If the thought of cruising through Idaho’s winding scenic byways, discovering hidden hot springs, and waking up to misty mountain mornings gets your heart racing—but the planning part gives you a headache—you’re not alone. Road trips should be about freedom, not figuring out where to sleep or what route won’t leave you hangry and lost in the woods.
We’ve got your back. At Scenic Stay, planning the ultimate Idaho road trip is kind of our thing. Whether you’re craving starry skies in the Sawtooths, remote lakeside cabins, or cozy campsites near secret swimming holes, this guide will help you hit the road without the usual chaos.
🗺️ Step 1: Pick a General Route (And Let It Flex)
Idaho is surprisingly big and full of diverse terrain—from high desert plateaus to lush forests and glacier-carved lakes. You don’t need to plan every minute, but start with a loop or direction that fits your vibe. Here are a few popular options:
- The Southern Loop: Twin Falls → Sun Valley → Craters of the Moon → Boise
- The Northern Wilds: Coeur d’Alene → Sandpoint → Priest Lake → Moscow
- The Hot Springs Highway: Boise → Stanley → Salmon → McCall → Cascade
Not sure which loop is right for you? We can help map it out with an itinerary that matches your travel style (adventurous, relaxed, Instagram-driven—you name it).
🏕️ Step 2: Lock Down Unique Places to Stay
Hotels are fine, but Idaho is full of better options. Think lakeside cabins, riverside yurts, tiny homes tucked in the trees, and tent-friendly campsites near epic trails. That’s where our Scenic Stay Listings come in.
We’ve gathered Idaho’s most charming stays in one spot—organized by region and vibe—so you can stop doom-scrolling booking sites and just click.
🛏️ Bonus Tip: Book your most remote or high-demand stays first. Things like Stanley cabins or campsites near Redfish Lake go fast in summer!
🌄 Step 3: Sprinkle in Can’t-Miss Stops
This is where the magic happens—those off-the-beaten-path stops that make a road trip. From soaking in a wild hot spring to catching the sunset over Snake River Canyon, we’ve got a few must-dos:
- Soak at Goldbug Hot Springs (but go early!)
- Hike Lakeside Trail at Redfish Lake
- Check out Mesa Falls on the way to Island Park
- Walk the Boise River Greenbelt if passing through the city
- Grab a fresh huckleberry milkshake—anywhere you can
Need more? Our Itinerary Planning Service helps you layer in the fun stuff between your stays.
🛒 Step 4: Pack Smart (Not Stressfully)
Let’s not overdo it. Here’s the Scenic Stay checklist for a road trip-ready vehicle:
- Cooler with drinks/snacks (gas station food gets old fast)
- First aid kit, headlamp, and a paper map (cell service is…iffy in spots)
- Camp chairs & a cozy blanket
- Layers—Idaho mornings are chilly even in July
- Your favorite playlist (downloaded!)
Don’t forget your camera. Or journal. Or your weird road trip snacks tradition. This is your adventure, after all.
🌲 Step 5: Keep It Chill
Some of the best moments on the road aren’t planned—pulling over at a viewpoint, wandering into a small-town farmer’s market, or finding a swimming hole you didn’t even know existed.
So yes, plan the essentials. But also leave space for detours, naps in hammocks, and saying “yes” to local suggestions from folks you meet along the way.
Let Scenic Stay Make It Easy
We built Scenic Stay to take the hassle out of trip planning. From curated stays to personalized itineraries, we’re here to help you enjoy more mountains and fewer spreadsheets.
✨ Check out our Listings to find your next cabin, campsite, or tiny retreat.
✨ Or, if you want us to do the heavy lifting, try our Itinerary Planner—just tell us your vibe, and we’ll send back a stress-free game plan.
Adventure is waiting. Let’s make it easy.
