Boise is a truly fantastic part of Idaho, and definitely worth an extended trip if you get the chance. However you might not always have the chance to stay as long as you want, but you can always make time for a day trip. So here are just some of the wonderful things you can explore in one day or less while visiting Boise Idaho.
- Craters of the Moon
The Craters of the Moon might just be the closest thing any of us will get to actually visiting another planet in our lifetime. They are a sprawling ethereal plane of ancient volcanic activity that has hardened, and formed into some of the most fascinating landscapes in the world. This piece of the countryside is covered in craters, but also caves, tunnels, and other naturally formed lava ridges, and paths that are all open for you to explore.
- Idaho City
Idaho City has an interesting past. It was once both a mining town, and the capital of the state. This history fills it with rustic wild west style charm, and makes it a perfect place to discover a love of history with its many old timey antique shops, and restaurants.
- Bogus Basin
Originally mostly a winter destination, Bogus Basin has recently really opened up to summer expeditions. There is plenty to do in and around the basin. In summer you can mountain bike down the gravity park, hike to sweeping vistas, practice your disc golf arm, or even see live music! In the winter you can go Nordic Skiing through the foothills, tubing on any one of the many tubing hills, and snowshoeing to witness some of the best views the valley has to offer.
- Bruneau Dunes State Park
If Craters of the Moon is the closest thing that any of us will get to visiting the moon then Bruneau Dunes State Park is most likely the closest any of us will get to visiting the deserts of Africa. Somehow though, the dunes in Idaho are even more beautiful. Fishing in the oases that pool between dunes, horseback riding through the desert landscape. This sandy ocean is truly a magical place to visit, and if you find yourself not wanting to leave then you can even rent a campsite for a longer stay.
- Eagle
Eagle is a town worth staying the night in by itself, but if you are just looking for somewhere to day trip to, it’s perfect for that as well. There is so much to explore in this little town. You could get a drink at 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, or if you aren’t thirsty you could buy some fresh fruits, and veggies from the Eagle farmers market. The market runs every Saturday all summer long, so plenty of chances to go. If neither of those things tickle your fancy then you could always make your way to The Village at Meridian which is a mixture of a public park, and a mall, with a beautiful outdoor green space, fountains, shopping, food, and so much more.
- Shoshone Falls Park
If you are looking for a scenic place to camp, hike, or just day trip to, you are going to need to visit Shoshone Falls Park. Often referred to as “The Niagara of the West” Shoshone Falls Park is a breathtaking park with one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States inside its borders. In fact, its namesake waterfall, Shoshone Falls, is taller than Niagara falls. With this, and the amazing views of Snake River carving through the basalt of the Idaho ground, there’s a good reason it’s one of the most popular day trips from Boise.
- Sawtooth National Forest
With a hugely stunning area of 756,000 acres, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s no wonder that Sawtooth National Forest is so famous. In the winter time it’s a great place for all sorts of snowy activities like snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling as the mountains with their plenty of snow make for a great environment for all of these activities. In the summertime Sawtooth has just as much if not more going on. With its alpine lakes, expansive forest, 40 mountain peaks, and aforementioned hiking trails it’s the perfect place for all sorts of hiking, swimming, boating, photography, and mountain biking.
- Silver City
As the name suggests, SilverCity is a historic 19-century silver mining town. Home to over 75 historical monuments you will love to see.
- Garden Valley
Only about an hour drive away from Boise you will find Garden Valley. With beautiful wildlife, scenic flora, and plenty of interesting events to try. Garden Valley is the perfect day trip for anyone interested in white water rafting, camping, hiking, or kayaking. The wildlife you will find frequenting that area are some of the best in the country as well, with everything from eagles, and ospreys, to wolves, and bears, to wild turkeys, and elk.