15 Fun Things to Do in Southern Idaho
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Southern Idaho is a diverse area of the state home to plenty of beautiful parks, scenic drives, and great cultural attractions to explore. Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Rexburg, the major cities in the region, offer numerous opportunities for entertainment and outdoor recreation. Each of these cities is a great base destination for exploring natural wonders in the area. Living in the area for the past year, I had the opportunity to explore a number of beautiful natural wonders.
This was the best part about living in Idaho Falls; every weekend I had a new exciting roadtrip to look forward to. I had the opportunity to explore so many wonderful places that I might not of know about otherwise. I can say that the national recreation here is really underrated and I recommend a vacation if you are into hiking, national parks, biking, and/or wildlife watching.
If you find yourself vacationing or traveling through this region of the state, take a look at a few of my top recommended activities. In my guide, you will find America’s most iconic national park, several incredible hidden gem waterfalls, the state’s most gorgeous urban bike path, and even a few cultural attractions.
1. Take a scenic drive through Yellowstone National Park
Although most of Yellowstone lies in Wyoming, small sections of the park reside in both Montana and Idaho. Yellowstone is not only America’s First National Park, it is also one of the most gorgeous. Park highlights include beautiful hiking trails, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities (you will see more bison here than anywhere else in the US!), geysers (Old Faithful is the most predictable) and waterfalls.
We found via the visitor center that the 140 mile Grand Loop is the best way to cover all of the park’s main attractions in a single day. Plan for a full day of exploration as the drive is about 7 hours long. Yes, it’s exhausting and also totally worth it!
Idaho Falls, known as the “Gateway to Yellowstone,” is the closest city to a park entrance (approximately 2 hours), and hence, an excellent base to consider when planning your vacation. Tip: A drive through the park during the late spring/early summer months is a must (crowds and traffic will be lower). This is also the best time to see a bear as they come out of hibernation! Sadly, I’ve seen no bears up close, but I have seen lots of bison, elk, and even a wolf.
Read more about my various experiences driving through the park.
2. Drive the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
Idaho’s Targhee National Forest is home to 2 spectacular waterfalls: Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. To get to the falls, you take the equally gorgeous Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, a 28 mile route featuring grand views of forests, streams, and mountains (The Grand Tetons overlook is amazing).
The drive technically only takes about an hour, however, you will want to plan at least a few hours for photography, a picnic lunch, and a visit to the Falls gift shop. It’s not uncommon for cows to back up traffic was well! This was a pretty sight to me as someone who grew up on the southside of Chicago.
The Upper Falls, surrounded by beautiful pine forests and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, are particularly stunning at a height of 114 feet. There is a nice short little boardwalk where you can take some pretty pics via several observation decks. Tip: Take a side trip to Mesa Falls on your way to Yellowstone. It doesn’t add much extra time and the views are well worth the short detour!
3. Bike or walk the Boise Greenbelt
I love biking – it’s great exercise that doesn’t feel like much exercise to me. It’s a great way to stay active even while on vacation. Fortunately, today we have many great biking paths in cities across the country. One of my favorite urban bike paths I’ve come across in recent years is the 29 mile long Boise River Greenbelt. A friend who has lived in the city for a while told me about it and I have to say I was impressed.
This extraordinary path features gorgeous views of the river and passes by many of the city’s top attractions. Along the way, I recommend stops at the Boise Zoo, the Anne Frank memorial, and Julia Davis Park. It’s easily one of the cleanest & most well-maintained multi use paths in the state.
Early morning is the best time for a ride, jog, or long walk, due to the reduced traffic and ample deer sightings.
Tip: Wear a hydration backpack – it’s important to stay hydrated in a dry desert climate. This handy water backpack will keep you covered the whole way without needing to stop constantly to refill water.
4. Enjoy a cross country skiing adventure at Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park offers a serene wilderness setting within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (the park is located about 30 miles from the West Yellowstone, MT park entrance). Fly fishing is popular in the summer months due to the presence of Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, one of the top rated fly fishing streams in the US. In addition to fishing, you will find 20+ miles of scenic trails, open year-round for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.
Winter is the premier time to visit with 25+ miles of breathtaking groomed cross country and snowshoe trails to take advantage of. My first skiing adventure ever took place at this gorgeous park and I’ve continued on with at last one session each winter season. As a minor inconvenience, they don’t rent any equipment here. Caldera Tours in Island Park offer day equipment rentals.
This park is ideal for beginners due to the variety of novice trails. Intermediate and advanced trails are also available. Snowshoeing is a real blast and a real workout too! It’s a great alternative to cross country skiing for those who are new to winter recreation. Although easier for newbies, it’s still a monster workout! Bring with your own pair of snowshoes if possible – although the upfront cost is higher, you will save a lot of money on rentals if you plan on making snowshoeing a regular winter pastime.
Tip: Check the Harriman website for trail conditions before heading out.
5. Take in the beauty of Shoshone Falls
In Twin Falls lies a beautiful 212 foot tall waterfall that is actually taller than Niagara Falls. Shoshone Falls, located on the beautiful Snake River, is often called the “Niagara of the West.” The view is outstanding, especially during the spring season after the winter snow melt. I was so impressed with the shear volume – really an impressive sight to see in person. Note – no more than a light walk is required to see this gem. Also, there are many scenic picnicking area so skip the chains and pack a picnic lunch!
Tip: Plan a visit during the spring months when water flow is highest. Note that a $5 vehicle fee is in effect from March 1st-September 30th.
