Boise Road Trips: Adventures Just a Drive Away

With fall approaching, it’s the perfect time for a road trip! Catch glimpses of changing leaves, avoid the summer crowds, and roll down the windows to enjoy fresh, crisp mountain air. Campsites are less busy too, so if you prefer a tent to a hotel room, pack it along for your adventure.

Whether you’re chasing mountain views, exploring charming towns, or sipping local wine, here are ten unforgettable trips to take from Boise this season:

1. Bogus Basin (20 miles | 45 minutes)

A short drive from downtown takes you to Bogus Basin, where the mountains open up to hiking trails, scenic chairlift rides, and panoramic views of the Treasure Valley. Through the end of September, you can enjoy live music, a mountain coaster, ropes course, and mountain biking clinics. Families will find youth programs and drop-off activities, while adventure seekers can challenge themselves on the biking or hiking routes.

2. Idaho Wine Country – Sunnyslope (35 miles | 40 minutes)

Sunnyslope’s vineyards stretch across rolling hills with dramatic views of the Snake River Valley. Tasting rooms showcase crisp whites, rich reds, and small-batch blends, perfect for leisurely afternoons. Pair your visit with a drive along winding country roads, and you’ll find scenic stops and farm stands scattered through the countryside.

3. Thousand Springs & Blue Heart Springs (110 miles | 2 hours)

A hidden gem in southern Idaho, this area offers turquoise pools and waterfalls cascading from canyon walls. Blue Heart Springs, accessible by kayak, feels like a secluded oasis, perfect for reflection or photography. The surrounding trails provide quiet, low-traffic hikes through dramatic river gorges and scenic overlooks.

4. Cascade, Donnelly & McCall (100–115 miles | 2–2.5 hours)

These interconnected mountain towns surround Payette Lake, offering lakeside cabins, charming coffee shops, and inviting hot springs. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, or boat, while those seeking relaxation can stroll town streets or enjoy a quiet morning on the lake. McCall’s historic downtown and Cascade’s mountain access make it easy to tailor your trip to adventure or leisure.

5. Stanley (130 miles | 2.5 hours)

Nestled at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley is a small town with a big alpine personality. Hiking trails range from gentle lakeside walks to challenging peaks, while natural hot springs offer the perfect post-hike soak. Star-filled skies and quiet campgrounds create a magical backdrop for weekend camping or a longer alpine retreat.

6. Sun Valley & Ketchum (155 miles | 3 hours)

Sun Valley is a playground for both culture and outdoor enthusiasts. Galleries, concerts, and boutique shopping coexist with mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Ketchum’s quaint downtown streets are lined with cafés, restaurants, and local shops, making it easy to spend a day exploring before retreating to the mountains.

7. Walla Walla, Washington (250 miles | 4.5 hours)

This charming town is famous for its wineries, historic architecture, and inviting small-town atmosphere. Stroll the streets of downtown Walla Walla, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and plan tastings at award-winning vineyards scattered across rolling hills. With boutique lodging and picturesque vineyards, it’s a perfect weekend getaway.

8. Joseph, Oregon & Wallowa Lake (215 miles | 4.5 hours)

“Little Switzerland” comes alive with its alpine charm and towering peaks. Wallowa Lake provides boating, fishing, and gondola rides to breathtaking vistas, while Joseph’s galleries, studios, and artisan shops offer a creative touch. Trails wind through alpine meadows and forests, and the surrounding mountains make it an ideal escape for both art lovers and outdoor adventurers.

9. Island Park & Henry’s Lake (280 miles | 5 hours)

Island Park is the gateway to Yellowstone’s west entrance, making it a hub for wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking. Henry’s Lake offers serene mornings, stunning sunrises, and quiet evenings by the campfire. With easy access to trails, rivers, and untouched nature, it’s a peaceful retreat that balances adventure with tranquility.

10. Bend, Oregon (315 miles | 6 hours)

Bend blends craft breweries, a lively food scene, and outdoor adventure into a single destination. Float the Deschutes River, hike or bike the trails, and explore the vibrant downtown. Nearby Mt. Bachelor offers alpine recreation year-round, while the surrounding high desert landscapes provide endless photography and exploration opportunities.