Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Idaho

Idaho Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Idaho.

By Updated

This guide covers 10+ hiking trails in Idaho — Sawtooth Lake Trail, Table Rock Trail and Snowyside Peak via Alice-Toxaway Loop top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Idaho is a landlocked state in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regions of the United States, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the Snake River Plain to the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. Home to Boise — a vibrant, fast-growing city — Idaho offers world-class whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, skiing at Sun Valley, and some of America's deepest river gorges. Potato farms, craft breweries, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene round out a destination that rewards curious travelers willing to venture off the beaten path.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Sawtooth Lake Trail

    9.4 miles round trip5–7 hours1,765 ft gain; peak elevation 9,420 ft

  2. 2

    Table Rock Trail

    4.4 miles round trip2–3 hours1,025 ft gain; summit 3,652 ft

  3. 3

    Snowyside Peak via Alice-Toxaway Loop

    18.5 miles (full loop)2–3 days backpacking or very strenuous 1-day3,200 ft gain; summit 10,651 ft

  4. 4

    Seven Devils Loop

    27 miles (full loop)3–4 days5,800 ft gain; peak elevation 9,393 ft

  5. 5

    Bruneau Canyon Overlook Trail

    0.5 miles round trip30–60 minutesMinimal

  6. 6

    Camas Creek Meadows Trail

    6 miles round trip3–4 hours400 ft gain

  7. 7

    Wilderness Trail System, Craters of the Moon

    Various trails 0.5–12 miles2–6 hoursMinimal (lava field terrain)

  8. 8

    Scotchman Peak

    10.6 miles round trip6–8 hours3,860 ft gain; summit 7,009 ft

  9. 9

    Elk Meadow Trail, Bogus Basin

    3.5 miles round trip2–3 hours700 ft gain; start at 6,100 ft

  10. 10

    Gold Fork Hot Springs Hike

    1 mile round trip30 minutes hiking; soak time additional200 ft gain

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

Related topics