Idaho
Go to Idaho for mountain lakes, whitewater rivers and deep canyons, and for trips that move between wilderness and small towns.
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Idaho is a state in the Pacific Northwest of the western United States. It borders six US states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Boise is the capital and largest city. Most of the state is mountains and high desert, cut by the Snake River and its canyons. The Sawtooth Range draws hikers, paddlers and anglers to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Hells Canyon, carved by the Snake River, is among the deepest river gorges in North America. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve protects a field of lava flows and cinder cones.
Idaho suits trips built around outdoor activity more than city sightseeing. Summer is the main season for hiking, rafting and camping in the mountains. Fall brings cooler weather and yellow aspen leaves. Winter suits skiing, especially around Sun Valley. Plan at least five to seven days to cover one mountain region and one desert or canyon area. Add more time if you want to drive between them, since distances here are long.
Idaho in five
- Get a data plan before the mountainsCell coverage drops out across the Sawtooth Range and much of the backcountry. Buy an eSIM or SIM and download offline maps before you leave the city.Phones and eSIM
- Rent a car for anything outside BoiseBus routes in Boise do not reach the Sawtooth Range, Craters of the Moon or Shoshone Falls. Pick up a rental car at Boise Airport for day trips.Getting around
- Check Idaho 511 before any mountain drivePasses and forest roads can close with little warning, especially in winter and during wildfire season. Check Idaho 511 for closures on the day you drive.
- Buy travel insurance that covers rescueRescue costs in the backcountry can be high. Check that your policy covers emergency evacuation before you hike.Travel insurance
- Book Boise beds early for TreefortTreefort Music Fest is held in Boise each March. Book your room early if your dates overlap with the festival.Music
Neighborhoods
Boise
Idaho's capital on the Boise River, with a river trail through town, Basque culture downtown and foothill trails reached from 8th Street.
Coeur d'Alene
Travelers go to Coeur d'Alene for the lake, the wooded trails around town and an easy pace in northern Idaho.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley is a mountain resort in south-central Idaho, known for skiing in winter and hiking and fishing in summer.
Things to do in Idaho
See all attractions in Idaho
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for visa-waiver passports; visa for most others Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- 15 to 20% at restaurants and bars; expected
- Time
- UTC-7, UTC-6 with daylight saving; Pacific Time in the north
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, snow
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchTreefort Music
- AprilGreen, rain
- MayMild, green
- JuneLong days
- JulyHot, dry
- AugustHot, smoke risk
- SeptemberMild, quieter
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCold, gray
- DecemberSnow, holidays
Right now in Idaho
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 3°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Boise
02:14 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today12°2°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue17°3°1%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Wed14°7°2%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu15°10°10%Thursday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Fri16°9°3%Friday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sat17°9°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun18°11°1%Sunday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 1%.
Updated 10:15 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Idaho Cityabout 1 hour by carA preserved gold rush town in the foothills, a relaxed half day.
- Craters of the Moonabout 2 hours by carLava fields and cinder cones in a national monument.
- Shoshone Fallsabout 2 hours by carA waterfall on the Snake River near Twin Falls.
- Sun Valleyabout 2.5 hours by carMountain walks, lifts and a resort town in the summer.
Before you go to Idaho
Rules for Idaho, checked
- Check whether you need ESTA or a US visa on the CBP site before you fly; ESTA is for visa-waiver passports only.Source
- Declare food, plants and animal products on arrival; check the current CBP rules before you pack.Source
- Fire restrictions on national forest and BLM land change through summer; check with the land manager before you camp or build a fire.
Plan around Idaho
Downtown, the North End and the Boise River Greenbelt
Read the guideMoney and cardsDollars, card use and what tipping costs
Read the guideVisas and entryESTA, visas and what to declare at arrival
Read the guideGetting around IdahoWhy a car is needed beyond downtown Boise
Read the guideWhere to stayDowntown, North End and quieter streets nearby
Read the guideFestivals and eventsTreefort Music Fest and the rest of the year
Read the guideIdaho FAQ
Is Boise worth visiting?
Yes, for two or three days. Downtown, the Idaho State Capitol, the Basque Block and the Boise River Greenbelt make a good base before the mountains.
How many days do you need in Idaho?
A week covers Boise and two or three day trips. Add more time if you plan to hike the Sawtooth Range or see Craters of the Moon.
Do I need a car in Idaho?
Yes, for trailheads, parks and waterfalls outside Boise. Bus routes do not reach most of them.
Is Boise or Sun Valley a better base?
Boise for city food and a flight in. Sun Valley for mountain walks; the drive between them is about 2.5 hours by car.
When is the best time to visit Idaho?
May and June, and September and October, suit most visitors. Summer is hot in Boise, and winter closes many mountain roads.
Is Treefort Music Fest worth going to?
Yes, if you like live music in small venues. It is held in March, when the city is busy, so book early.