We’re sharing a weekend itinerary just like the locals might take. You’ll need a car for this one, and be sure to plan ahead and grab any gear you might need beforehand!

Up to Banks

Start your journey north from Boise on Highway 55. Stop off in Horseshoe Bend for a hearty meal at Locking Horns, a huckleberry shake at Huckle and Sage if you’re still hungry, and a slice of homemade pie down at Volcanic Farms. This is also the perfect spot to gas up for the road ahead.

As you continue, take in the Payette River’s rushing waters and ever-changing leaves. There are places to pull off to the side and grab a photo. The scenery is a postcard for the great outdoors.

Over to Garden Valley

A short detour off Highway 55, Lazy R Ranch offers guided horseback rides through the forested hillsides. Prefer to stretch your legs instead? Continue five minutes past Garden Valley, and take a walk along the Station Creek Trail.

Before you’re settled in town, stop by the Dirty Shame Saloon for live music and a game of shuffleboard. When you’re ready to wind down, check in at Walk on the Wild Side Bed and Breakfast and step outside to enjoy the setting sun behind the mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even hear an elk bugle echoing across the valley.

Local’s Tip: Nights in Garden Valley get chilly in the fall. Pack layers, even if the days are warm.

Down to Idaho City

The next morning, fuel up at the Mud Room Coffee House before hitting the road again. Your route will take you along the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, an hour-long drive filled with pullouts for canyon views and wildlife spotting. In fall, the hillsides glow with yellow and red leaves, and animals come out earlier thanks to shorter days. Just remember: cell service is limited, so download maps before you go.

Arriving in Idaho City feels like stepping into the Old West. At its peak during the Gold Rush, the town had more than 7,000 residents. Today, it’s closer to 500. The Idaho City Historical Foundation operates three excellent museums covering the Boise Basin’s mining boom, Chinese immigrant history, and wildfires. For even more colorful stories, schedule a walking tour with Simply Fun Historic Tours.

Hungry? Trudy’s Kitchen is the place to be. Try the Huckleberry Bacon Blue Burger, then finish with their famous Huckleberry Cheesecake. It doesn’t take long to realize why so many Idahoans take the drive to Trudy’s!

Want to extend your stay? Book a night at The Gold Mine Hotel. Originally built in the 1860s, this thoughtfully restored hotel is the perfect mountain getaway. Stay in the historic hotel or in one of the rustic but modern cabins. Either way, the Grill & Saloon is just 20 steps away. Kick back by the campfire with a local brew on the patio. Local bands play live music all weekend long!

Back to Boise

As fun as the big city can be, it pays to get out into nature every now and again. Southwest Idaho is one of the few places where you can do just that — close to civilization, wilderness at your doorstep.

Come and see why they say Southwest Idaho is Still Wild.