Best Trails in Idaho

Trying to find the best trails in Idaho? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Idaho, Madison County

00 :43 hrs
1.5 mi
126.10657 ft
Easy

A short nature hike on the outskirts of Idaho Falls that climbs through sagebrush-grass, juniper-covered slopes, and along a perennial creek. The trail offers a bit of history, wildlife, and open views of the Snake river, volcanoes, and farmland. The wildlife often sighted here could be rabbits, deer, small lizards, and possibly an eagle or a moose.

2

Montana, Glacier County

05 :52 hrs
5 mi
700.7062 ft
Expert

This historic tunnel was built in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corp for horses and early park tours, it features exceptional architecture. The beginning of this route shares the trail with the popular hike to Iceberg Lake. Just past Ptarmigan Falls, at approximately 3 miles the route forks from the Iceberg trail and begins an aggressive uphill climb through meadows to Ptarmigan Lake. From the lake it is additional 800 feet up a barren slope to the tunnel. After walking through this 250 ft. tunnel (6ft. wide by 9 ft. long) which cuts through Ptarmigan Wall, admire the burst of red rock on the other side, and the stunning views of Natoas Peak, Crosley Ridge, and the Belly Rivers as it flows into Elizabeth Lake. Depending on snowpack, the tunnel doors will open in July and close in early October so be sure to confirm the status at the ranger station before starting your adventure.

3

Idaho, Bonneville County

07 :18 hrs
8.5 mi
380.37402 ft
Extreme

Located in the Palisades Ranger District, the hike starts at Big Elk Campground near Palisades Reservoir in Idaho. It eventually leads into Wyoming through aspens, tall Douglas firs, sagebrush, and wildflowers. The route follows alongside Big Elk Creek through a canyon area that resides in the Snake River Mountain Range. Beautiful scenic views are offered along the trail. If you plan on camping, a wilderness permit can be obtained from a Forest Service facility or a registration box.

4

Oregon, Wallowa County

06 :57 hrs
4.9 mi
996.7107 ft
Expert

Nestled in an alpine wonderland, Ice Lake is a perfect mountain lake. This is a strenuous hike, but with a great reward. Ice Lake is filled with brook trout and offers many campgrounds along the shores, while providing a mirror reflection of the nearby Matterhorn. Mountain goats can often be spotted on nearby ridges and many other wildlife also call this refuge home.

5

Idaho, Custer County

01 :02 hrs
2.6 mi
50.440186 ft
Moderate

Hike from campground to old mining cabin along Antelope Creek

6

Idaho, Fremont County

00 :04 hrs
0.2 mi
7.3028564 ft
Easy

Targhee National Forest Boat Ramp & Day Campground area. Features include a parking lot and vaulted toilets. There are only a few areas where you can set up for a picnic. There is a Boat Ramp and 3 docks, but no beach area.

7

Montana, Glacier County

04 :24 hrs
4.6 mi
361.4723 ft
Expert

Iceberg Lake is a popular hike in Glacier National Park. After a steep beginning the rest of the hike has a comfortable, mild elevation gain. Watch closely as a junction approaches within the first mile. As with many other trails in the park, be cautious of the bears, it is common for this trail to be closed because of frequent bear activity. Near the last part of the hike watch closely for mountain goats and bighorn sheep on the grassy slopes above and to the right. There are amazing chunks of ice that float around the lake, usually until September, but the “icebergs” are larger and more scenic in July and August.

8

Montana, Flathead County

04 :20 hrs
11.4 mi
942.2738 ft
Expert

The Highline Trail is a one-way hike and an extremely popular hike. At every step, and every turn, you will have absolutely spectacular scenery as the Highline trail follows along the Continental Divide, also known as the Garden Wall in this area. The exceptional views, opportunities for spotting wildlife, and the wildflowers, with its exposed thousand-foot drop-offs make this a hike you’ll remember the rest of your life. En route, side trails lead to Grinnell Glacier Overlook and Swiftcurrent Lookout. At 7.6 miles you will reach the Granite Park Trail junction, to the right the Highline Trail continues on to fifty mountain campground. Head down the trail toward the Granite Park Chalet for a snack. The Granite Park Chalet was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway in order to provide comfortable backcountry accommodations inside the Park and is listed today as a National Historic Landmark. If you don’t want to purchase bottle water at the Chalet, (they do not provide drinking water) there is a stream you can filter water from. From the Chalet hook onto the Granite Peak trail also known as the Loop trail and travel for 4 miles till the parking lot and you can catch the hiker shuttle.

9

Montana, Gallatin County

03 :43 hrs
3 mi
490.765 ft
Hard

This popular route is a favorite in the area. The trail travels through a dense evergreen forest alongside Cascade Creek. Enjoy the mini waterfalls on the journey up. This amazing lake was formed by a landslide damming the creek. It is nestled in a thick forest, surrounded by steep granite walls with views of the surrounding peaks. There are places to camp at the lake but there are no fires allowed within a half mile of the lake.

10

Idaho, Custer County

08 :53 hrs
3.7 mi
1567.8921 ft
Expert

Borah Peak is the highest point in Idaho at approximately 12,700 feet. The route goes through three different ecoregions that range from volcanic hills, barren mountains and alpine zones. The mile up climb navigates through scree fields, forest, ridges and rugged rocks. The hike can be strenuous and rather difficult at times but once you reach the peak, a real top of the world feeling sinks in. Appropriate footwear and trekking poles are highly considered because it can get rather steep and slippery at times. Snow is usually around all year and the rocks can also be sharp at times, so you will definitely want to consider wearing gloves as well. Be sure to have an early start for this popular adventure and check the weather forecast in advance.

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