When I first told people I was going to Idaho, they looked at me like I was crazy. Honestly, I too wondered, if other than potatoes I’d find anything else in Idaho. To my greatest surprise, I not only fell in love with Boise, I’m actually heading back to Idaho once again in a few months! If you’re looking for gorgeous mountain views, endless hiking trails, and quaint towns, then Idaho is the place for you. First-hand experience assures that Idaho should be at the top of everyone’s destination list.

When exploring a new frontier, narrowing down where to go and what to do can be challenging. Keep reading to get an Idaho destination guide with a week-long itinerary for your next adventure. This guide will cover Stanley, Ketchum, Sun Valley and Boise.

Getting to Idaho

The first thing you’ll need to do is fly into the capital city of Boise, Idaho. If you’re flying in, you’ll likely need to rent a car. A standard rental is suitable for the summer activities in this week-long itinerary. If you go to Idaho in the winter, you may need an SUV or a vehicle with 4WD.

Once you have your car, make a beeline for Stanley, Idaho. The city is about a three-hour drive from Boise, so be prepared with a full tank of gas and some snacks.

Itinerary for One Week in Idaho

Day 1: Craters of the Moon National Monument

On the way to Stanley, take a detour and stop at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. This monument covers over 1,100 square miles (roughly the size of Rhode Island) and was created by lava flows. The entire area looks otherworldly and is super fun to explore.

I highly recommend the Inferno Cone hike, Spatter Cones hike, and the Lava Tubes/Caves hike. Be sure to obtain a free permit at the visitors center and decontaminate any clothing before you enter any cave at Craters of the Moon.

• Inferno Cone hike: This is a short but steep path up the cinder cone at the center of the scenic Loop Drive. It’s a 6,181-foot summit that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding volcanic landscape. It’s just half a mile round trip with 160 feet of elevation gain and the views from the top are stunning and otherworldly.
• Spatter Cones hike: The spatter cones trail is just down the road from the Inferno Cone trail. It’s a quick and easy stroll to view the mini volcanoes.
• Lava Caves: I loved doing this one! The lava tubes are easily accessed from the Caves Trail. Hike on top of a lava field to reach the largest cave in the park, where you descend into the darkness and scramble your way through Indian Cave, measuring 30 feet tall and 800 feet long, with several massive skylights. Definitely take a headlamp if you’re going to the end of the cave. To get down, you’ll first climb down some steps before making your way across the boulders further into the cave. There is a rough path but I’d still recommend sturdy hiking shoes here.

Triangle C Cabins

When you finish exploring in Craters of the Moon, head to Stanley and stay at the Triangle C Cabins. These cute individual cabins have a communal fire pit outside for roasting s’mores. This area is part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve and one of the last large areas of nighttime darkness left in the United States. You’ll see thousands of brilliant stars lighting up the night sky, so don’t forget to look up.

Day 2: Hiking in Stanley – Fishhook Creek Trail, and Bench 

Lakes

Start your hike at Redfish Lake Lodge on the Fishhook Creek Trail. This trail is 4.5 miles out and back and suitable for most skill levels. It offers stunning mountain views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range at the end, a big draw for most hikers. Be sure to spend some time amongst wildflowers in the meadows.

After eating some delicious fish tacos at Redfish Lake Lodge, purchase a ticket for the Redfish boat shuttle and head across the lake to the trailhead for Bench Lakes. Remember to ask about shuttle return times when you get off the boat so you can time your hike accordingly.

The Bench Lakes hike consists of four lakes, The hike up to the second lake is a steady 3-mile incline from the trailhead. Be sure to register your name and which trail you’re going to at the kiosk at the beginning of the trail since you’re entering the Sawtooth Wilderness. Spend some time on the shores of the lake before hiking back. Take a dip at Redfish Lake or indulge in some stand-up paddleboarding.

Day 3: Stanley Lake, Fly Fishing

Head to Stanley Lake for the sunrise, and you’ll see gorgeous reflections of McGown Peak appearing on fire as the sun rises. Enjoy breakfast at Stanley Baking Co. and Cafe. The Migas and other baked goods are highly recommended.

Fly Fishing in Sun Valley

After Checking into a room at Hotel Ketchum, with breathtaking mountain views, drive south from Stanley toward the neighboring cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum. Ketchum is a historic mining town, while Sun Valley is known as one of the original U.S. resort towns with its rich history associated with the Sun Valley Lodge.

Get your fishing license in hand, put on your gear, and drive about an hour outside of town to a local fishing spot. If you haven’t done fly fishing before, be sure to go with a guide who can explain the uses of all the gear and teach you how to watch the river to find the fish.

Silver Creek Outfitters

Silver Creek Outfitters offers guided trips ranging from $375 to $575 per group of two, depending on the length of the experience. Spring Creek Outfitters uses the catch-and-release method, so catch some beautiful trout, say hello, and return the fish to the river.

Day 4: Explore Ketchum: Pioneer Saloon

Ketchum was once just a modest mining and ranching town, but it’s now a bustling mountain town with lots to explore. Have dinner at the iconic Pioneer Saloon, which is renowned for its perfectly aged, tender, and flavorful beef. Both the interior and exterior are intended to give it an authentic saloon atmosphere with natural woods, mounted game, and period firearms. Eat here when you’re in the mood for some hearty steaks, prime ribs, fresh seafood, and meaty ribs.

Day 5: Sun Valley Hiking: Pioneer Cabin Trail

Sun Valley has numerous hiking trails, including the historic Pioneer Cabin. The trailhead is only a 10-minute drive outside of town before you’re in the mountains. This out-and-back trail is 8 miles total, so start early to beat the heat, especially if you’re going in the summer. Before you start, make sure you register at the kiosk as you’re entering the Sawtooth Wilderness.

This hike has a steady incline with a 2,500-foot elevation gain. The trailhead begins at about 6,950 feet and ends at 9,500 feet. You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you see gorgeous views of the mountain ranges, summer wildflowers, and a 1930s cabin. Make sure you bring snacks and water to refuel and a wind-resistant layer, as it gets quite windy at the top.

Day 6: Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife

 Management

After checking out of the Hotel Ketchum, drive 1.5 hours to the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area to see the stunning camas lily bloom at sunrise. The camas lilies only bloom at the end of May and early June, so if you want to see these beauties, you need to plan your visit accordingly. After enjoying the flowers, drive two hours to Boise for the remainder of your trip.

Day 7: Boise, Idaho

Spend a few days in Boise to get a feel for this delightful city. Spend the weekend cycling the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved pathway that runs through Boise along the banks of the Boise River with access to local parks. Local parks like Esther Simplot and Ann Morrison were favorites from the trip, and a beautiful sunset hike to Table Rock. If you love the idea of exploring the city on bikes, stay at The Grove Hotel, where guests can rent cruiser bikes for free.

While in Boise, add a wine tasting (or two) to your itinerary. A favorite spot is the tasting room at Telaya Wine in Garden City, located right next to the Greenbelt, so you can bike to a wine tasting overlooking the river.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re taking a quick trip to Boise or seeking Idaho’s wilder side, there is so much to explore in this beautiful state. Follow this itinerary and make a few unexpected stops of your own.