An overhead view of the sand dunes at Bruneau Dunes State Park. — Bruneau Dunes State Park, near Bruneau. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

four people standing in a river holding up a Sturgeon fish — Catch and release sturgeon fishing in Hells Canyon. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

couple snowshoeing near idaho city — Snowshoeing, near Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

artistic graffiti on a brick wall in Freak Alley — Freak Alley, Boise. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

An ATV drives into the sun in the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry. — Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, near the North Fork Owyhee Campground. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and son canoeing on a river. — Canoeing, Upper North Fork of the Payette River, near McCall. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

an overhead view of farmland beside a river — Three Island Crossing State Park, Glenns Ferry. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A closeup view of a glass of beer and basket of fries on a table at Salmon River Brewery. — Salmon River Brewery, McCall. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A family rafting on the Payette River surrounded by a forest of trees. — Rafting, Payette River, near Banks. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Southwest Idaho

Home to the state’s capital, Boise, southwest Idaho offers the best of both worlds for visitors. From awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails, rushing rivers and sand dunes to historical sites, top-notch wineries, local craft breweries and entertainment, this region showcases a variety of easily accessible adventures.

Cities & Towns

Boise
Caldwell
Nampa
Cascade
Donnelly
McCall
Mountain Home
Bruneau
Weiser
Glenns Ferry
Idaho City

Things To Do

Take the Road Less Traveled

Southwest Idaho is brimming with unexpected discoveries … Start your journey in Boise, and venture off the beaten path to uncover a treasure trove of nearby adventures.

Go Beyond

Boise and Beyond

There’s More to Explore in Southwest Idaho

Get to Know Southwest Idaho

Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? Check out these travel tips and start planning your adventure.

Learn About Idaho’s Native Nations

The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley reside on the reservation on the Idaho-Nevada border.

Tell Me More

Need Help Planning Your Next Adventure?

Here you’ll find frequently asked questions about southwest Idaho.

Where can I experience Idaho’s award-winning wines in southwest Idaho?

The Snake River Valley AVA just outside Boise features the Sunnyslope Wine Trail with more than 20 vineyards along the route; as well as Eagle Foothills AVA that lies within the larger Snake River Valley AVA. Find urban wineries and tasting rooms in Boise and Garden City.

What arts and culture activities are available?

Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Opera Idaho, Ballet Idaho, Starlight Mountain Theatre, Boise Contemporary Theater, Boise Philharmonic, LED, and Treefort Music Fest to name a few.

Does southwest Idaho have whitewater rafting?

Yes. You’ll find guided half, full and multi-day trips for every level of paddler. Learn more about guided river experiences here.

What is there to do in the winter?

Ski at Bogus Basin, Tamarack Resort and Brundage Mountain Resort. Snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile hundreds of miles of trails. Up the fun with ice fishing, snow tubing, fat tire biking, and winter festivals.

Can I find fall colors in southwest Idaho?

Boise, aka the “City of Trees”, has an abundance of fall colors. Head into the surrounding mountains for peak fall foliage finds and look for the Western Lark, a deciduous conifer, whose needles turn yellow in the fall.

What historic sites and museums can I visit?

The entire town of Idaho City, Idaho State Museum, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, Celebration Park, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Idaho Black History Museum, Three Island Crossing State Park, and various Oregon Trail sites.

What unusual or unique adventures are in southwest Idaho?

World Center for Birds of Prey, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Bruneau Dunes State Park, Silver City, Kelly’s Whitewater Park, Boise Whitewater Park, geothermal heated Capitol building, Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA.