18 Best Hikes in Idaho: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2023
Courtnie Erickson
Author
One thing is for sure – Idaho is a hiker’s paradise. Our incredible state has a trail for everyone from breathtaking mountain trails to riverfront trails to those that are best for the entire family to tag along. With hundreds of hiking trails in Idaho to choose from, it is easy to feel a little overwhelmed, but that’s where we come in. Below are some of the best hikes in Idaho to add to your bucket list. It is time to lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails!
Best Hikes In Idaho
Are you ready to tackle the best trails that Idaho has to offer? Below are some of the most popular trails in Idaho and those that we, and many other All Trails users from around the country, love to recommend.
- Location: Tubbs Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene
- Mileage: 2.0 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This trail is just a short walk from downtown CDA. There is a beach on the southwestern side of the loop and while easy, it is not stroller or wheelchair friendly as there are many rocks and tree branches along the trail.
Tubbs Hill Trail in Coeur d’Alene is one of the most popular hikes in the area. This trail is only 2 miles in length and forms a large loop. Keep your eyes out for other hikers as this trail is quite busy but you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene along your way.
- Location: Coeur d’Alene
- Mileage: 3.0 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Here’s a fun fact about this trail — it was the first Bureau of Land Management Recreation Site in Idaho.
You’ll want plenty of time to tackle the Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail in northern Idaho. Approximately three miles in length, this trail is mesmerizing the entire way. Give yourself plenty of time to explore as there are several interpretive signs along the way, sharing information on the area’s plants, animals, and more.
- Location: Boise
- Mileage: 3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: While the trail is considered family-friendly, be prepared for some steep inclines along your way. Fortunately, there are benches and areas where you can sit and recover before you continue your journey.
Table Rock Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Treasure Valley. This is a loop trail that takes you to Table Rock Viewpoint, home to some of the most beautiful views of Boise and surrounding communities. Plan to tackle this hike on a clear day — you will be able to see for miles. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is very little shade on this hiking trail.
Best Short and Easy Hikes In Idaho
Sometimes you just want to get outside but you don’t have the time or energy to go very far. The following hiking trails in Idaho are short and easy, perfect for no matter what your day, energy levels, or hiking party may look like.
- Location: Near Marsing
- Mileage: 0.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This is an extremely popular trail during the summer months so if searching for peace and quiet, plan to explore during off-peak times. There is also very little shade so don't forget your water and sunscreen.
The Jump Creek Falls Trail is a family-favorite hiking trail in Idaho. The trail is short and easy, and leads to a stunning 60-foot waterfall. Plus, at the bottom of the waterfall is a gorgeous swimming hole that is quite refreshing if you wish to cool off before you head back home.
- Location: Near Ashton
- Mileage: 2.0 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This hike ends on a plateau just above Lower Mesa Falls. This is not the boardwalk trail that takes you to Upper Mesa Falls.
Mesa Falls is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in southeastern Idaho. To reach these falls, the Mesa Falls Nature Trail is the way to go. This is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Upper Falls parking lot.
- Location: Ririe
- Mileage: 1.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: A small portion of this hike is paved. You will find benches along the trail if you wish to stop and take a break.
Cress Creek Nature Trail takes you along the South Fork of the Snake River and is the perfect family day hike. The trail is quite easy with only a few inclines you must conquer. Along the way, you’ll enjoy interpretive signs, beautiful views, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Hardest Hikes In Idaho
If you are up for a challenge (and maybe an extraordinary backpacking adventure!), there are several challenging hikes in Idaho that you need to put on your bucket list. Just remember that these trails are not for beginning hikers – they are going to challenge you both mentally and physically.
- Location: Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Mileage: 19.7 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: The best time to tackle this year is from July through September. If you venture earlier in the year, you will likely encounter lots of snow along your way.
If you want to climb — like really climb — the Mallard-Larkins Loop is for you. If you complete this loop trail in its entirety, you will gain more than 8,200 feet in elevation. This is also one hiking trail in Idaho where it’s wise to bring along a map. The trail is not well maintained and it is easy to lose your way.
- Location: White Clouds Wilderness Area in central Idaho
- Mileage: 16.5 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: This is another hiking trail where a map is an absolute must. And, if you wish to bring your favorite furry friend with you, dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.
The Chain Lakes Basin Trail is one of the best hikes in Idaho for viewing alpine lakes. You will see more than a dozen if you complete this trail in its entirety but the journey will be a bit challenging. On this out-and-back trail, you can expect to gain approximately 6,300 feet in elevation. Just take your time and enjoy the views — they are worth it.
- Location: Sawtooth National Forest
- Mileage: 15.2 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Glassford Peak is the 42nd highest summit in Idaho. This is also a lesser-known trail and one where it is easy to receive a little peace and quiet.
The Glassford Peak Trail is going to test you in many different ways but it is one hike that has it all — waterfalls, mountain views, wildflowers, and streams. This trail isn't as busy as others in Idaho, which is ideal if searching for some time alone in nature.
Best Waterfront Hikes In Idaho
There’s something special about hiking right next to the water. Whether you are following a river or even hiking to a lake, a day on the trails and by the water is the perfect way to forget about your daily stressors.
- Location: Sawtooth Wilderness Area
- Mileage: 9.6 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: This hiking trail in Idaho is also known as the Sawtooth Wilderness Hike. You may want to bring extra shoes and socks as there are creek crossings along the way.
The Sawtooth Lake Via Iron Creek Stanley Lake Trail is a popular hike in the Sawtooth Wilderness and can be used for either a full-day hike or a backpacking adventure. You will get to explore the stunning Sawtooth Mountains and one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Idaho as well. There are some steep and rocky sections of this hike so come prepared with proper footwear and hiking poles if needed.
- Location: Lake Pend Oreille
- Mileage: 3.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This hiking trail in northern Idaho has a small parking lot and space is limited. Dogs are welcome on this hike and if exploring in the summer, watch out for snakes.
Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail takes you along the shoreline of Idaho’s largest lake – Lake Pend Oreille. This is considered one of the best hikes in Idaho as it is flat and easy, perfect for a short outdoor adventure. While this trail is gorgeous any time of the year, fall is particularly remarkable as the area shows off some impressive fall foliage.
- Location: Idaho Falls
- Mileage: 10.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: There are small parking lots along the trail where you can park and access the route. This trail also goes by many Idaho Falls features including locally-owned restaurants, the Japanese Garden, hotels, and more.
You will enjoy views of the Snake River along your entire walk when you explore the Idaho Falls Greenbelt Loop. This beautiful trail is located in downtown Idaho Falls and is where you will experience the falls, bridges, wildlife, and more. This trail is paved the entire way, making for a family adventure with strollers, wheelchairs, etc., included.
Best Winter Hikes In Idaho
When winter strikes in Idaho, you don’t have to stay cooped up indoors. In fact, this is a wonderful time to get out and explore. While there are some trails that are inaccessible during this time of year, there are others that may just make winter your favorite time of the year in the Gem State.
- Location: Near Lowman
- Mileage: 2.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This is one of the best snowshoe trails in the Boise National Forest. However, we recommend you plan your visit carefully as weekends can become quite crowded on this trail. If you’re planning to hike this trail in the summer, bring some bug spray.
Whoop Em Up Loop is a delightful snowshoe trail near Lowman. You will gain approximately 500 feet on your journey, and it’s a delightful trail for beginners and experienced winter hikers alike. The snow-covered trees will make you feel like you are in a winter wonderland — it’s absolutely magical.
- Location: Near Garden Valley
- Mileage: 3.0 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: You will need to purchase a Park N Ski pass to park your vehicle in the lot near the trailhead.
Stargaze Point Trail Via Beaver Creek Summit is easily one of the best winter hikes in Idaho. This is a 3.0-mile hiking trail in the Boise National Forest and the views are absolutely stunning. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach 6,682 feet in elevation — it’s a pretty good climb!
- Location: Near Lowman
- Mileage: 2.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: This trail is used for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. This is also the best way to access the Bonneville Hot Springs in the winter months.
There’s nothing like relaxing in primitive hot springs in the middle of winter — it’s an experience every Idahoan should have at least once. The easy Bonneville Hot Springs Snowshoe Trail is an out-and-back trail with little elevation gain, perfect for those new to snowshoeing. Come prepared to relax in the hot springs or simply enjoy the winter views near the springs. Either way, it’s a magical experience.
Best Hikes In Boise, Idaho
You may not realize it, but Boise is full of hiking trails that are perfect for the entire family. Many of these trails take you into the foothills and provide incredible city views, while others take you through the nearby forests and can be a bit more challenging. But no matter what, all of the best hikes in Boise will be unforgettable.
- Location: Near Boise
- Mileage: 11.7 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Be prepared for all types of terrain on this hiking trail in Idaho, as well as many switchbacks.
Just a short drive outside of Boise is Freddy's Stack Rock Trail. While not for beginner hikers, this trail is certainly one that deserves a spot at the top of every experienced hiker’s bucket list. You’ll hike more than 11 miles, gain approximately 1,300 feet in elevation, and experience views that are absolutely remarkable.
- Location: Lucky Peak State Park
- Mileage: 4.4 miles
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: The Cervidae Peak Trail is one of the four trails that make up the Grand Slam in Idaho. This trail is open throughout the year and there is little shade so make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. You also will need an Idaho State Parks pass to access the trailhead.
Cervidae Peak may not be a long hike near Boise, Idaho but it sure is a steep one. You will climb approximately 1,800 feet in elevation in just over two miles. Fortunately, there are plenty of views to distract you from the hard work required to conquer this trail.
- Location: Camel’s Back and Hulls Gulch Reserve
- Mileage: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail can become quite busy with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. There also is little shade so come prepared with water and sunscreen.
The Red Cliffs Nature Center Trail is the perfect adventure if you want something short and sweet near Boise. You’ll walk through meadows of wildflowers and over rolling hills. Then, at the end of your journey, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of downtown Boise and the Treasure Valley. Try to tackle this hike on a clear day as you’ll be able to see for miles.
There truly is no better way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Idaho than on a hiking trail. In fact, the best trails help you fall in love with the Gem State all over again. However, before you go, regardless of the distance or difficulty level, make sure you are prepared. To help, check out our ultimate hiking packing list.
If you have tackled any of the above hiking trails, let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to try AllTrails+ For Free.
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More to Explore
Hiking Trails in Idaho
Does Idaho have good hiking trails?
Yes! Idaho is truly a hiker’s paradise as you can easily find trails for all skill levels, with varying distances, and in all types of terrain. From rugged and remote hikes to easy paved pathways, there is always something for you. In fact, you can find great hiking trails in every corner of the state and in almost every state park. Just make sure you do your research before you explore any hike in Idaho, particularly those in the backcountry. These areas of Idaho can be quite wild and dangerous.
What are the best months to hike in Idaho?
The best time to hike in Idaho depends on where you are going. If you are hiking in higher elevations, like to one of Idaho’s many alpine lakes, late summer is ideal as most of the snow along the trail will finally have melted. However, for many other hikes, April to October are ideal. If you plan to hike during Idaho’s summer months, it can be quite hot and buggy – so always come prepared with bug spray and plenty of water. Also, you will want to watch out for bears and rattlesnakes as they can be found along many of the Gem State’s trails.