With Idaho’s diverse landscape and seemingly endless miles of back-country roads, it's no surprise to learn that just about any road trip you take in our gorgeous panhandled state is going to make for an incredible trip (and require a somewhat lengthy trek). These wild and unique excursions throughout the Gem State will lead you to some of the most unforgettable and historic places in our slice of paradise. Of course, because of the amount of drive time, it might be wise to break each of them up with an overnight stay or two so that you can fully enjoy the stunning beauty around you, and take advantage of all of the hidden gems you're sure to discover.

1. Travel the Magruder Corridor

Historic, remote, and beautifully back-country, this rugged corridor crosses not only the wilderness mountains of Idaho, but cuts through a few sleepy, quiet towns as well. You'll find yourself overlooking the glory Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in a relatively unexplored portion of Idaho near the Montana border.

2. Take a Fall Foliage Road Trip

The east coast gets all of the glory when it comes to fabulous fall colors, but Idaho knows how to rock the rich hues of autumn just as vibrantly if you know where to look. While a fall road trip isn't exactly a year-round possibility, this is one spectacular, photo-worthy, and family-friendly trip to look forward to until it the seasons change a few more times. And while you're up in Idaho's Panhandle... be sure to check out the town of Wallace or take a ride on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes for even more spectacular colors!

3. Explore the International Selkirk Loop

Rated one of the Top 10 most scenic drives in the Northwest and the only multi-state, multi-country road trip in the US. Multiple scenic byways, some of the most picturesque mountain views in the state, and plenty of waterfront beauty makes this road trip one you'll never forget.

4. Sightsee at Idaho's Greatest Natural Wonders

From towering waterfalls to the deepest river canyon in the country, Idaho is full of spectacular sights--far too many to weave into one road trip! We've done our best to hit some of the highlights in this cross-Idaho trip. Add in a few detours and photo ops along the way and you have the perfect spring vacation!

5. Take the Road to Nowhere

We've all thought at one time or another that we live "in the middle of nowhere." This unique road trip actually takes you into nowhere, and it's an experience you'll never forget.

6. Brave One of Idaho's Most Haunted Road Trips

Idaho isn't known for its widespread paranormal activity, but these places have gained quite a reputation for spooky happenings. For even more haunted goodness, check out our additional stops here and here.

7. Take a Top-Rated National Geographic Road Trip

When National Geographic set out to name the 500 best road trips of all time, naturally, a journey through Idaho had to make the list. This easy "culture" trip is deigned to take travelers through the "heart" of Idaho--from Boise to Sun Valley.

8. The Southern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip

There's nothing southern Idahoans love more than surprising friends and family with all of the rich and unexpected beauty that the Snake River Canyon and surrounding desert landscape has to offer. Few people realize just how blessed the lower half of the state is with glorious waterfalls, some of which can only be hiked to. Pay close attention to the details on this one, because there are dozens more gorgeous cascades to see that can't be mapped!

9. The Eastern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip

Short and sweet but worth every mile, on this road trip to some of Eastern Idaho's best falls, you'll have the opportunity to see Idaho from a whole new perspective... literally.

10. Explore the Historic Mullan Road

This scenic journey through Northern Idaho meanders across a fantastic landscape that was once thought to be impenetrable by all except one man: John Mullan. While the original road remains a great mystery that stretches far beyond Idaho's borders, portions of the road can be followed along I-90 and its outskirts, creating a fantastic and rugged journey across the Panhandle that offers plenty of insight into Idaho's history.

11. The Central Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip

In Central Idaho's rugged, mountainous wilderness, literally dozens of waterfalls of every size are tucked away in the hidden recesses of the landscape. While our most grueling road trip in terms of stamina, this challenging trip is only the starting point to what you'll find once you begin exploring outside the map.

12. The Northern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip

Idaho's Panhandle is a truly magical land that boasts endless rivers, lakes, and waterfalls tucked within its woodsy depths. With so much natural beauty, this is our longest and most expansive trip yet. Determined waterfall-hoppers will be rewarded with some towering cascades that are truly inspiring, however.

13. Get Lost in Idaho's Tunnel of Trees

Winding through McCroskey State Park, one of our state's most overlooked state parks, is a unique tunnel of trees that is the very definition of peaceful. Perfectly idyllic year-round, this is one of the best weekend drives to get a beautiful, uncrowded view of the Palouse, or to turn into an extended camping vacation.

Planning your next Idaho adventure can be challenging, and these unique Idaho road trips are just the start of everything you'll find to see and do here. Stay tuned as we round up even more!

If you've ever taken any of these trips or have your own ideas and memories to share, please do. And don't forget to tag those photos as well!

Next, settle in for a staycation! Idaho is chock full of lake beaches, and this one near McCall is the perfect spot to kick back and relax.