We don’t care what anyone else says, Idaho is the most beautiful state in the country. From tall majestic mountains to lakes and winding rivers and even beautiful cities, the Gem State is breathtaking. To fully bask in the beauty of the Gem State, we thought it would be fun to visit some of the best scenic overlooks in Idaho on a road trip. You’ll travel to several overlooks and viewpoints from the southern part of the state to the north. This is one picturesque road trip where packing your camera is an absolute must.
Our scenic overlook road trip in Idaho is just under 12 hours of drive time. You will travel more than 525 miles and will explore most of the Gem State. Don’t rush at each stop and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy each and every viewpoint. To help you plan your trip, you can use this interactive map.
1. Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
Stop at Shoshone Falls Park to enjoy multiple viewpoints of the most magnificent waterfalls in Idaho. In fact, Shoshone Falls is often referred to as the Niagara of the West and is actually taller than the famous Niagara Falls back east. Shoshone Falls is a remarkable 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide.
2. Bruneau Canyon Overlook, Bruneau
Bruneau Canyon Overlook is one of our favorite stops on this road trip. You will receive the most spectacular view of Bruneau Canyon and the Bruneau River. Fun fact: the opposite rim is more than 1,300 feet away from you!
3. Table Rock, Boise
To enjoy some of the most beautiful views of our capital city, Table Rock is an excellent place to go. However, it will require some effort to get there. You must hike on a 3.7-mile trail that is located along the Boise foothills. This is one of the more popular hikes in the area so watch out for other hikers along your way.
4. Dedication Point, Melba
Dedication Point is located on the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in Melba. During your visit, you will enjoy stunning views of a rugged canyon and the winding Snake River that is 400 feet below. Keep your eyes open for birds of prey as this area is home to one of the greatest concentrations of nesting raptors in America.
5. Osprey Cliff Overlook, McCall
Osprey Cliff Overlook is a short drive north of Ponderosa State Park and the mountain town of McCall and gives you enchanting views of Payette Lake. From the parking lot, there is a short walk to the overlook. Once you arrive, we recommend sitting back and basking in the beauty of the area. You don’t want to rush your time spent at this scenic overlook in Idaho.
6. Pittsburg Saddle Viewpoint, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Pittsburg Saddle Viewpoint is located right along the edge of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area near White Bird. From this viewpoint, you’ll experience breathtaking views of Hells Canyon and the Snake River. This viewpoint is also near the Pittsburg Campground if you want to relax and spend the night on your road trip.
7. Confluence Overlook, Lewiston
Confluence Overlook is our last stop on this photo-worthy road trip in Idaho. This overlook is located on U.S. 95 approximately eight miles north of Lewiston. On a clear day, you can see miles away and many features like the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Bitterroot and Wallowa Mountains, and Hells Canyon are visible. This is one of our favorite views in all of Idaho.
Are there any scenic overlooks in Idaho that you'd add to this road trip? If so, let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
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