To put it simply, Idaho is a hiker’s paradise. With hundreds and hundreds of hiking trails across various landscapes, there is always somewhere new to be explored. Whether you’re a beginner or expert hiker, the adventures in Idaho are endless. There’s no possible way of ranking the absolute best hiking trails in Idaho…but this list is a pretty good place to start. These hikes are a good reminder of just how lucky we are to live in such a grand and awe-inspiring state! The five hikes listed here will without question give you an experience of a lifetime. Check it out.
- Idaho Centennial Trail
BLMIdaho/Flickr The Idaho Centennial Trail isn’t just one of the most epic hikes in Idaho: it’s one of the most strenuous trails in the entire country. This hike stretches for 1,000 miles. It begins right at the Idaho-Nevada border and takes you all the way north to Canada. You can tackle it all at once for one of the most intense hikes of your life. Supposedly only 17 hikers have completed the entire trail in its history. Of course, many more take the easier route and break it up into sections. Whichever you choose, you surely won’t be disappointed. Every inch of this glorious trail leads you through beautiful and isolated Idaho wilderness. You’ll head through the vast Bruneau Canyon, the utterly spectacular Sawtooths, the incredible Frank Church Wilderness, and all of the lakes and rivers you can dream of. The Idaho Centennial Trail is a hike in Idaho that absolutely belongs on anyone’s bucket list, even if you can only complete a small portion. This is truly one of the greatest hikes in the country. Idaho Centennial Trail, United States
- Seven Devils Mountains
Glenn Olsen/Flickr This is an approximately 30-mile loop trail. You’ll be lead through the stunning peaks that separate Hells Canyon and the Salmon River. True to their name, these mountains are no joke. This trail is recommended only for the most experienced of hikers. However, that’s what makes it so illustrious. The tallest peak in the mountain range stands at over 9,000 feet. Can you imagine the view from that high up? The peak is most certainly worth the sweat to get there, that’s for sure. Seven Devils Mountains, Idaho 83549, USA
- Hells Canyon Hike
Nan Palmero/Flickr This trail will take you to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Idaho. Hells Canyon is a criminally underrated spot that should be considered a national treasure. There’s no better way to experience this natural wonder in Idaho than by hiking across its 213,906 incredible acres. This is one of the few places in Idaho that’s accessible for hiking all year long. Even in the coldest winter months, the canyon doesn’t get any snow. The canyon’s ridge reaches of a peak of over 8,000 feet. This hike is honestly humbling, and you’re sure to feel miniature among the tall walls of the canyon. Did you know this is the deepest gorge in North America?
For more information, check out the full article here. Hells Canyon, Idaho 83835, USA
- Big Southern Butte
Bureau of Land Management - Idaho/Facebook One of the greatest things about Idaho is all the diversity in the landscapes here. From the vast desert to rolling hills to towering mountains… the variety here is endless. This hike in Big Southern Butte emphasizes that. Once you complete this strenuous hike, you can officially say you’ve hiked a volcano! The Big Southern Butte is a volcanic dome that offers up amazing panoramic views of both the Tetons and the Craters of the Moon Valley. This is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Idaho. Big Southern Butte, Idaho, USA
- Palisades Creek Trail: Palisades Creek Rd, ID 83428
Don Shaw/Alltrails This family-friendly hike is often named one of the most scenic trails in Idaho. Located in the small community of Swan Valley, the highlights of this gorgeous hike are the Upper and Lower Palisades Lakes. These pristine mountain lakes are a great place to set up camp. This hike is nestled right alongside the edge of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This kid-friendly hike in Idaho is one you won’t want to miss. Palisades Creek Road, Palisades Creek Rd, Irwin, ID 83428, USA
Have you explored any of these scenic trails in Idaho? What’s your vote for “best hike in Idaho?” Don’t forget to comment and let us know! And check out our list of 14 Magnificent Trails You Have To Hike In Idaho Before You Die.
BLMIdaho/Flickr
The Idaho Centennial Trail isn’t just one of the most epic hikes in Idaho: it’s one of the most strenuous trails in the entire country. This hike stretches for 1,000 miles. It begins right at the Idaho-Nevada border and takes you all the way north to Canada. You can tackle it all at once for one of the most intense hikes of your life. Supposedly only 17 hikers have completed the entire trail in its history. Of course, many more take the easier route and break it up into sections. Whichever you choose, you surely won’t be disappointed. Every inch of this glorious trail leads you through beautiful and isolated Idaho wilderness. You’ll head through the vast Bruneau Canyon, the utterly spectacular Sawtooths, the incredible Frank Church Wilderness, and all of the lakes and rivers you can dream of. The Idaho Centennial Trail is a hike in Idaho that absolutely belongs on anyone’s bucket list, even if you can only complete a small portion. This is truly one of the greatest hikes in the country.
Idaho Centennial Trail, United States
Glenn Olsen/Flickr
This is an approximately 30-mile loop trail. You’ll be lead through the stunning peaks that separate Hells Canyon and the Salmon River. True to their name, these mountains are no joke. This trail is recommended only for the most experienced of hikers. However, that’s what makes it so illustrious. The tallest peak in the mountain range stands at over 9,000 feet. Can you imagine the view from that high up? The peak is most certainly worth the sweat to get there, that’s for sure.
Seven Devils Mountains, Idaho 83549, USA
Nan Palmero/Flickr
This trail will take you to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Idaho. Hells Canyon is a criminally underrated spot that should be considered a national treasure. There’s no better way to experience this natural wonder in Idaho than by hiking across its 213,906 incredible acres. This is one of the few places in Idaho that’s accessible for hiking all year long. Even in the coldest winter months, the canyon doesn’t get any snow. The canyon’s ridge reaches of a peak of over 8,000 feet. This hike is honestly humbling, and you’re sure to feel miniature among the tall walls of the canyon. Did you know this is the deepest gorge in North America?
For more information, check out the full article here.
Hells Canyon, Idaho 83835, USA
Bureau of Land Management - Idaho/Facebook
One of the greatest things about Idaho is all the diversity in the landscapes here. From the vast desert to rolling hills to towering mountains… the variety here is endless. This hike in Big Southern Butte emphasizes that. Once you complete this strenuous hike, you can officially say you’ve hiked a volcano! The Big Southern Butte is a volcanic dome that offers up amazing panoramic views of both the Tetons and the Craters of the Moon Valley. This is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Idaho.
Big Southern Butte, Idaho, USA
Don Shaw/Alltrails
This family-friendly hike is often named one of the most scenic trails in Idaho. Located in the small community of Swan Valley, the highlights of this gorgeous hike are the Upper and Lower Palisades Lakes. These pristine mountain lakes are a great place to set up camp. This hike is nestled right alongside the edge of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This kid-friendly hike in Idaho is one you won’t want to miss.
Palisades Creek Road, Palisades Creek Rd, Irwin, ID 83428, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Near Me In Idaho March 08, 2022 Lisa Sammons What are some more of the best hikes near me in Idaho? There are so many beautiful trails within the Sawtooth Mountains. Idaho gets an unfair rep as a boring state, but we really have a lot of gorgeous land that’s just ripe for exploration and perfect for hikers. Here’s a list of bucket list-worthy hikes in Idaho that you won’t want to miss out on. One of our favorites is the mighty Table Mountain hike in Driggs. You’ll get some spectacularly up close views of the Tetons that you can’t see anywhere else. The 25-mile hike is certainly not for the feint of heart, but it’s truly magnificent and the payoff is worth the effort. Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Idaho? Not every trail in the Gem Stateis an arduous trek that’s only suitable for experienced hikers. We have plenty of shorter kid-friendly hikes in Idaho that are better suited for younger or novice hikers. The hike to Revett Lake is one of our favorites. It’s about three miles round trip and is tucked away in the remote Panhandle National Forest, one of the prettiest regions of the state. What are some of the best parks in Idaho for hiking? Idaho is filled with beautiful municipal, state, and national parks and forests that offer tons of opportunities for hiking. Here are nine of our favorite state parks in Idaho that are just waiting to be explored!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Near Me In Idaho
March 08, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some more of the best hikes near me in Idaho? There are so many beautiful trails within the Sawtooth Mountains. Idaho gets an unfair rep as a boring state, but we really have a lot of gorgeous land that’s just ripe for exploration and perfect for hikers. Here’s a list of bucket list-worthy hikes in Idaho that you won’t want to miss out on. One of our favorites is the mighty Table Mountain hike in Driggs. You’ll get some spectacularly up close views of the Tetons that you can’t see anywhere else. The 25-mile hike is certainly not for the feint of heart, but it’s truly magnificent and the payoff is worth the effort. Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Idaho? Not every trail in the Gem Stateis an arduous trek that’s only suitable for experienced hikers. We have plenty of shorter kid-friendly hikes in Idaho that are better suited for younger or novice hikers. The hike to Revett Lake is one of our favorites. It’s about three miles round trip and is tucked away in the remote Panhandle National Forest, one of the prettiest regions of the state. What are some of the best parks in Idaho for hiking? Idaho is filled with beautiful municipal, state, and national parks and forests that offer tons of opportunities for hiking. Here are nine of our favorite state parks in Idaho that are just waiting to be explored!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are so many beautiful trails within the Sawtooth Mountains. Idaho gets an unfair rep as a boring state, but we really have a lot of gorgeous land that’s just ripe for exploration and perfect for hikers. Here’s a list of bucket list-worthy hikes in Idaho that you won’t want to miss out on. One of our favorites is the mighty Table Mountain hike in Driggs. You’ll get some spectacularly up close views of the Tetons that you can’t see anywhere else. The 25-mile hike is certainly not for the feint of heart, but it’s truly magnificent and the payoff is worth the effort.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Idaho?
Not every trail in the Gem Stateis an arduous trek that’s only suitable for experienced hikers. We have plenty of shorter kid-friendly hikes in Idaho that are better suited for younger or novice hikers. The hike to Revett Lake is one of our favorites. It’s about three miles round trip and is tucked away in the remote Panhandle National Forest, one of the prettiest regions of the state.
What are some of the best parks in Idaho for hiking?
Idaho is filled with beautiful municipal, state, and national parks and forests that offer tons of opportunities for hiking. Here are nine of our favorite state parks in Idaho that are just waiting to be explored!
