Fun In The Sun Guide

Summer in Idaho is all about getting outside. The fun starts the minute you step out your door. 

Playing in the Sun!

Whether you are looking for an idyllic camping spot in the mountains or your next big adventure in the desert,  Southwest Idaho delivers. Read on for a few of our favorite can’t-miss activities!

Hell’s Canyon

Follow the Snake River into Hell’s Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. The dramatic basalt rock formations, abundant wildlife, and perfect rapids make Hell’s Canyon a popular spot for backpacking, fishing, and whitewater fun. Several companies offer jet boat rides, rafting adventures and fishing charters you’ll never forget (check out our Whitewater Guide for the best rafting in Southwest Idaho).

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Summer Road Trips

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• Mountain River Outfitters
  Escape into the Idaho Wilderness on a premier river trip with Mountain River Outfitters.

Locals Tip:

Try exploring the miles of trails in Hell’s Canyon during the early spring. Temps are often already warm during the day, and you’ll probably get the place to yourself.

Desert & Dunes

Stretching from Bruneau Dunes to Three Island Crossing, you will find the most spectacular hikes, rivers, biking and ATVing. Or rent a sand board and surf the dunes!

• Bruneau Dunes State Park
  Fishing, boating, picnic area, birding, hiking, horseback riding, star gazing, dune skiing/sledding.
• Three Island Crossing State Park
  Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife, wildflower viewing, disc golf, picnic area.

McCall Central Mountains

With the snow off the slopes, McCall becomes a great destination for a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking. Biking. Boating. Fishing. Kayaking. Camping. And all within a quick drive of one of the top mountain towns in the West.

• Brundage Mountain
  Brundage has several mountain biking trails with various levels of terrain that cater to both first-timers and experienced bikers. The lift service will drop you off at BlueBird Quad, which leads to a 20-mile downhill cruise through the wilderness.
  
• Jug Mountain Ranch
  Guest Ranch, restaurant, golfing, cabins, mountain biking and more.
• Payette Lake
  Camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, volleyball, horsehoes, swimming, fishing, boating.
  
• Cascade Lake
  Camping, picnic area, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, ATV.
  

Boise Metro Area

Live like a local and enjoy the miles of easy-access trails, nature reserves and water activities all summer long. (Check out our Food & Wine Guide for the best dining spots in the Boise area.)

• Boise Foothills
  Nearly 200 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails in the foothills surrounding Boise.
  Hiking, mountain biking, scenic views.
• Boise Greenbelt
  The Boise Greenbelt is a 20-mile urban trail that follows the Boise River, providing the perfect way to see the city by foot or by bike. You’ll discover plenty of great stops along the way, including breweries, restaurants, and concert venues. Bike rentals are available at many locations.
  Walking, biking, swimming, tubing, parks, downtown Boise.
• Bogus Basin
  Sitting just 30 minutes outside of downtown Boise, Bogus has some of the best mountain biking trails in all of Idaho.
  Hiking, mountain biking.
• Quinn’s Pond (and Boise Whitewater Park)
  Incredible SUPing opportunity right in the middle of town. For the more adventurous, try urban river surfing in a kayak or on a board.
  SUPing, surfing, kayaking.
• Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
  Start your visit to Deer Flat at the Refuge Visitor Center. Grab a refuge brochure, view wildlife from the observation room, enjoy hands-on activities in KidSpace, or learn from interpretive displays.
  Hiking, boating, swimming, birding.