Bloomington Lake Trail Bruneau Dunes Loop Mesa Falls Nature Trail Baker Lake Trail Marsh Creek Trail Silver Creek Preserve Table Rock Four of July Lake
What are some of the best winter hiking trails in Idaho? Just because winter arrives, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outdoors. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy the chilly months of the year is to tackle a scenic winter hike. Some of the best winter hikes in Idaho include:
Blue Creek Trail Fourth of July Summit Loop Payette Lake Peninsula Trail Crooked River Trail Snowshoe Hare Loop
In addition to the best hiking trails in Idaho, what are some other bucket-list-worthy destinations that are outdoors in the Gem State? Yes, Idaho has fabulous hiking trails but that is not all. There are some incredible outdoor attractions all around the state that also deserve your time and attention. Some of our favorites that we believe deserves a spot on every bucket list include:
Lava Hot Springs Resort Shoshone Falls Thousand Springs State Park Lake Pend Oreille Ponderosa State Park University of Idaho Arboretum in Moscow
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in idaho
December 22, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best hikes in Idaho? Choosing the best hike in Idaho is almost impossible. With hundreds of hiking trails all over the state, there is truly something for everyone. In fact, it doesn’t matter the distance or skill level you are searching for, you can easily find a trail to match your desired specifications in the Gem State. Some scenic hikes in Idaho you may want to consider include:
Bloomington Lake Trail Bruneau Dunes Loop Mesa Falls Nature Trail Baker Lake Trail Marsh Creek Trail Silver Creek Preserve Table Rock Four of July Lake
What are some of the best winter hiking trails in Idaho? Just because winter arrives, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outdoors. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy the chilly months of the year is to tackle a scenic winter hike. Some of the best winter hikes in Idaho include:
Blue Creek Trail Fourth of July Summit Loop Payette Lake Peninsula Trail Crooked River Trail Snowshoe Hare Loop
In addition to the best hiking trails in Idaho, what are some other bucket-list-worthy destinations that are outdoors in the Gem State? Yes, Idaho has fabulous hiking trails but that is not all. There are some incredible outdoor attractions all around the state that also deserve your time and attention. Some of our favorites that we believe deserves a spot on every bucket list include:
Lava Hot Springs Resort Shoshone Falls Thousand Springs State Park Lake Pend Oreille Ponderosa State Park University of Idaho Arboretum in Moscow
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Choosing the best hike in Idaho is almost impossible. With hundreds of hiking trails all over the state, there is truly something for everyone. In fact, it doesn’t matter the distance or skill level you are searching for, you can easily find a trail to match your desired specifications in the Gem State. Some scenic hikes in Idaho you may want to consider include:
- Bloomington Lake Trail
- Bruneau Dunes Loop
- Mesa Falls Nature Trail
- Baker Lake Trail
- Marsh Creek Trail
- Silver Creek Preserve
- Table Rock
- Four of July Lake
What are some of the best winter hiking trails in Idaho?
Just because winter arrives, it doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outdoors. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy the chilly months of the year is to tackle a scenic winter hike. Some of the best winter hikes in Idaho include:
- Blue Creek Trail
- Fourth of July Summit Loop
- Payette Lake Peninsula Trail
- Crooked River Trail
- Snowshoe Hare Loop
In addition to the best hiking trails in Idaho, what are some other bucket-list-worthy destinations that are outdoors in the Gem State?
Yes, Idaho has fabulous hiking trails but that is not all. There are some incredible outdoor attractions all around the state that also deserve your time and attention. Some of our favorites that we believe deserves a spot on every bucket list include:
- Lava Hot Springs Resort
- Shoshone Falls
- Thousand Springs State Park
- Lake Pend Oreille
- Ponderosa State Park
- University of Idaho Arboretum in Moscow
