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This Scenic Road Trip Takes You To 7 Natural Wonders Of Idaho

A scenic road trip through Idaho showcases its breathtaking natural wonders, including waterfalls, hot springs, and unique rock formations.

Published Feb 8, 2023

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Idaho is a land of incredible beauty. In every corner of the state, you will find natural features that are mesmerizing in every way. From remarkable waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, there really are natural wonders that take your breath away. To help you enjoy some of the best natural wonders in Idaho, we created this scenic road trip where every mile is filled with beauty.

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Google Maps

This road trip will take you to just seven natural wonders in Idaho. We recognize these are not the only natural wonders in Idaho that deserve to be on this list but the following made the most sense for this particular trip. On your journey, you will travel approximately 665 miles and it will require at least 13 hours of drive time. You can use this customizable map to help you add even more stops if you desire.

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Mesa Falls, near Ashton

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Gerald Corsi/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Mesa Falls is tucked away deep in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and it is one of our favorite hidden gems in Idaho. This incredible waterfall cascades more than 100 feet into the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Plus, the forest views surrounding the waterfall add even more to the enchantment of the area.

Lava Hot Springs, Lava Hot Springs

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Lava Hot Springs - World Famous Hot Springs/Facebook

Located in southern Idaho, Lava Hot Springs features five separate hot pools that range in temperature from 102 degrees to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, there is a large indoor Aquatic Center and an Olympic Swimming Complex if you want to do more playing than soaking.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

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Volodymyr Matsenko/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is considered one of the best road trip stops in Idaho and it is one destination you will not want to drive by. This natural wonder is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow and you’ll feel like you are on another planet — rather than in Idaho. During a visit, you can hike, camp, or just drive around to view this unique natural wonder in Idaho.

Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls

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Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images

It wouldn’t be a complete natural wonders road trip in Idaho without a stop at Shoshone Falls. This impressive waterfall is 212 feet tall and plunges over a 925-foot-wide cliff. You won’t want to forget a camera at this stop — the views are breathtaking no matter the time of year that you visit.

Balanced Rock, Buhl

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Different_Brian/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Balanced Rock is one destination that certainly deserves some attention. This unique rock formation is one that you want to see in person to truly experience its wonder. At more than 48 feet tall and weighing 40 tons, this rock stands on a pedestal that is only 3 feet by 17 inches. Stop at Balanced Rock Park for a picnic and to take a few pictures of this natural wonder — it’s well worth the visit!

Bruneau Sand Dunes

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Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images

Bruneau Sand Dunes is one stop on this Idaho road trip where you could stay for quite a while. Stop into the visitor center, go sandboarding, tackle a hike, or just enjoy the views. It’s one destination that the entire family will enjoy exploring.

Owyhee River Wilderness Area

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Bureau of Land Management/Flickr

The last stop on our road trip is Owyhee Canyonlands. This area is where you can enjoy peace and stillness. What makes this area so unique is its deep canyons that are carved by the Owyhee, Bruneau, and Jarbidge Rivers. Keep your eyes out for all types of wildlife during your visit, particularly California bighorn sheep.

Are there any other stops you would add to this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Idaho is so Worth Exploring

Melba, Idaho may be small but it has history, nature, and restaurants that are worth visiting.

Published Sep 9, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

If you have been reading my articles for a while now, you know that I love the small towns that dot Idaho. These towns are not only packed with friendly faces and irresistible charm but they are also home to some of the best hidden gems and must-visit attractions. Melba, Idaho is one of these small towns. This town is small — so small that you might blink and miss it. But it’s home to many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping that make it a town in Idaho that’s worth exploring.

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A serene landscape featuring a river reflecting green fields and distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
farmland, Idaho, green, dry, arid, irrigation, river, tree, mountains, houses, reflections, pastoral, grassy, fields, desert,

Tucked away in the Snake River Valley, just a short drive from Boise, lies Melba. This is a farming community where approximately 600 individuals call home.

Melba is known as the “Seed Heart of America” as the farmers here grow a variety of seed crops including onions carrots, corn, alfalfa, and more.

A lush green field under a colorful sky, with irrigation equipment in the foreground and mountains in the distance.
a shot facing south, near the soda wildfire in Idaho. This area is adjacent to the wildfire, and remained intact.

But it is not just the rich agricultural roots that you'll notice as you drive into town, it's also the area's history. This small Idaho town was established in 1912 and over the years has captured the hearts of many.

Melba is a fabulous destination if you wish to spend a little time outdoors. In fact, it is home to one of our favorite Idaho viewpoints — Dedication Point Overlook. Part of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area,  you can take a short 0.5-mile loop trail to capture gorgeous landscape views and see incredible birds in action. It is beautiful here and you’ll certainly want to take your time when you visit.

A scenic view of a winding river surrounded by rocky cliffs and arid landscape under a clear blue sky.
Tess W./AllTrails

You may also want to spend some time at Cleo’s Ferry Museum and Nature Trail where you’ll spot animal sculptures, birdhouses, peacocks, and more. I also recommend Celebration Park, which is the only archaeological park in Idaho.

Celebration Park is home to a collection of petroglyphs as well as hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities. It is also where you will find Guffey Bridge, a historic bridge from the late 1800s. It is now a pedestrian bridge that is truly spectacular.

A metal bridge spans a valley, with wooden planks and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Historic Guffey Bridge

Of course, when hunger strikes on your adventures in this small Idaho town, there are plenty of fabulous places to eat including Buck’s Saloon and Steakhouse, Tacos El Centro, cook’s Two Hold Bar and Grill, and Extreme Pizza. There’s something for every craving.

Melba, Idaho may be small but it’s packed with all types of adventures and you never know what you will find here. It’s a town that is certainly worth exploring.

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For more information on this small town in Idaho, visit Melba, Idaho’s official website.

Have you ever visited Melba? What did you think of this small town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Melba? Let us know. And if your visit to Melba is part of a road trip, make sure to pack some of our favorite car-friendly snacks for the journey. You won’t regret it!

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Trip Ideas

Our 5 Favorite College Towns in Idaho are Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

There's no place quite like Idaho's college towns and these five destinations make for the perfect weekend away.

Published Sep 3, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

When you are searching for your next getaway destination, are you like me and head to the lakes and mountains around Idaho? While these are incredible places for some time away, I have another favorite place to explore — Idaho’s college towns. I have lived in several of these towns and there is no place quite like them. These destinations are always full of events and activities, fabulous eateries, and plenty of attractions. They truly make for the perfect weekend getaway. The following are five of my favorite college towns in Idaho when you need some time away.

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1. Moscow, University of Idaho

Aerial view of a university campus surrounded by green hills and trees, with buildings and sports fields visible.
Moscow, Idaho, United States

I shouldn’t pick favorites, but Moscow is my favorite college town in Idaho. Located in the Palouse, this small town in northern Idaho is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. Moscow is a town that is centered around the University of Idaho — there are always activities to enjoy. I also recommend you spend some time at the U of I Arboretum and Botanical Garden, walk along the Latah Trail, learn at the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center, and play a game of Bocce in East City Park — there is so much to do here.

2. Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College

A panoramic view of rolling hills and a river winding through a valley under a partly cloudy sky.
Town of Lewiston, Idaho

This town is unique as the Port of Lewiston is the most inland seaport on the West Coast. And while it is fun to drive around and enjoy the river views, Lewiston is also home to the breathtaking Hells Gate State Park and Lindsay Creek Vineyards. I love visiting Lewiston around the holidays as Locomotive Park is lit with thousands of twinkling lights.

3. Twin Falls, College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls is not only home to the College of Southern Idaho but also incredible destinations that attract people from around the country. Of course, the most popular and well-known attractions in this city are Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon. However, there are also many other destinations we love such as Orton Botanical Garden, the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center, and Perrine Coulee Falls. 

4. Pocatello, Idaho State University

A vibrant sunset over rolling hills and a green valley, with scattered trees and buildings in the foreground.
Pocatello City Sunrise Skyline Landscape over the Red Hill Observation Deck: The Beauty of the City of Gate in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, USA

If you are looking for a weekend getaway with the entire family, Pocatello is an excellent option. This college town features unique and bucket-list-worthy attractions like the Museum of Clean, Zoo Idaho, and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. If you want to spend some time outdoors, hike or bike along the Pocatello City Creek Trail System. This area is particularly stunning during the autumn when fall foliage has reached its peak.

5. Rexburg, Brigham Young University – Idaho

If you are looking for a college town with a lot of small-town charm, Rexburg is it. This town has several locally-owned shops and eateries that are worthy of a visit and the city parks are full of grassy areas, playgrounds, and more. When visiting, I recommend you take a short drive outside of town to explore Yellowstone Bear World or Yellowstone Safari Park, both drive-thru wildlife attractions. One of my favorite places to explore and spend a few quiet moments is the BYU-Idaho Gardens, also known as the Thomas E. Ricks Horticulture Gardens, where you’ll find hundreds of different types of plants and beautiful landscape features.

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What is your favorite college town in Idaho? Did you attend any of the colleges or universities on our list? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

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