As the weather turns cool, Idaho’s magnificent landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds vibrantly weaving themselves into a warm, picturesque backdrop. While the eastern U.S. is legendary for its fall colors, you might be surprised to learn that Idaho is a work of art all of its own – you just have to know where to look to find the best fall foliage in Idaho!
But unlike back east where those colors hang around for a while, Idaho’s rapidly changing seasons mean there’s no time like the present! So grab a camera and a jacket and get ready for the first half of our breathtaking road trip:
This lengthy autumn journey will take you all across Idaho’s southern and western half.
Google Map
- City Creek, Pocatello
Edwin Guerra/Flickr For hikers and bikers looking for prime fall scenery, City Creek is one of the best spots in Southeast Idaho. Winding under arched trees and through colorful meadows, this storybook setting is a beautiful place to immerse yourself and take Instagram-worthy photos of the fall colors in Idaho. For an even better view, hike up to Kinport Peak to view the colors from above. City Creek Road, City Creek Rd, Pocatello, ID 83204, USA
- Mink Creek Road, Pocatello
Mark K./Flickr This scenic road cuts through a heavily forested valley with plenty of hiking and photography trails along the way. The Cherry Springs Nature Area boasts a plethora of vibrant deciduous trees and the West Fork of Mink Creek features gentle, flowing streams that nurture the lush landscape. Mink Creek Road, Mink Creek Rd, Idaho 83204, USA
- U.S. 30 to Bear Lake
Nicholas D./Flickr If you’re driving to Bear Lake, it’ll be hard to keep your eyes on the road with lovely patches of beauty like this dotting the drive. But once you reach the lake, your inner photographer will go giddy, especially during peak fall foliage, at the combination of azure blue waters and vibrant foliage surrounding the water. 1767 Eastshore Rd, St Charles, ID 83272, USA
- Sun Valley
Sun Valley, Idaho/Facebook While you’re in the area, take a stroll through South-Central Idaho’s quaintest valley. Postcard-worthy streets are lined with colorful trees while large parks boast vibrant leaves and meandering pathways. Looking for other fun things to do in fall in Idaho? Brush up on some culture by visiting the Sun Valley Botanical Garden or by taking a walking art tour. Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA
- Boise River Greenbelt
Linda Paul/Flickr Twenty-five miles of winding scenery make this walking and biking trail in the heart of Boise idyllic in every season, but come fall, the non-native landscaping is absolutely magical. Take a few side adventures through Kathryn Alberson Park and Julia Davis Park to capture some unrivaled beauty. Then, take a hike up to Table Rock to see the City of Trees absolutely glowing with autumn beauty from above. 698 E 42nd St, Garden City, ID 83714, USA
- Stanley and the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway
Nicholas D./Flickr Central Idaho is always like something out of a dream, but the area around Stanley in autumn is a whirlwind of unexpected color in places you wouldn’t expect. You’ll find some of the best fall colors in Idaho in the central part of the state. Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, Idaho, USA
- Boulder Mountains
Sun Valley, Idaho/Facebook The Boulder Mountains, nestled in the Sawtooths Wilderness and easily viewed from the Ketchum-Sun Valley area, form a spectacular autumn backdrop. A visit is the perfect fall day trip in Idaho. Boulder Mountains, Idaho 83251, USA
- University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden
University of Idaho Moscow is widely known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and architecture, and fall is truly an amazing time to explore this remarkable college town! But if you head onto the University of Idaho campus, you can get up close and personal with some of the most vibrant autumn foliage you’ve ever seen simply by taking a walk through the arboretum. Hundreds of deciduous trees are bursting into glorious color this time of year, making it the perfect place to take a romantic walk or snap some gorgeous photos of the peak fall foliage in Idaho. Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Johnson Cutoff Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
- Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook This scenic wilderness haven in Northern Idaho features an auto tour road that will show you the glorious colors of the Selkirks and the open meadows like never before. Or, take your journey one step further and explore the town of Porterhill — an overlooked gem that is swoon-worthy in autumn. 287 West Side Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
If you thought Idaho was beautiful before, this road trip to see the best fall foliage in Idaho will take your breath away and make you fall in love all over again! Tailor this trip to your budget and time frame, and be sure to explore our other side-trips and recommendations to experience the best fall day trip in Idaho.
Google Map
Edwin Guerra/Flickr
For hikers and bikers looking for prime fall scenery, City Creek is one of the best spots in Southeast Idaho. Winding under arched trees and through colorful meadows, this storybook setting is a beautiful place to immerse yourself and take Instagram-worthy photos of the fall colors in Idaho. For an even better view, hike up to Kinport Peak to view the colors from above.
City Creek Road, City Creek Rd, Pocatello, ID 83204, USA
Mark K./Flickr
This scenic road cuts through a heavily forested valley with plenty of hiking and photography trails along the way. The Cherry Springs Nature Area boasts a plethora of vibrant deciduous trees and the West Fork of Mink Creek features gentle, flowing streams that nurture the lush landscape.
Mink Creek Road, Mink Creek Rd, Idaho 83204, USA
Nicholas D./Flickr
If you’re driving to Bear Lake, it’ll be hard to keep your eyes on the road with lovely patches of beauty like this dotting the drive. But once you reach the lake, your inner photographer will go giddy, especially during peak fall foliage, at the combination of azure blue waters and vibrant foliage surrounding the water.
1767 Eastshore Rd, St Charles, ID 83272, USA
Sun Valley, Idaho/Facebook
While you’re in the area, take a stroll through South-Central Idaho’s quaintest valley. Postcard-worthy streets are lined with colorful trees while large parks boast vibrant leaves and meandering pathways. Looking for other fun things to do in fall in Idaho? Brush up on some culture by visiting the Sun Valley Botanical Garden or by taking a walking art tour.
Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA
Linda Paul/Flickr
Twenty-five miles of winding scenery make this walking and biking trail in the heart of Boise idyllic in every season, but come fall, the non-native landscaping is absolutely magical. Take a few side adventures through Kathryn Alberson Park and Julia Davis Park to capture some unrivaled beauty. Then, take a hike up to Table Rock to see the City of Trees absolutely glowing with autumn beauty from above.
698 E 42nd St, Garden City, ID 83714, USA
Central Idaho is always like something out of a dream, but the area around Stanley in autumn is a whirlwind of unexpected color in places you wouldn’t expect. You’ll find some of the best fall colors in Idaho in the central part of the state.
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, Idaho, USA
The Boulder Mountains, nestled in the Sawtooths Wilderness and easily viewed from the Ketchum-Sun Valley area, form a spectacular autumn backdrop. A visit is the perfect fall day trip in Idaho.
Boulder Mountains, Idaho 83251, USA
University of Idaho
Moscow is widely known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and architecture, and fall is truly an amazing time to explore this remarkable college town! But if you head onto the University of Idaho campus, you can get up close and personal with some of the most vibrant autumn foliage you’ve ever seen simply by taking a walk through the arboretum. Hundreds of deciduous trees are bursting into glorious color this time of year, making it the perfect place to take a romantic walk or snap some gorgeous photos of the peak fall foliage in Idaho.
Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Johnson Cutoff Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
This scenic wilderness haven in Northern Idaho features an auto tour road that will show you the glorious colors of the Selkirks and the open meadows like never before. Or, take your journey one step further and explore the town of Porterhill — an overlooked gem that is swoon-worthy in autumn.
287 West Side Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
Looking for more fun things to do in fall in Idaho? Check out this incredible corn maze near Idaho Falls.
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