19 Best Idaho Hiking Trails

The diversity of landscapes is what makes hiking in Idaho so unique! You can spend the morning exploring the otherworldly expanse of lava flows at Craters of the Moon, and spend the night camping beside a stunning alpine lake.

We quickly fell in love with Idaho during our early days of nomadic life, and we always seem to find ourselves returning to the Gem State.

In eastern Idaho, you’ll find the quiet side of the Teton range near Driggs and Victor, with striking views of the famous peaks without the national park crowds.

In southern Idaho near Twin Falls, endless beautiful waterfalls and unique blue lagoons await. Head north to the Sawtooth Mountains to explore some of Idaho’s best hiking trails, with hot springs and stunning jagged peaks that truly live up to their namesake.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 19 of our favorite Idaho hiking trails. We can’t wait to share them with you!

19 Best Hikes in Idaho

1. Baron Lakes | Best backpacking trip in the Sawtooth Mountains.
2. Alice Lake | Most stunning day hike in the Sawtooth Mountains.
3. Thompson Peak | A challenging trek to the tallest point in the Sawtooths.
4. Sawtooth Lake | The most popular lake in the Sawtooth Mountains.
5. The Caves Trail | Explore underground caves formed by ancient lava flows.
6. Inferno Cone | Short but steep climb to the top of a volcanic cinder cone.
7. Broken Top Loop | Discover the otherwordly landscapes of Craters of the Moon.
8. Mesa Falls | Explore the most beautiful waterfall in Idaho.
9. Mount Borah | Summit Idaho’s tallest mountain!
10. Alaska Basin | An epic eastern Idaho backpacking trip, that includes part of the Teton Crest Trail.
11. Sunset Lake | A picturesque alpine lake on the western side of the Tetons.
12. Devil’s Staircase | A steep hike on the Idaho side of the Tetons, away from the national park crowds.
13. Box Canyon Springs | Enjoy views overlooking vibrant blue pools and a beautiful rocky canyon.
14. Perrine Coulee Falls | A short hike to a stunning waterfall in Twin Falls
15. Snake River Canyon Rim Trail | Great for walking or trail running, with the option to include Shoshone Falls.
16. Devil’s Washbowl | A short walk to a raging waterfall hidden in a deep gorge.
17. Ritter Island | See two stunning waterfalls along an easy stroll around the island.
18. Bruneau Dunes | A unique experience exploring the sand dunes of southwestern Idaho.
19. Tubbs Hill | A leisurely stroll along Coeur d’Alene Lake in northern Idaho.

Idaho Hiking Map

The map below displays the locations of each of the best hikes in Idaho.

• To view more details about each location, click on the marker on the map.
• To save this map for future use, click the star next to the title. From your phone, open the Google Maps app and click the “saved” tab, followed by the “Maps” icon. From your Gmail account, navigate to Maps –> “Saved” –> “My Maps” –> “Maps” tab.
• To email this map to yourself, click the three dots in the upper right corner.

Remember to Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in, stay on trail, be well-prepared, leave nothing behind, take only photos and memories with you, treat the area with respect and help preserve this beautiful spot for generations to come.

1. Baron Lakes

• Hiking distance | 18.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 3,800 feet
• Estimated time | 9 – 12 hours
• Difficulty | Hard
• Location | Sawtooth Mountains

The hike to Baron Lakes shows off the iconic jagged peaks and crystal-clear alpine lakes that Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains are known for! This out-and-back hike is challenging, gaining about 3,800 feet of elevation over 18.5 miles round trip.

Although Baron Lakes is certainly doable as a day hike for the ambitious hiker, it’s also the perfect spot to set up camp for a one or two-night backpacking trip! If you’re looking to spend a quiet night under the stars in the Sawtooth Wilderness, put Baron Lakes at the top of your adventure bucket list.

Due to the long distance of the hike, Baron Lakes tends to be significantly less crowded than other popular hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains. You can find some peace and quiet on the trail!

2. Alice Lake

• Hiking distance | 12 miles
• Elevation gain | 1600 feet
• Estimated time | 6 – 9 hours
• Difficulty | Moderate
• Location | Sawtooth Mountains

Hiking to Idaho’s Alice Lake, hidden among the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains, is a perfect alpine adventure! With sparkling, teal-colored waters and the jagged peak of Idaho’s El Capitan in the background, this serene alpine lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

The hike to Alice Lake is a moderate 12-mile round trip journey with fairly mild elevation gain. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, try the Alice Toxaway Loop, an 18-mile hike that is often done as a backpacking trip.

In the early mornings, the mountains cast a crystal clear reflection over the perfectly still waters, creating a stunning and serene picture opportunity.

3. Thompson Peak

• Hiking distance | 12.3 miles
• Elevation gain | 4,035 feet
• Total time | 8 to 10 hours
• Difficulty | Hard
• Location | Sawtooth Mountains

The Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho is well known for epic hikes, but, in our opinion the hike to Thompson Peak is head and shoulders (literally!) above the rest! Standing nearly 10,700 feet above sea level, Thompson Peak is the tallest summit in the Sawtooth Mountains. The hike to reach the top is one of the most epic day hikes we’ve ever done.

Featuring serious elevation gain, a picturesque alpine lake, a killer boulder field, and some scrambling up to the summit, this hike has it all!

Hiking to Thompson Peak is a serious undertaking that should be undertaken only by experienced hikers.

4. Sawtooth Lake

• Hiking distance | 10 miles
• Elevation gain | 1900 feet
• Total time | 5 – 7 hours
• Difficulty | Moderate to hard
• Location | Sawtooth Mountains

Laying on the shores of a bright blue alpine lake, toes in the chilly water, surrounded on all sides by jagged rocky peaks with a book in hand. This is one of my all-time favorite memories from our first visit to Idaho, and just one of the many ways that Idaho captured my heart.

A moderate trail covering 10 miles and 1900 feet of elevation gain, the Sawtooth Lake hike gives those who complete the journey a taste of the best of the Sawtooth Mountains. Spend an hour or two relaxing on the shores of Sawtooth Lake and I bet you will also fall in love with Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains!

6. The Caves Trail

• Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | 75 feet
• Estimated time | 1 – 2 hours
• Difficulty | Easy
• Location | Craters of the Moon National Monument

The Caves Trail is the most popular hike in Craters of the Moon National Monument, located in central Idaho. The hike features four caves that you can climb into, the largest and most impressive of which is the Indian Tunnel.

The caves on this trail are lava tubes, meaning they were formed when active lava flows (think rivers of molten lava) started to cool around the edges.

Because the caves are home to a large population of bats, a permit is required to enter the cave in order to screen hikers for white-nose syndrome, a fungus that does not affect humans but is deadly to bats. Permits are free and may be picked up at the Craters of the Moon visitor center.

7. Inferno Cone

• Hiking distance | 0.4 miles
• Elevation gain | 150 feet
• Estimated time | 30 minutes
• Difficulty | Easy
• Location | Craters of the Moon National Monument

While Craters of the Moon National Monument is most well known for the Caves Trail, the hike to the top of Inferno Cone is just as cool!

The hike to the top of Inferno Cone is short, but quite steep. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding lava fields, the Snake River, and the Pioneer Mountains to the west.

8. Broken Top Loop

• Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | 150 feet
• Estimated time | 1 – 2 hours
• Difficulty | Easy
• Location | Craters of the Moon National Monument

The Broken Top Trail provides a hikers with a taste of Craters of the Moon’s most otherworldly lava-covered landscapes including massive basalt rocks, cinder cones and large lava fields. The views of the Pioneer Mountains and tree-speckled lava fields from the Broken Top Loop were some of my favorite in the park.

It’s also possible to backpack in Craters of the Moon. The Broken Top Loop provides access to the Wilderness trail, the only trail used for backpacking in the park.

9. Mesa Falls

• Distance | 0.4 miles (Upper Mesa Falls), 2 miles (Mesa Falls Nature Trail)
• Elevation gain | 75 feet (Upper Mesa Falls), 90 feet (Mesa Falls Nature Trail)
• Estimated time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | Easy
• Location | Eastern Idaho

Located off the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway that connect Ashton with Island Park, Upper Mesa Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Idaho. A boardwalk and paved walking trails get visitors up close and personal to the massive falls with incredible views of the surrounding river.

The entire boardwalk totals about half a mile of walking and is wheelchair accessible. Plan to spend about 30 minutes enjoying Upper Mesa Falls.

If you want to stretch your legs and extend your visit to Mesa Falls, check out the easy 2-mile Mesa Falls Nature Trail. The trail leads along the river down to a closer viewpoint of Lower Mesa Falls.

10. Mount Borah

• Distance | 8.2 miles
• Elevation gain | 5300 feet
• Estimated time | 8 – 12 hours
• Difficulty | Extremely hard
• Location | Eastern Idaho

Mount Borah is the tallest peak in Idaho, located in the Salmon National Forest. This hike is relentlessly steep, covering 5300 feet of elevation gain over just 4 miles to the summit. Hiking Mount Borah is not for the faint of heart, with tricky rock scrambles that would have serious consequences from a fall. In fact, one such section of rock scrambling has been nicknamed “Chicken Out Ridge” because the steep, narrow ridge causes many hikers to turn back short of the summit.

However, if you’re up for a serious challenge and have nerves of steel, hiking Mount Borah is the ultimate Idaho bucket list experience!

11. Alaska Basin

• Distance | 16.2 miles
• Elevation gain | 3100 feet
• Estimated time | 8 to 10 hours
• Difficulty | Hard
• Location | Eastern Idaho

Okay, so technically Alaska Basin is located in Wyoming, but the trailhead is accessed by hiking from the Idaho side of the Tetons so we feel it deserves a spot on this list.

The hike begins from the Teton Canyon Trailhead, located just outside of Driggs, Idaho, and leads up to a basin that sits just below the Tetons. The loop trail through Alaska Basin features a set of small alpine lakes known as the Basin Lakes. There is one lake located right off the trail, and a few other lakes nestled behind it.

Alaska Basin is part of the 40-mile Teton Crest Trail that stretches the length of the Teton Range. It’s a popular spot for backpackers and could be completed as a one-night trip from Teton Canyon or part of the Teton Crest Trail.

P.S. Alaska Basin holds a special place in our hearts because we got engaged at Basin Lakes, during a multi-day backpacking trip along the Teton Crest Trail! Perhaps we’re a little biased, but it was our favorite section of the 40-mile Teton Crest hike.

12. Sunset Lake

• Distance | 16.6 miles
• Elevation gain | 3000 feet
• Estimated time | 8 to 10 hours
• Difficulty | Hard
• Location | Eastern Idaho

Sunset Lake is a picturesque alpine lake tucked up against the western side of the Tetons in Alaska Basin with beautiful bright teal waters and a small glimpse of the Grand peaking up over the surrounding ridge. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are particularly spectacular and we’d highly suggest backpacking here if you have the chance.

Sunset Lake could be tacked onto the Alaska Basin Loop hike mentioned above for a very long approximately 18-mile day hike or backpacking trip. Alternatively, hike to Sunset Lake as a 16.6 mile out and back via Teton Canyon.

Tip | For an epic one-night backpacking trip, camp at Sunset Lake and then hike out and back to Hurricane Pass (approximately 2 miles one-way) for sunrise. In our opinion, Hurricane Pass the most stunning viewpoint in Grand Teton National Park!

13. Devil’s Staircase

• Distance | Approximately 9 miles
• Elevation gain | 2100 feet
• Estimated time | 4 – 5 hours
• Difficulty | Hard
• Location | Eastern Idaho

The Devil’s Staircase is one of the quieter hiking trails in Idaho, located on the western side of the Tetons, along with Alaska Basin and Sunset Lake. As you may have guessed from the name, this hike involves a steep climb up a set of natural “stairs” and will certainly get your legs burning.

You’ll reach the top of the Devil’s Staircase at about 3.5 miles into the hike, and then you can turn back whenever you please. We’d recommend going at least 4.5 miles until you reach a nice viewpoint of the Tetons peaking out over the ridge.

14. Box Canyon Springs Trail

• Distance | 3 miles
• Elevation gain | 400 feet
• Estimated time | 1 – 2 hours
• Difficulty | Easy
• Location | Southern Idaho

Box Canyon Springs is a nature preserve located in southern Idaho near Twin Falls, and is one of six sections of the 1000 Springs State Park.

From the parking area for Box Canyon, there is a stunning viewpoint overlooking the springs. The water is so clear that you can see the sand, rocks and plants on the bottom of the water. Because the water flows from an underground aquifer through tiny pores in the basalt rock, the water is naturally filtered and extremely pure, giving it that crystal clear appearance.

However, the best way to experience Box Canyon is to lace up your boots and hike the 4-mile Box Canyon Springs trail, leading down into the canyon, up close to the vibrant blue water and an impressive waterfall.

14. Perrine Coulee Falls

• Distance | 1/4 mile to 1.5 miles
• Elevation gain | flat
• Estimated time | 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty | Easy
• Location | Southern Idaho

A 200-foot waterfall that cascades over the Snake River Canyon, Perrine Coulee Falls is an awesome short and easy hike in Idaho. For a unique up-close view of the massive waterfall’s force, you can follow a short trail behind Perrine Coulee Falls.

While the trail is quick and easy, finding the trailhead can be a bit of a challenge if you don’t know where to look. There are three possible places you could park to reach the falls, and the distance of the hike will depend on where you park.

15. Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

• Distance | Up to 12 miles
• Elevation gain | up to 900 feet
• Estimated Time | Depends how far you go
• Difficulty | easy to moderate (mostly flat)
• Location | Southern Idaho

The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail spans 6 miles from Centennial Park to Shoshone Falls Park along the Rim of the Snake River.

The Rim Trail is an awesome spot to go for a scenic run or leisurely walk near Twin Falls with awesome views of the Snake River the entire time. You can complete the entire trail out and back in 12 miles, or just go out and back as far as you please.

The Rim Trail is a point-to-point hike so there are two trailheads to access it: one just outside Centennial Park and one from Shoshone Falls Park. We recommend starting from Shoshone Falls Park for the chance to see the best waterfall in Twin Falls, known as the “Niagara of the West”.

The trail is fairly flat, with one large drop as you head into Shoshone Falls Park.

16. Ritter Island Loop

• Distance | 1.8 miles
• Elevation gain | mostly flat
• Estimated time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | easy
• Location | Southern Idaho

Ritter Island is part of the 1000 Springs State Park in southern Idaho and features two incredibly picturesque waterfalls, Minnie Miller Springs and Lemmon Falls. Both falls can be viewed from a 2-mile hike that leads along the perimeter of the island, surrounded on all sides by the vibrant teal and green waters of the Snake River.

To reach the Ritter Island Loop trail, walk across the footbridge from the parking lot and follow the gravel path to the left or right. It’s about a half mile walk to the right to reach the best view of Minnie Miller Springs.

At a grassy area with an outcropping in the trees, you will find a picture perfect view of the falls and a picnic table to sit and enjoy lunch while you soak it in. From Minnie Miller Springs you can continue along the Ritter Island Loop for about a mile until you reach Lemmon Falls. 

Although Ritter Island gets busy on summer days, it’s lesser known than many of the hikes on this list, making it a great spot to get off the beaten path hiking in Idaho. I enjoyed a solid 30 minutes alone with Minnie Miller Springs on Saturday in June!

17. Bruneau Dunes

• Distance | 2.5 miles
• Elevation gain | 500 feet
• Estimated Time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | easy to moderate (deep sand!)
• Location | Southern Idaho

Find this hike on AllTrails: Bruneau Dunes Loop

Home to the tallest sand dune in North America standing at 470 feet high, Bruneau Dunes State Park is located in central Idaho and offers yet another unique Idaho hiking experience!

Explore the Bruneau Dunes via a 2.5 mile loop that reaches the tallest dune! Although the hike is relatively short and doesn’t seem that hard on paper, hiking through deep sand adds an extra element of difficulty, so prepare to spend a little more time than you might expect.

18. Malad Gorge & Devil’s Washbowl

• Distance | 0.5 miles
• Elevation gain | Mostly flat
• Estimated Time | 30 minutes
• Difficulty | easy
• Location | Southern Idaho

The Malad Gorge is a 2.5-mile-long rocky canyon carved by the vibrant blue waters of the Malad River in southern Idaho. The 60-foot tall waterfall known as Devil’s Washbowl is by far the most impressive feature in Malad Gorge, although the park also offers a scenic drive with several impressive viewpoints.

For the best view of Devil’s Washbowl, walk across the footbridge over Malad Gorge. To get to the footbridge, take the first right after entering Malad Gorge State Park and continue until you reach the parking lot.

From there you can continue along a trail on the opposite side of the gorge, which leads to an awesome viewpoint of Devil’s Washbowl. The trail is about a half-mile walk round trip, and in my opinion, features the best view of Devil’s Washbowl you will find in the park!

19. Tubbs Hill

• Distance | 2 miles
• Elevation gain | 300 feet
• Estimated Time | 1 hour
• Difficulty | easy
• Location | Southern Idaho

Tubbs Hill Trail is a 2-mile loop along the shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake in northern Idaho. This easy hike is located in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene, making it a convenient spot to stretch your legs and soak in the beautiful lake views.

The trail also provides access to a small beach and rocky outcroppings, so plan to spend some extra time relaxing by the water.

Idaho hiking resources

Planning a trip to Idaho? Check out these resources for more great hikes and outdoor adventures in Idaho!

What would you add to our list of best Idaho hiking trails?! Questions about any of the hikes on the list? Let us know in the comments section below!

Save this article on Pinterest!