Idaho winters can be brutal. The frigid temperatures, heavy snow, ice, slush — it can sometimes be too much. However, if you stay indoors all winter, you are missing one of the best times to explore and enjoy the Gem State. There are incredible day trips all around Idaho that will make you fall in love with this chilly time of year. From state parks to hot springs to scenic drives, take a look at these seven Idaho day trips that are even cooler during the winter months… just come prepared with your winter hiking essentials!
- Harriman State Park, Island Park
Harriman State Park of Idaho/Facebook Harriman State Park is a paradise during the colder months of the year. This state park offers more than 25 miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. This is also a popular place to ride a fat bike in Idaho as well. And, if you want to turn your day trip into a weekend adventure, stay in one of the tucked-away yurts located in the park. Harriman State Park, 3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, USA
- McCall
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus There is nothing like a winter day spent in McCall. This is one of the snowiest towns in Idaho, averaging more than 130 inches of snow each year. In this small town, you can do it all from snowshoeing and snowmobiling to skiing. You can even spend some time in Ponderosa State Park and Brundage Mountain. McCall, ID 83638, USA
- Redfish Lake
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus Redfish Lake is an extremely popular destination in the summer but in the winter months, it is where you can find quiet and solitude. During the winter, the road from the highway to the lake is not plowed and is closed to vehicles, making it perfect for snowmobilers, Nordic skiers, and even hikers. Plus, the winter views of this lake just can’t be beat. Redfish Lake, Idaho 83637, USA
- Teton Scenic Byway
Tomas Leon/Google The Teton Valley is stunning during the winter, particularly after a fresh snowfall. And, when you spend a day on the Teton Scenic Byway, you can view this winter wonderland to its fullest. You’ll drive through quaint small towns like Driggs and Victor and fields of snow. You’ll also capture beautiful views of the snow-covered Teton Mountains.
- Kirkham Hot Springs, near Lowman
j.a.woodhouse/ jesswoodhouse.com/Flickr Winter is a wonderful time to get outdoors and visit a hot spring and one of our favorites is Kirkham Hot Springs. Located just a short drive from Lowman, these hot springs are absolutely beautiful. There are multiple pools to soak in and a waterfall adds to the beauty of the area. There is a short and easy hike to the hot springs, but we recommend wearing traction cleats as the trail can become quite icy. Kirkham Hot Springs, 7658 ID-21, Lowman, ID 83637, USA
- City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo
City Of Rocks National Reserve/Facebook City of Rocks National Reserve comes alive during the warmer months of the year as rock climbers, hikers, and campers all want to spend time in this unique and otherworldly area. However, in the winter, this area deserves just as much attention. During this time, you can spend the day on snowshoes, cross-country skis, and even sleds. It’s the ultimate winter destination! City of Rocks, Idaho, USA
- Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
Jennette A/TripAdvisor Shoshone Falls is one of the most well-known and beautiful waterfalls in Idaho. While they become quite popular during the warmer months of the year, they deserve your attention in the winter. When you visit, the falls may be just a trickle or the water may be frozen, creating a gorgeous icy view that is mesmerizing. Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
What are some of your favorite winter day trips in Idaho? Share them with us and your fellow travelers in the comments.
Harriman State Park of Idaho/Facebook
Harriman State Park is a paradise during the colder months of the year. This state park offers more than 25 miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. This is also a popular place to ride a fat bike in Idaho as well. And, if you want to turn your day trip into a weekend adventure, stay in one of the tucked-away yurts located in the park.
Harriman State Park, 3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, USA
knowlesgallery/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
There is nothing like a winter day spent in McCall. This is one of the snowiest towns in Idaho, averaging more than 130 inches of snow each year. In this small town, you can do it all from snowshoeing and snowmobiling to skiing. You can even spend some time in Ponderosa State Park and Brundage Mountain.
McCall, ID 83638, USA
Redfish Lake is an extremely popular destination in the summer but in the winter months, it is where you can find quiet and solitude. During the winter, the road from the highway to the lake is not plowed and is closed to vehicles, making it perfect for snowmobilers, Nordic skiers, and even hikers. Plus, the winter views of this lake just can’t be beat.
Redfish Lake, Idaho 83637, USA
Tomas Leon/Google
The Teton Valley is stunning during the winter, particularly after a fresh snowfall. And, when you spend a day on the Teton Scenic Byway, you can view this winter wonderland to its fullest. You’ll drive through quaint small towns like Driggs and Victor and fields of snow. You’ll also capture beautiful views of the snow-covered Teton Mountains.
j.a.woodhouse/ jesswoodhouse.com/Flickr
Winter is a wonderful time to get outdoors and visit a hot spring and one of our favorites is Kirkham Hot Springs. Located just a short drive from Lowman, these hot springs are absolutely beautiful. There are multiple pools to soak in and a waterfall adds to the beauty of the area. There is a short and easy hike to the hot springs, but we recommend wearing traction cleats as the trail can become quite icy.
Kirkham Hot Springs, 7658 ID-21, Lowman, ID 83637, USA
City Of Rocks National Reserve/Facebook
City of Rocks National Reserve comes alive during the warmer months of the year as rock climbers, hikers, and campers all want to spend time in this unique and otherworldly area. However, in the winter, this area deserves just as much attention. During this time, you can spend the day on snowshoes, cross-country skis, and even sleds. It’s the ultimate winter destination!
City of Rocks, Idaho, USA
Jennette A/TripAdvisor
Shoshone Falls is one of the most well-known and beautiful waterfalls in Idaho. While they become quite popular during the warmer months of the year, they deserve your attention in the winter. When you visit, the falls may be just a trickle or the water may be frozen, creating a gorgeous icy view that is mesmerizing.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
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