10 Magical Weekend Trips From Boise, Idaho You Should Book ASAP

Ready to plan some epic weekend trips from Boise, Idaho? Don’t get us wrong – there are so many amazing things to do in Boise, but sometimes you just want to get away for the weekend!

Luckily, there are so many magical escapes to choose from! Between the surrounding mountains, natural hot springs, gorgeous desert, and geological wonders, there is so much to do. You’ll have a hard time choosing from these Boise weekend getaways!

In this post, we’re covering the best adventures, crazy-cool Airbnbs (like a fire lookout!), and beautiful places to experience within 2-3 hours from Boise. If you’re looking for unique weekend getaways near Boise, Idaho, you’ve come to the right place!

10 Weekend Trips From Boise, Idaho

1. Yurt Camping In The Boise National Forest

If you’re looking for a fun winter weekend trip from Boise, Idaho, yurt camping is the perfect activity for you! The Boise National Forest is home to six unique backcountry yurts, accessible by snowshoeing/nordic skiing in the winter, and hiking in the summer!

These yurts are maintained by the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department. They are fully stocked with kitchen essentials, beds, furniture, and even firewood! All visitors have to bring is bedding, food, and fuel for an incredible weekend in the Idaho forest.

These yurts book out quickly and far in advance, so if you’re hoping to snag a weekend getaway from Boise to one of these yurts, we’re breaking down the yurt reservation process here.

Emily Mandagie at the Springs in Idaho City - Long Weekend Trips From Boise

2. Stay Overnight at The Springs in Idaho City

If you’re looking for a more cozy winter weekend getaway from Boise, Idaho, consider staying overnight at The Springs in Idaho City. This mountain resort is a natural hot springs complex, with convenient lodging at the Inn The Pines next door.

If you stay at the Inn The Pines, you can receive discounted day tickets to the hot springs, which are good for an entire day soak!

This is one of the best weekend trips from Boise for a girl’s weekend, romantic getaway, or simply an escape from the busy city life.

Crystal Peak Lookout in Fernwoood Idaho at Night

Emily Mandagie sitting in Interior of Crystal Peak Lookout

3. Sleep In A Fire Lookout

Of all the most unique Airbnbs in Idaho, sleeping in a fire lookout is the coolest one we’ve experienced yet!

Crystal Peak Lookout is a decommissioned lookout (private property), originally located in Washington State. It was transferred to its current plot in Fernwood, Idaho where it now serves guests from all over the world in search of solace & rest.

The fire lookout is not the only thing available here – there is a wood-fired sauna on site, tons of trails to explore, and amazing views of the surrounding hills in all directions. Spend time reading a curated list of books in the lookout, sipping coffee on the deck, or simply sleeping in!

It’s one of the best weekend trips from Boise if you love the outdoors, cool places to stay, and unique experiences.

Emily Mandagie at Craters Of The Moon - Weekend Trips From Boise

4. Discover Another World At Craters Of The Moon National Monument

Some of the best weekend trips from Boise, Idaho require very little money spent! At only $10 per car, a visit to Craters of The Moon National Monument feels like you are getting a great deal to go visit the moon and back!

Craters of the Moon is a 3-hour drive from Boise, but it feels as if you’ve entered another planet as soon as you catch sight of the black shimmering boulders on the side of the highway. Spend time hiking to the top of the Inferno Cone, stroll through the Devil’s Orchard, or explore the Indian Tunnel for an out-of-this-world experience.

Camping Tip: Craters of the Moon camping spots are first-come-first-serve, so come early, and bring a sun shade. There are hardly any trees in the area, and it can get HOT in the summer season!

Weekend Trips From Boise, Idaho - The Sawtooth Mountains

5. Explore the Sawtooth Mountains In Stanley, Idaho

Trips to Stanley are the perfect summer weekend trips from Boise if you love hiking, alpine lakes, and lots of forest land to explore.

Stay at the Redfish Lake Lodge for the full mountain experience or stay in the town of Stanley, Idaho at Mountain Village Resort. Mountain Village has its own private hot springs on the property, where you can sign up for a private hour of soaking with a full view of the mountains from the pool.

For easy day hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains, consider taking the incredibly scenic Fishhook Creek Trail. For the ultimate alpine experience, spend the day hiking to farther destinations like the Bench Lakes and Sawtooth Lake.

Weekend Trips From Boise, Idaho - Central Idaho Hot Springs

6. Take a Hot Springs Tour Of Central Idaho

The mountains in the central part of the state host some of the most beautiful natural hot springs in Idaho! To maximize your trip and see as many pools as possible, we suggest taking the Banks-Lowman Highway from west to east, from Garden Valley over to Stanley, Idaho.

On this route, you can expect to find these natural pools:

Kirkham Hot Springs
Pine Flats Hot Springs
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
Bonneville Hot Springs
Boat Box Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs
(Extended Trip: Goldbug Hot Springs near Salmon, Idaho)

What about accommodations for this weekend trip from Boise? There are so many opportunities for camping along the Banks-Lowman Highway for an inexpensive way to experience these hot springs. The easiest way to search for campsites nearby is using the app called The Dyrt, which is a campground finder tool for desktop and phone! Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES.

Weekend Getaway From Boise, Idaho to Burgdorf Hot Springs

Emily Mandagie sitting in tub at Burgdorf Hot Springs

7. Soak Overnight At Burgdorf Hot Springs

If you are interested in a secluded getaway, Burgdorf Hot Springs is the perfect weekend trip from Boise, Idaho.

The trip to Burgdorf Hot Springs is a beautiful and scenic drive through the Idaho forest, alongside Payette Lake, upper Payette Lake, and the adjoining creek along the road. You’ll drive up Warren Wagon Road (USFS Rd. #21) until you make that final left turn onto Burgdorf Road (USFS Rd. #246). It’s about an hour’s drive away from McCall, Idaho.

Here, you have the opportunity to soak in a historic hot spring, and stay in original wood-heated cabins, some of which are over 100 years old! This rustic experience can be taken year-round, but requires access by snowmobile in the winter months.

Read More: 52 Unique and Fun Facts About Idaho

Shoshone Falls at Sunrise - Weekend trips from Boise ID to Twin Falls

8. Chase Waterfalls In Twin Falls, Idaho

If you love the water, you’ve got to check out Twin Falls, Idaho for the weekend! This city is the perfect basecamp for adventure, including exploring giant canyons, hidden coves, and, of course, epic waterfalls.

Some of the coolest waterfalls in South Idaho include Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Perrine Coulee Falls, and Pillar Falls. You can choose to view them from above or take a kayak/paddleboard down to the base of some of them for an extra thrill.

Want to see something else besides Idaho waterfalls? Check out the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, where you can see ancient fossils that were excavated from the area!

Rent the Willow Glamping Yurt in Castle Rock State Park to elevate your weekend getaway from Boise, and spend as much time in the outdoors as possible!

9. Enjoy Nature in Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is one of Idaho’s most famous mountain resorts and convenient for fun weekend getaways from Boise! With year-round activities, you can easily enjoy Sun Valley any time of year.

In the winter, purchase lift tickets for a fun day of skiing on Bald Mountain and wind down in town at the Sun Valley Lodge, or Galena Lodge. Afterwards, spend a day relaxing in town at the many spas in Sun Valley, or take a food tour of their delicious restaurants!

In the summertime, there are lots of ways to get outside and enjoy the beautiful surrounding mountains. Go mountain biking at Greenhorn Gulch, hike and stay at a backcountry yurt, or hit one of over 400 miles of single-track hiking trails in the area!

Aerial Photography Shot of Grand Teton National Park

10. Discover Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you’re looking for more exciting weekend trips from Boise, consider taking the 6-hour drive to Jackson, Wyoming to experience new landscapes!

You’ll be able to stop at iconic Idaho photo locations like Upper Mesa Falls and Shoshone Falls on the way there.

Once in Jackson Hole, you can enjoy the adventurous Grand Teton National Park. Hike to places like String Lake, Taggart Lake, and even wake up early to catch a beautiful sunrise over the mountain range!

If you’re craving a long weekend from Boise Idaho, consider tacking on a visit to Yellowstone National Park as well. There are so many cool geological features to see there!

It’s only a one-hour drive north from Jackson to the south entrance of the country’s first national park.

The Hiawatha Bike Trail - Train Tunnel - Northern Idaho Itinerary - TheMandagies.com

More Weekend Trips From Boise, Idaho

Looking for more awesome weekend trips from Boise?

There’s so much left for us to explore, so we’re adding these ones to our list of future getaways. See the list below for some of your own extra inspiration!