by Two Outliers 
Idaho, Idaho, Idaho… where do we even begin?! We quickly fell in love with hiking in Idaho during our early days of nomadic life, and we always seem to find ourselves coming back to the Gem State. From laid-back eastern Idaho trails with epic Teton views to the cascading waterfalls of southern Idaho and the jagged peaks and cerulean alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Mountains, there are endless incredible hikes in Idaho. In this article, we’ve rounded up 19 of our favorite Idaho hiking trails and we can’t wait to share them with you! Hopefully you’ll see why Idaho is one of our favorite states!
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Hiking in Idaho
What makes hiking in Idaho so unique is the amazing diversity of landscapes. 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.
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.
Idaho is truly a hiker’s paradise!
P.S. You’ll notice most of the hikes on our list are concentrated in southern, eastern, and central Idaho. That’s because we’ve spent a ton of time exploring these areas. For full transparency, if you’re looking for hikes in northern Idaho, this is not the list for you.
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Always remember to leave no trace!
Please do your part to help preserve the beautiful landscapes and fragile ecosystems found in Idaho for generations to come. A few key things to remember include:
- Always stay on the trail. Going off-trail damages the plants and accelerates erosion.
- Store your food properly – this is bear country! Never leave food unattended and avoid leaving behind crumbs or food waste.
- Additionally, never feed the animals, no matter how cute… this includes squirrels, marmots, pikas, chipmunks etc. You may think you’re doing them a favor, but human food is dangerous for wild animals and can shorten their lifespan.
- Pack out all trash and waste. Be respectful of the area and others. Don’t leave behind your food or trash.
- Be considerate of others. That means keeping your dog on leash and your noise levels low.
- Be prepared and do your research. Some of the hikes on this list are quite challenging. Know what you’re getting into and don’t attempt a hike you aren’t prepared. Remember that most areas don’t have cell service, so you are responsible for your own safety.
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.
19 Best Hikes in Idaho
Without further ado, here are 19 of our favorite Idaho hiking trails, ordered roughly by geographic location.
- Baron Lakes
- Alice Lake
- Thompson Peak
- Sawtooth Lake
- The Caves Trail
- Inferno Cone
- Broken Top Loop
- Mesa Falls
- Mount Borah
- Alaska Basin
- Sunset Lake
- Devil’s Staircase
- Box Canyon Springs
- Perrine Coulee Falls
- Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
- Devil’s Washbowl
- Ritter Island
- Bruneau Dunes
- Tubbs Hill
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.
Central Idaho Hiking
First up, the best hiking in Central Idaho including hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains and Craters of the Moon National Monument. From snow-capped mountains and vibrant alpine lakes to rocky caves and vast expanses of lava flows, central Idaho offers a diverse array of hiking opportunities.
1. Baron Lakes
Hike stats
- Hiking distance | 18.5 miles
- Elevation gain | 3,800 feet
- Total time | 9 – 12 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 7.5
- Difficulty | Hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Redfish Lake to Baron Lake
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 so you can expect to find some peace and quiet on the trail.
Interested in backpacking to Baron Lakes? We’ve put together a detailed guide with everything you need to know to plan your trip here:
2. Alice Lake
Hike stats
- Hiking distance | 12 miles
- Elevation gain | 1600 feet
- Total time | 6 – 9 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 8
- Difficulty | Moderate
Find this hike on AllTrails: Alice Lake, Twin Lakes, Edith Lake Loop
Please note: AllTrails does not have a designated page for Alice Lake. The above AllTrails link refers to a longer loop trail, which includes Alice Lake. To hike just to Alice Lake, you’ll start out going clockwise on this loop, hike about 6 miles to Alice Lake and then retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
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, making it quite accessible despite the longer distance. If you’re looking for more of a more 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.
Want to learn more about Alice Lake? We’ve put together a complete trail guide with everything you need to know about the hike here:
3. Thompson Peak
Hike stats
- Hiking distance | 12.3 miles
- Elevation gain | 4,035 feet
- Total time | 8 to 10 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 8.5
- Difficulty | Hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Thompson Peak via Alpine Way Trail
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 and 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. We’ve outlined everything you need to reach the roof of the Sawtooth mountains in the article below:
4. Sawtooth Lake
Hike Stats
- Hiking distance | 10 miles
- Elevation gain | 1900 feet
- Total time | 5 – 7 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 7
- Difficulty | Moderate to hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek Stanley Lake Trail
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!
Read more about how to day hike or backpack to Sawtooth Lake here:
6. The Caves Trail
Hike Stats
- Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain | 75 feet
- Total time | 1 – 2 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 6
- Difficulty | Easy
Find this hike on AllTrails: Cave Trails
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
Hike Stats
- Hiking distance | 0.4 miles
- Elevation gain | 150 feet
- Total time | 30 minutes
- Epic-ness rating | 4
- Difficulty | Easy
Find this hike on AllTrails: Inferno Cone Viewpoint
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
Hike Stats
- Hiking distance | 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain | 150 feet
- Total time | 1 – 2 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 4
- Difficulty | Easy
Find this hike on AllTrails: Broken Top Loop Trail
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.
Eastern Idaho Hiking
Providing access to the Caribou Targhee National Forest and the eastern side of the Tetons, hiking in eastern Idaho cannot be beaten. Keep reading for a few of our favorite hikes in the area.
9. Mesa Falls
Hike stats
- 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)
- Total time | 1 hour
- Epic-ness rating | 6
- Difficulty | Easy
Find this hike on AllTrails: Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk and Mesa Falls Nature Trail
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.
While Upper Mesa Falls is the main highlight along the Mesa Falls scenic byway, there are a few other spots that are worth a stop. Read more about driving the scenic byway here:
10. Mount Borah
Hike stats
- Distance | 8.2 miles
- Elevation gain | 5300 feet
- Total time | 8 – 12 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 7
- Difficulty | Extremely hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Mount Borah Trail
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
Hike stats
- Distance | 16.2 miles
- Elevation gain | 3100 feet
- Total time | 8 to 10 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 8
- Difficulty | Hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Alaska Basin Trail
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
Hike stats
- Distance | 16.6 miles
- Elevation gain | 3000 feet
- Total time | 8 to 10 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 8
- Difficulty | Hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Alaska Basin Trail
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
Hike stats
- Distance | Approximately 9 miles
- Elevation gain | 2100 feet
- Total time | 4 – 5 hours
- Epic-ness rating | 6
- Difficulty | Hard
Find this hike on AllTrails: Devil’s Staircase, Death Canyon Shelf and Phelps Lake
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.
Note that there is no official AllTrails route for Devil’s Staircase. The trail linked above is a point-to-point hike that starts with the Devil’s Staircase but continues across Death Canyon Shelf down to Phelps Lake.
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.
Hiking in southern Idaho
14. Box Canyon Springs Trail
Hike stats
- Distance | 3 miles
- Elevation gain | 400 feet
- Total time | 1 – 2 hours
- Difficulty | Easy
- Epic-ness rating | 5
Find this hike on AllTrails: Box Canyon Springs Trail
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
Hike stats
- Location | Twin Falls, Idaho
- Hike mileage | 1/4 mile to 1.5 miles
- Epicness rating | 5
- Total time | 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Difficulty | Easy
Important note | the AllTrails page for Perrine Coulee is NOT correct. It actually does include the Perrine Coulee Trail, but then leads down to a viewpoint overlooking the Snake River.
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.
For more information on how to find Perrine Coulee Falls, we’ve put together a complete guide here:
Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
Hike stats
- Distance | Up to 12 miles
- Elevation gain | up to 900 feet
- Total Time | Depends how far you go
- Epicness rating | 4
- Difficulty | easy to moderate (mostly flat)
Find this route on AllTrails: Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
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.
Ritter Island Loop
Hike stats
- Distance | 1.8 miles
- Elevation gain | mostly flat
- Total Time | 1 hour
- Epicness rating | 5
- Difficulty | easy
Find this route on AllTrails: Ritter Island Loop
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!
Bruneau Dunes
Hike stats
- Distance | 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain | 500 feet
- Total Time | 1 hour
- Epicness rating | 5
- Difficulty | easy to moderate (deep sand!)
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.
Malad Gorge & Devil’s Washbowl
Hike stats
- Distance | 0.5 miles
- Elevation gain | Mostly flat
- Total Time | 30 minutes
- Epicness rating | 5
- Difficulty | easy
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, located here.
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!
Northern Idaho Hiking
21. Tubbs Hill
Hike stats
- Distance | 2 miles
- Elevation gain | 300 feet
- Total Time | 1 hour
- Epicness rating | 5
- Difficulty | easy
Find this hike on AllTrails: Tubbs Hill
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.
What to pack for hiking in Idaho
Below is a list of important items to make sure you pack for hiking in Idaho
- Bear Spray (Counter Assault)| Especially important in eastern Idaho, where grizzly bears are prevalent.
- GPS Device (Garmin InReach Mini) | Most of these trails in Idaho are remote and do not have cell service. We always recommend carrying a GPS device for peace of mind just in case of an emergency.
- Camera | I always carry my Nikon Z6 for hiking in Banff, and it’s totally worth the extra weight.
- Bug Spray | Especially if you plan to hang out by any of the lakes in the Sawtooths, bug spray is a must! The mosquitos here are brutal in early to mid-summer.
- Bathing suit | If you’re visiting during the summer taking a plunge into one of the alpine lakes feels amazing after a long hike!
- Microspikes | You can expect snow at the higher elevations in central and eastern Idaho well into late June and early July. If you are hiking in Idaho during the early summer, you may need microspikes.
- Hiking poles (Hers: Black Diamond Distance Z poles, His: Black Diamond Distance FLZ poles ) | Many of the hiking trails in Idaho are steep! Poles help take some of the weight off your knees going downhill and make the uphills just a tad easier.
- Backpack with bladder (Hers: CamelBak Helena 20L, His: Camelback Rim Runner 22L) | We both use a similar Camelback backpack for day hiking (Sarah has the women’s version, Matt’s is unisex) – they’re comfortable, lightweight and just big enough to hold the essentials without weighing you down. Plus they both come with a 2L bladder.
- Hiking boots (Hers: Danner Mountain 600s, His: Salomon Ultra 4 Mid GTX) | We’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots for better traction and foot support.
- Pullovers (Hers: Smartwool Merino Quarter Zip, His: Smartwool Merino Quarter Zip) | These Smartwool quarter zips are so warm and comfortable – perfect to keep you comfortable on a chilly morning in Idaho.
- Down Jacket (Hers: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody Women’s Down Hoodie, His: Cotopaxi Fuego) | If you hate being cold (like me), the Arc’teryx Down Hoodie is the jacket for you! With 850 fill down, it’s incredibly lightweight, high quality and totally worth the extra warmth. The Cotopaxi Fuego is also a great option – at 800 fill down, it’s not quite as warm but comes in at a lower price point.
Idaho hiking resources
We’ve put together detailed guides for many of the hikes mentioned on this list of the best hikes in Idaho. Check them out for more details to plan your hikes:
- Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in Eastern Idaho
- Box Canyon Springs: An Unexpected Oasis in Southern Idaho
- Hiking to Thompson Peak, the Tallest Point in the Sawtooths
- How to Hike to Alice Lake: the Gem of the Sawtooths
- Backpacking Baron Lakes in the Sawtooths
- How to Hike to Sawtooth Lake in Idaho
- How to Find Perrine Coulee Falls in Twin Falls
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!
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