Looking for the best day trips from Boise? If so, you’re in for a treat! There’s plenty of things to do in Boise itself, but there are also some amazing day trip options that you can easily access from the city.
In fact, Boise is a great jumping-off point for day trips out to all kinds of destinations – from stunning national forest lands to historic sites and beautiful small towns. There are so many Idaho road trip ideas from Boise that can make excellent day trips!
In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best day trips from Boise. So, get ready to explore!
THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL, A LOCAL IDAHO MOM AND TRAVEL BLOGGER.
10 Day Trips From Boise
Moving To Boise, Idaho or the Treasure Valley?
Download this FREE 50-page relocation guide to Boise and make Boise your new home sweet home. Your ultimate relocation guide awaits!
1. Explore Boise National Forest
With more than 2.5 million acres of wilderness and abundant wildlife, Boise National Forest is a great destination for day-trippers who love to get outdoors.
As you explore the area, you’ll find pristine lakes, meandering rivers, and plenty of hiking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a whitewater rafting trip down the Payette River or Salmon River.
In the Boise National Forest, there are also many camping opportunities. Spend a weekend under the stars camping.
There are over 1.5 million visits to the Boise National Forest per year, with over 5,000 campsites scattered throughout.
2. Discover Snake River Canyon & Shoshone Falls
If you’re looking for adventure, then Snake River Canyon is the place to go. Nestled in Twin Falls, Idaho is the renowned Snake River Canyon.
Spanning an incredible 50 miles long and carved out of ancient volcanic lava and ash, this canyon captivates with its majestic waterfalls, plentiful springs, and breathtaking views.
When visiting the canyon, make sure to take time to explore the Perrine Bridge which is 500 feet high and provides a great spot for paragliding, BASE jumping, and rappelling.
Also, check out the nearby Centennial Waterfront Park which has a 10-mile walking path along the river. Snake River Canyon is located just a fifty-minute drive from Boise and makes for an excellent day trip option.
3. Bruneau Dunes State Park
Located just 64 miles South of Boise, Bruneau Dunes State Park is a perfect spot for day-trippers. This park is home to the largest single-structured sand dunes in North American with the peak at over 470 feet higher than the desert floor.
From the Sand Dunes you can explore the small town of Mountain Home, Idaho or nearby historic mining sites.
At the state park you can enjoy cabin rentals and campsites, or stay in one of the best hotels in Mountain Home.
4. Go Skiing at Bogus Basin
If you’re looking for things to do during winter in Boise, head over to Bogus Basin Mountain Resort. The ski area is located just a 30 minute drive from Boise and a great place to go skiing near Boise.
Established in 1942, this popular winter destination offers 11 chair lifts spread out over 2600 acres of terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier/snowboarder, Bogus Basin has something to offer everyone.
5. Visit Idaho City
Idaho City is a charming, historic gem tucked away in mountains just outside of Boise that served as a prominent destination during the gold rush. Now, it serves as an entrance to explore and experience the enchanting beauty of Sawtooth Mountains.
You can go on a historic self-tour of the town, or enjoy one of the popular Idaho hot springs resorts in town. Situated just a short drive away from Boise, Idaho City is the perfect Boise day trips destination, offering an array of seasonal festivals and events to enjoy all year round.
Some of the historic things Idaho City features are the monuments and buildings related to the mining industry, preserved wooden sidewalks, and plenty of antique stores to explore as well. You can also visit artifacts from Boise Basin Museum and if you’re searching for places to stay in Idaho City, they have several bed and breakfasts to choose from as well as rustic cabins.
6. Craters of the Moon National Monument
Although lesser known, the Craters of the Moon National Monument is worth a visit. Located East of Boise, this desert-like wonderland is home to seven different lava fields, cinder cones, and some of the best star gazing in the state.
The distance from Boise is 170 miles and approximately a 3-hour drive, which makes it a good day trip. What makes it a unique destination is the fact that it has an unusual geography and looks like you’re driving on the Moon.
As you can drive by cinder cones, lava flows, and a variety of other extraterrestrial features that are created by volcanic activities 15,000 and 20,000 years ago. And you can also visit artifacts from Boise Basin Museum.
7. Visit Sun Valley
Located in the Sawtooth Mountains, there are so many fun things to do in Sun Valley. It’s a stunning alpine mountain resort that offers some of the best ski & snowboarding experiences in Idaho, in addition to fun summer activities too.
The resort is just a two-hour drive from Boise, making it an ideal day trip destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. It’s located in the great Idaho town of Ketchum, Idaho, with many restaurants and great places to stay.
From skiing in snow-capped mountains to take in the views of the alpine meadows, Sun Valley is a must-visit place when you’re in Idaho.
8. Idaho Wine Country
Idaho’s wine country is a perfect day trip destination or activity for those who want to experience the unique region. Located in the Snake River Valley, Idaho wine country is home to some of the finest wineries in the Pacific Northwest. From red wines to aromatic whites and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.
Visitors can take a tour of the wineries and explore the abundance of variety of wines. It has over 3,000 feet of elevation, providing some of the best views in the area. The vineyards are surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, making it a picturesque destination to experience.
9. Silver City
Silver City is an untouched haven from the gold rush days, preserved without the onslaught of modernization or destruction by fire. If you want to go back in time and explore the old mining town, Silver City is the perfect day trip destination for you. You can do horseback riding, go gold panning, and explore some of the oldest structures in Idaho.
The historic buildings from the late 19th century are still intact, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like during the times. There are 75 historical structures still standing in the town and visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own.
10. Visit Twin Falls
Ending our list of amazing day trips from Boise is Twin Falls. Located in South Central Idaho, Twin Falls is a gem that offers some of the gorgeous scenery in the state.
Twin Falls is the gateway to a stunning display of Mother Nature’s handiwork. The Snake River Canyon boasts three cascading waterfalls, as well as Perrine Bridge which stretches across above 500 feet!
Year-round BASE jumping make for a great place to watch some crazy jumping, one of the cool things to do in Idaho.
Other Things To Do in Boise, Idaho
There are plenty of other activities to keep you enjoying Boise if you don’t want to take a day trip. Here are some of the things you can do in Boise:
30 Fun Things To Do In Boise With Kids