Idahoans may be known for their stamina, natural climbing, and navigational abilities, and even have an unrivaled passion for the great outdoors, but when it comes to immersing oneself in nature, the hike to get there doesn’t always have to be long and strenuous. There are literally thousands of trails across the Gem State that are mere minutes from main cities or require just a short trek through the wilderness to get somewhere absolutely incredible, scenic, remote, or photo-worthy. For a perfect adventure no matter the season, check out some of the best hikes in Idaho that are under 5 miles, round-trip.
- City of Rocks
Wallace Keck/Wikimedia Commons Idaho’s City of Rocks is an expansive geologic paradise with scenic trails crisscrossing and winding over, under, and around magnificent rock formations found nowhere else. There are over 22 miles of trails for every ability, ranging from the kid-friendly Bath Rock Trail to the 5-mile Castle Rocks Trail. City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID 83312, USA
- Marsh Creek Trail
Seth Lemmens/Flickr This easy trail is a perfect adventure through the heart of Idaho’s wilderness without the excruciating climbs. Just beyond Lolo Creek Campground, this diverse hike follows Marsh Creek – one of the two main tributary streams that form the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. You’ll cross a scenic bridge and have multiple opportunities to see the landscape of trees and meandering streams open up into lush mountain valleys. Salmon–Challis National Forest, Shoup, ID 83469, USA
- Mineral Ridge
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Hiking the popular 3.3-mile Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail is an awesome and educational trek along the mesmerizing shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Wildlife viewing is incredible in this area, and the shady, well-maintained trail (the first one to be established by the BLM) is nothing if not perfect. Coeur d’Alene, ID, USA
- Roosevelt Ancient Cedars Loop
Martin Lopatka/Flickr Approximately 13 miles north of Nordman and near Priest Lake, the trees in this special forest are up to 12-feet in diameter and 150-feet tall. There is a short trail that leads to the base of Lower Granite Falls, as well as cascading tiers along the river. A 1.5-mile trail from the lower grove leads to the falls and the upper forest. You can learn more about this area on Idaho’s Department of Commerce - Tourism website. Nordman, ID 83848, USA
- Silver Creek Preserve
Silver Creek Preserve/Facebook For an easy “hike” through a true Idaho treasure, this practically flat trail starts just below the visitor center and meanders through tall, marshy grass, lush trees, and along Silver Creek. The views are as incredible as they are filled with wildlife. While the trail itself is longer than 5 miles, it’s easy to turn around at any point to head back, rest, or refuel. Visit the Silver Creek Preserve’s website to learn more about this scenic area in Idaho. Silver Creek Preserve, 165 Kilpatrick Bridge Rd, Bellevue, ID 83313, USA
- Adam’s Gulch
Todd Burt/AllTrails On the north side of Ketchum, this popular trail has multiple options depending on how energetic you’re feeling. For a desert wildflower climb that will take you slightly over 5 miles, the Adams Gulch Loop is a fantastic dog-friendly trail. You can also take the Sunnyside Trail and pair it with Lane’s Trail, which climbs to an overlook with awesome views of the Pioneer Mountains. Adam’s Gulch trailhead, NF-141, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
- Draper Wood River Preserve
Wood River Land Trust A beautiful boardwalk and nature trail along the Big Wood River, the Draper Preserve is a scenic wetland viewing area that boasts colorful foliage in all seasons. This trail also involves crossing the artistically designed Bow Bridge. 119 E Bullion St, Hailey, ID 83333, USA
- Table Rock
Megan Peterson/AllTrails This quintessential hike in Idaho’s capital city is a must-do for every Idahoan — if only to see the capital from a new perspective. Boise’s foothills are surprisingly beautiful in contrast to the lights of downtown, and while the area was recently scorched by a brush fire, the expansive view is still stunning. Multiple trails lead to the same spot to ensure the journey is accessible to everyone. This is not only one of our favorite hikes, but it is also one of the best hikes in Idaho. You can learn more about this hiking trail in our feature article. Table Rock, Boise, ID 83712, USA
- Fourth of July Lake
Roy Luck/Flickr In the Sawtooths’ picturesque White Cloud Mountains, take the hike to Fourth of July Lake. The trail starts in the forest and Fourth of July Lake is just a short jaunt down the trail, bordered by a scenic meadow and breathtaking views. For an extra challenge, keep climbing the trail to Washington Lake, which will add another 3 miles or so to your journey. To learn about the full hike, which is more than five miles, visit the AllTrails website. Fourth of July Lake, Idaho 83278, USA
Even as the seasons change, these awesome hikes are short, easy, and perfect for all age levels. Which one will you try first? What do you think are the best hikes in Idaho? Let us know in the comments!
Wallace Keck/Wikimedia Commons
Idaho’s City of Rocks is an expansive geologic paradise with scenic trails crisscrossing and winding over, under, and around magnificent rock formations found nowhere else. There are over 22 miles of trails for every ability, ranging from the kid-friendly Bath Rock Trail to the 5-mile Castle Rocks Trail.
City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID 83312, USA
Seth Lemmens/Flickr
This easy trail is a perfect adventure through the heart of Idaho’s wilderness without the excruciating climbs. Just beyond Lolo Creek Campground, this diverse hike follows Marsh Creek – one of the two main tributary streams that form the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. You’ll cross a scenic bridge and have multiple opportunities to see the landscape of trees and meandering streams open up into lush mountain valleys.
Salmon–Challis National Forest, Shoup, ID 83469, USA
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Hiking the popular 3.3-mile Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail is an awesome and educational trek along the mesmerizing shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Wildlife viewing is incredible in this area, and the shady, well-maintained trail (the first one to be established by the BLM) is nothing if not perfect.
Coeur d’Alene, ID, USA
Martin Lopatka/Flickr
Approximately 13 miles north of Nordman and near Priest Lake, the trees in this special forest are up to 12-feet in diameter and 150-feet tall. There is a short trail that leads to the base of Lower Granite Falls, as well as cascading tiers along the river. A 1.5-mile trail from the lower grove leads to the falls and the upper forest. You can learn more about this area on Idaho’s Department of Commerce - Tourism website.
Nordman, ID 83848, USA
Silver Creek Preserve/Facebook
For an easy “hike” through a true Idaho treasure, this practically flat trail starts just below the visitor center and meanders through tall, marshy grass, lush trees, and along Silver Creek. The views are as incredible as they are filled with wildlife. While the trail itself is longer than 5 miles, it’s easy to turn around at any point to head back, rest, or refuel. Visit the Silver Creek Preserve’s website to learn more about this scenic area in Idaho.
Silver Creek Preserve, 165 Kilpatrick Bridge Rd, Bellevue, ID 83313, USA
Todd Burt/AllTrails
On the north side of Ketchum, this popular trail has multiple options depending on how energetic you’re feeling. For a desert wildflower climb that will take you slightly over 5 miles, the Adams Gulch Loop is a fantastic dog-friendly trail. You can also take the Sunnyside Trail and pair it with Lane’s Trail, which climbs to an overlook with awesome views of the Pioneer Mountains.
Adam’s Gulch trailhead, NF-141, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
Wood River Land Trust
A beautiful boardwalk and nature trail along the Big Wood River, the Draper Preserve is a scenic wetland viewing area that boasts colorful foliage in all seasons. This trail also involves crossing the artistically designed Bow Bridge.
119 E Bullion St, Hailey, ID 83333, USA
Megan Peterson/AllTrails
This quintessential hike in Idaho’s capital city is a must-do for every Idahoan — if only to see the capital from a new perspective. Boise’s foothills are surprisingly beautiful in contrast to the lights of downtown, and while the area was recently scorched by a brush fire, the expansive view is still stunning. Multiple trails lead to the same spot to ensure the journey is accessible to everyone. This is not only one of our favorite hikes, but it is also one of the best hikes in Idaho. You can learn more about this hiking trail in our feature article.
Table Rock, Boise, ID 83712, USA
Roy Luck/Flickr
In the Sawtooths’ picturesque White Cloud Mountains, take the hike to Fourth of July Lake. The trail starts in the forest and Fourth of July Lake is just a short jaunt down the trail, bordered by a scenic meadow and breathtaking views. For an extra challenge, keep climbing the trail to Washington Lake, which will add another 3 miles or so to your journey. To learn about the full hike, which is more than five miles, visit the AllTrails website.
Fourth of July Lake, Idaho 83278, USA
For more of the best hikes in Idaho, check out this unique nature trail and museum, this fantastic historical hike in Wallace, or this stunning hidden lake in southern Idaho.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Idaho April 07, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some kid-friendly hikes around Idaho? All over the Gem State, you will find incredible hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Some of our favorite hikes are short, easy, and kid-friendly. One of the best kid-friendly hikes around Idaho is the hike to Revett Lake. This hiking trail is only three miles and the lake views at the end are the perfect reward for all of your effort. For a hike that is short but also scenic, check out the Jump Creek Trail. This hiking trail is only 0.5-miles and it is an out-and-back trail. However, there is little elevation gain and the waterfall at the end is gorgeous. Bring a swimsuit or an extra pair of clothes as this becomes a popular swimming hole in the summer months. Just be aware that this is a popular hiking trail in Idaho and it is a little hard to find quiet and solitude on this adventure. The Cress Creek Trail is another must-visit scenic hike in southeastern Idaho. This trail is located near Ririe and is a 1.3-mile loop trail. The majority of this trail is paved, making it stroller and wheelchair friendly. You’ll capture gorgeous views of the surrounding area and find yourself basked in natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon with your entire family.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Idaho
April 07, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Idaho? All over the Gem State, you will find incredible hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Some of our favorite hikes are short, easy, and kid-friendly. One of the best kid-friendly hikes around Idaho is the hike to Revett Lake. This hiking trail is only three miles and the lake views at the end are the perfect reward for all of your effort. For a hike that is short but also scenic, check out the Jump Creek Trail. This hiking trail is only 0.5-miles and it is an out-and-back trail. However, there is little elevation gain and the waterfall at the end is gorgeous. Bring a swimsuit or an extra pair of clothes as this becomes a popular swimming hole in the summer months. Just be aware that this is a popular hiking trail in Idaho and it is a little hard to find quiet and solitude on this adventure. The Cress Creek Trail is another must-visit scenic hike in southeastern Idaho. This trail is located near Ririe and is a 1.3-mile loop trail. The majority of this trail is paved, making it stroller and wheelchair friendly. You’ll capture gorgeous views of the surrounding area and find yourself basked in natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon with your entire family.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
All over the Gem State, you will find incredible hiking trails that are just waiting to be explored. Some of our favorite hikes are short, easy, and kid-friendly. One of the best kid-friendly hikes around Idaho is the hike to Revett Lake. This hiking trail is only three miles and the lake views at the end are the perfect reward for all of your effort.
For a hike that is short but also scenic, check out the Jump Creek Trail. This hiking trail is only 0.5-miles and it is an out-and-back trail. However, there is little elevation gain and the waterfall at the end is gorgeous. Bring a swimsuit or an extra pair of clothes as this becomes a popular swimming hole in the summer months. Just be aware that this is a popular hiking trail in Idaho and it is a little hard to find quiet and solitude on this adventure.
The Cress Creek Trail is another must-visit scenic hike in southeastern Idaho. This trail is located near Ririe and is a 1.3-mile loop trail. The majority of this trail is paved, making it stroller and wheelchair friendly. You’ll capture gorgeous views of the surrounding area and find yourself basked in natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon with your entire family.
