Southern Idaho Adventures: Trails, Lakes, and Hot Springs

Date of trip: April 30- May 4th, 2025

Although I had already officially checked off Idaho with my visit to the panhandle on my honeymoon, I really had always imagined my visit to Idaho would be Boise and the Sawtooths. So when I had some time off, I decided to plan a trip. I started solo in Boise then my trusty travel partner Lauren joined me to head to the mountains. Our vision for the trip was a spring adventure with hikes surrounded by wildflowers. Apparently May is a little early for spring in Idaho, and there was still snow in many places (and even some avalanche sequelae). As usual, I was underprepared for cold weather so I did stop for new boots at the Boise REI before adventuring. This trip was definitely exactly what I had envisioned of Idaho and I was so impressed with the natural beauty, the proximity of really cool hikes, quirky downtown Boise and relaxing vibe in the mountains. The highlights are below then detailed itinerary, AllTrails links and photos follow. 

Highlights:

▪️Downtown Boise and my stay at The Modern Motel 

▪️Cervidae Peak Trail in Lucky Peak State Park

▪️Sunrise at Hull’s Gulch 

▪️Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake

▪️Cabin in Lowman

▪️Shoshone Falls and the Snake River 

▪️Kirkham and Bonneville Hot Springs

▪️Lowman Inn for some authentic nightlife 

Day 1: Up by 4am for an early flight from Atlanta direct to Boise. I was on the plane chatting with a local and realized I would need bear spray and a winter boot so my first stop was REI. 

I stopped at Albertsons for lunch and trail snacks then hit the ground running with plans to do two hikes before sunset. I headed toward Lucky Peak State Park to my first hike, Cervidae Peak which was only 15 minutes from the airport.  Rated on AllTrails as hard at 4.5 miles with 1932 feet in elevation gain, but I thought, it’s only 4 miles how hard could it be? 

Cervidae Peak on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/cervidae-peak?sh=sxlnu6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I was running on adrenaline and a few extra doses of caffeine, but I’ll admit it was pretty hard both going up and down. The trail featured ooohs and aaaaahs around every corner. Rolling hills, reservoirs, rivers, snow capped mountains, wildflowers… beautiful. I would absolutely recommend prioritizing this trail when visiting Boise. 

Scenic view of a river with rugged cliffs and mountains in the background, under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of rolling mountains and a winding river under a partly cloudy blue sky, with wildflowers in the foreground.
A hiking trail leading up a hill covered with green grass and yellow wildflowers, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A panoramic view of a river winding through green hills, with yellow wildflowers in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of rolling hills and a body of water beneath a blue sky with white clouds in Idaho.
View of mountainous terrain with wildflowers in the foreground and a river winding through the valley under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A dirt path leading up a hill, lined with vibrant yellow wildflowers, under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A panoramic view of rolling green hills and a river winding through the landscape, adorned with vibrant yellow wildflowers blooming in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
A person smiling for a selfie while hiking on a mountain trail, with a scenic view of rolling hills and a river in the background.
A person stands at the summit of Cervidae Peak, with a sign marking the elevation at 4,391 feet. The landscape features rolling mountains and green foliage in the background.
Scenic view of a lake surrounded by rolling hills and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of yellow wildflowers blooming on a hillside against a clear blue sky in Idaho.

Next trail was recommended by a local for sunset, Table Rock which was 3.9 miles and 882 feet in elevation gain. 

Table Rock Trail on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/table-rock-trail?sh=sxlnu6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

A wind turbine stands atop a rocky hill with sparse vegetation against a clear blue sky.
View of a gated entrance with multiple signs indicating private property and no parking, surrounded by rolling hills and a clear blue sky.

Apparently this is private property and there are signs everywhere that you cannot park near the trail and that the trail closes before sunset. 

So I decided to go ahead and check into my motel downtown. The Modern Hotel was absolutely perfect. 

https://themodernhotel.com/

A modern motel exterior with a green vine-covered wall and bright red doors under a clear blue sky.
Entrance to The Modern Hotel and Bar in Boise, showcasing an open door, signage, and outdoor planters.
Cozy lounge area in a motel with yellow modern furniture, a round table, and a bright window letting in natural light.
Outdoor dining area at The Modern Motel in Boise, featuring green trees, guests enjoying meals, and a musician performing.
Outdoor seating area of a motel with tables and chairs surrounded by greenery and trees.

Super super cute with lots of perks including live music, a bar, free breakfast, easy parking, great location. I was upgraded to a suite that had a huge balcony and huge bathroom with soaking tub. 

Stylish bathroom featuring a modern glass shower and a freestanding bathtub, with textured tile design.
A cozy hotel room featuring a queen-sized bed with white bedding, a purple upholstered headboard, a small green bench, and large windows with sheer curtains allowing natural light.
Interior of a modern motel room featuring a sofa, desk, telephone, and a large window with curtains.
A covered outdoor seating area with metal tables and chairs, surrounded by green foliage and sunlight filtering through the slats.
A view from a cozy balcony with metal chairs and a table overlooking a street at sunset, framed by greenery and building structures.
Exterior view of The Modern Hotel in Boise, Idaho, showcasing its unique architecture, outdoor seating area, and surrounding greenery during dusk.

I was tempted to call it a day since I had been awake at this point for almost 20 hours, but I had driven by Soft Landing and was lured to walk nearby for some ice cream. 

Exterior of Soft Landing Soft Serve ice cream shop with a mint green facade and striped awnings, showing people waiting in line.
A person holding a cone of ice cream topped with colorful sprinkles, with a storefront and people in the background.

The ice cream perked me up and I did end up finding a sunset trail, Camels Back Trail just a 5 minute drive from my motel. 

This was a super popular spot and a short scramble with views of downtown and surrounding foothills. 

Scenic view of downtown Boise, Idaho, featuring the state capitol dome in the foreground, surrounded by greenery and city buildings.
A wooden staircase leading up a grassy hillside with a sunset in the background.
A scenic view of rolling hills and mountains in Idaho during sunset, with lush greenery and sparse wildflowers in the foreground.
A vibrant sunset over a green valley, with the sun setting on the horizon and casting warm orange and yellow hues across the sky.

Day 2: Started with a sunrise hike recommended by staff at The Modern, Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail which was only a 10 minute drive.  

Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/hulls-gulch-nature-trail?sh=sxlnu6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

The trail was beautiful at sunrise and featured views of Boise from above. 

A panoramic view of downtown Boise, Idaho, taken from an elevated position, showcasing city buildings and surrounding landscapes under a soft sunset sky.
A scenic view of rolling hills and valleys at sunrise with soft pastel colors in the sky, showcasing the natural beauty of Idaho.
A panoramic view of rolling hills covered in grass and shrubs under a clear sky at sunset.
A scenic view of rolling hills with sparse vegetation during sunset, showcasing a soft, golden light in the sky.
A picturesque view of rolling hills with sparse vegetation and wildflowers, under a bright sky at dusk.
Sunrise over rolling hills in Idaho, showcasing vibrant greenery and a peaceful landscape.
A narrow dirt hiking trail winding through green grass and shrubs, set against a backdrop of gentle hills under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of rolling hills covered in lush greenery under a clear blue sky, with the foreground featuring a small meadow and scattered shrubs.
A wooden bridge crosses a grassy trail, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Wildflowers blooming in tall grass under a clear blue sky.
A serene landscape featuring rolling hills covered in green shrubbery, with a clear blue sky above.
Sunrise over rolling hills with a winding dirt road and sparse vegetation in the foreground.

Finished the hike and drove back to Boise 

View of a historic building in Boise, Idaho, with a prominent dome and detailed architecture, surrounded by trees showing early spring foliage.

The Modern had a lovely free breakfast. I forgot a bunch of stuff so I found a nearby Rite Aid to buy a brush, toothbrush, razor… basically all the grooming essentials. This Rite Aid was a highlight of Boise. So cute! 

Exterior view of a Rite Aid store featuring a drive-thru and pharmacy sign, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Inside a beauty section of a retail store, featuring shelves filled with cosmetics and beauty products. A prominent sign reading 'Beauty' is displayed above lush green foliage and decorative lighting.
Interior of a retail store featuring shelves of wine bottles, colorful displays of various products, and an inviting atmosphere with string lights above.
A bright interior view of a cafe with white tables and chairs, a green upholstered bench, and a small potted plant, showcasing large windows that let in natural light.

The plan was to pick up Lauren from the airport at 1pm, so decided to do a little urban hiking around Boise and find brunch. 

A brightly lit street view featuring vintage signs for Chuck Dragoo Auto Sales and Mercury Cleaners along a tree-lined sidewalk.

Loved all the old signs they’ve preserved 

I found Wild Root which was busy even on a Thursday morning. 

Exterior view of Wild Root Kitchen & Cocktails, featuring a rustic wooden sign and outdoor seating with black chairs.

Had the BLT and it was delicious 

A sandwich with layers of meat and vegetables served on toasted bread, accompanied by a fresh salad featuring mixed greens, colorful shredded carrots, and sliced radish.

While I was brunching, Lauren realized she’d be delayed by 6 hours so I scrambled to find a hike to occupy the time. Google led me to Shoshone Falls so I started packing up to head there. For provisions, Bodega Boise was right across the street and had a great selection of energy/protein bars and healthy snacks and juices.

🔹Shoshone Falls was 2 hours southeast of Boise. I really wanted to check out Craters of the Moon but I just didn’t have time to drive 3 hours each way before picking up Lauren from the airport. 

Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/shoshone-falls-observation-deck-trail?sh=sxlnu6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

I would consider this more of a viewpoint than a hike but I had planned to also visit other local attractions (Mammoth Cave and Evel Knievel’s jump site along the Snake River) so I wasn’t looking for a long hike anyway. There was a $5 entry fee per car so have cash available. 

They call Shoshone Falls “the Niagara of the West”—and at 212 feet tall, it’s actually higher. And unlike Niagara, there’s no commercial activity surrounding as the land donated in 1932 as a park for everyone to enjoy.

Shoshone Falls cascading into the Snake River, with a rainbow visible in the mist below and rocky cliffs in the background.
A panoramic view of Shoshone Falls in Idaho, showcasing the cascading water over rocky cliffs, with a rainbow appearing in the mist and a clear blue sky above.
A scenic view of Shoshone Falls with green waters flowing below and rocky cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of a river winding through rocky cliffs under a clear blue sky.
A sunny landscape featuring a grassy area with several trees casting shadows, showcasing a peaceful and natural setting.

I was so tired from the sunrise hike and driving that I opted to nap in the nearby park area rather than scramble to see the other sights. It was such a nice little shaded spot, perfect for napping. 

It was a two hour drive to Boise International Airport and the pick up was simple. The airport is under construction though so no waiting lot. 

We set off on the two hour drive north to our little river cabin in Lowman. We opted to state road 21 for the scenic route. 

The cabin was adorable and so peacefully located right on the Payette River. It had two bedrooms and a full bathroom with a half bath and washer/dryer. There was also a nicely equipped kitchen. 

https://www.airbnb.com/l/WP2d9aNf

Day 3: Started the morning with a morning soak at Kirkham Hot Springs in Boise National Forest, only about 10 minutes from our cabin. 

Kirkham Hot Springs: Experience Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho

A person studying a map at the Boise National Forest welcome sign, surrounded by trees and mountains.

We spotted a staircase and climbed down a waterfall to some tiny rock pools. 

A natural hot spring waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by mountain terrain and greenery.
A person smiling in front of a rocky outcropping with steam rising, indicating geothermal activity.

We tried to find the warm parts of the springs and contorted our bodies to fit in the tiny hot pot under a cold waterfall. We stayed as long as we could then headed back up. Luckily we noticed people doing a quick little hike to a real hot springs and decided to come back after our hike. 

We found Julie Creek which was only 15 minutes from the hot springs. It’s a beautiful 11.3 mile out and back hike with a total of 1,056 feet in elevation gain. There were a couple stream crossings in the beginning and I was ultimately glad I bought the waterproof boots. We had lunch at a pretty little picnic spot at the bridge and overall had a pleasant little hike. 

Julie Creek Trail on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/julie-creek-trail?sh=sxlnu6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

We cooked a nice dinner after our hike and waited for sunrise to head back to the hot springs. I had stopped in Boise for a few groceries before picking up Lauren and glad I did because there’s no real grocery store in the area. There’s the Lowman Mercantile which was adorable and stocked with essentials though. 

Equipped with our canned cocktails from the Mercantile, we headed back to Kirkham to find the real hot pots. Here’s the AllTrails which shows the little hike to the best soaking part of the springs. 

Kirkham Hot Springs on AllTrails

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/kirkham-hot-springs?sh=sxlnu6&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

We got there at 7:30 which was perfect to catch the sun going down. 

A serene view of a small waterfall cascading down rocks, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky. The sun is setting in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene, with smooth stones in the foreground reflecting the water.
Two women enjoying a soak in a natural hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery.
A serene hot spring surrounded by rocky terrain and pine trees, with clear blue skies reflecting on the water's surface.
A tranquil view of a stream featuring smooth rocks in the foreground, with a small waterfall cascading down the rocky slope, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, set against a soft sunset sky.
Mountain landscape in Idaho with a clear sky and snow-capped peaks in the distance, featuring a mix of grass and rocky terrain in the foreground.

We had such a lovely day that we decided to cancel our plans to head back to Boise the next day and were able to extend our stay in the cabin. 

Day 4: With the benefit of another day, we decided to head to Stanley which was an hour north with a view of the Sawtooths. 

A scenic view of mountains in Idaho, featuring a mix of snowy peaks and burnt trees from a recent forest fire, under a clear blue sky.

We weren’t exactly sure which roads were open to access the trails so we just navigated to town. The visitor’s center hadn’t opened for the season but we found an outfitter’s store and the clerk was so helpful. The store was Riverwear and we both got some new gear before heading to our hikes. 

A scenic view of rolling hills and mountains with a clear blue sky, featuring a winding river and patches of grass and shrubs in the foreground.
A scenic view of rolling hills and mountains in Idaho, featuring a winding road, a small house in the foreground, and a river meandering through colorful, brushy vegetation.

We were in luck that the roads had just opened May 1st to Redfish and Stanley Lakes. 

Headed to Redfish Lake first for our first glimpse of the Sawtooths. We didn’t do a formal hike, just parked in one of the empty lots and walked around the lake. 

Two women stand by a clear lake with mountains in the background, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.
A picturesque view of Redfish Lake with the snow-capped Sawtooth Mountains in the background, featuring a sandy shore and clear blue water under a bright blue sky.
A clear blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests under a bright blue sky.
A clear lake reflecting snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky.
A serene view of a lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky, with rocky and sandy elements visible in the foreground.
Snow-capped mountains reflecting in a clear lake under a blue sky, surrounded by lush forest.

The water was very clear, still icy in spots but blue/turquoise like the Caribbean 

Clear waters of a mountainous lake reflect the snow-capped peaks and lush trees surrounding its shores under a bright blue sky.
Close-up of clear water with reflections and gentle ripples.
A person lying on a wooden dock near a body of water, wearing outdoor gear and sunglasses, with a backpack and a hat beside them.
A scenic view of Redfish Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of Redfish Lake with snow-capped mountains in the background and clear blue skies.

Had a little picnic at the lake then heading to Stanley lake which was on the way back to Lowman. 

Scenic view of a road surrounded by pine trees, leading towards snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.

Again, no formal hike but we just parked and walked along the lake. 

A scenic view of snow-capped mountains reflected in clear blue water, with a shoreline of gently rippling water in the foreground.
Snow-capped mountain peaks rise over a clear lake in Idaho, surrounded by trees and cloudy skies.
A scenic view of a mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a clear blue sky.
Selfie in front of a scenic lake with snow-capped mountains in the background, showing two friends enjoying the outdoors.

Next, drove back towards Lowman and decided to find some hot springs. The road to Sacajawea springs was closed so we searched along the route and found Bonneville Hot Springs. 

Sign indicating direction to hot springs in a forested area with picnic tables and rocky ground.

We parked and followed signs to the hot springs which was a 20 minute walk. We had on our hiking clothes and carried our bathing suits. There were bathrooms midway and also a nice changing room at the actual hot springs. 

Interior view of a rustic wooden structure with weathered walls, featuring a bench and an old bathtub.

These were my favorite springs. Lots of room to spread out, great scenery and varying temperatures. 

We made it home and rummaged through our leftover Mercantile supplies to make a pretty decent dinner. 

A table set with colorful vegetables, dips, and drinks by a river, surrounded by trees.

When our libations were all consumed we decided to hit the mercantile again but unfortunately they were closed on Saturdays 

A person walking on a gravel path surrounded by tall trees and mountains in the background, holding a bag.

We decided to drive a few minutes up the road to the Lowman Inn for a couple of drinks. 

A rustic gas station and store in a mountainous area with gravel parking, featuring vintage signage and a backdrop of rolling hills under a cloudy sky.

Oh and what an experience. The entire town was there and even a bachelorette party from Idaho City. Think rural dive bar. 

A person approaching a wooden door with a humorous sign that reads, 'Leave your guns & horses outside.'

Seeing the (literal) writing on the wall, Lauren pleaded with me to avoid the temptation to ask for prosecco. But I did anyway and the owner/bartender just looked confused and handed me a Coors. “Haley we talked about this!” They did, however, have Clamato for Lauren and boy, the Kansas in her really came out that night. 

There was live music and Lauren and I quickly made friends with Rod by answering all his trivia questions between sets. Then he played some “traditional American music” (remember Bulgaria) and we all sang “You Never Even Call Me By My Name” together. 

A rustic bar scene with a beer can in the foreground, twinkling lights in the background, and a musician performing.

There ended up being a big storm and after some loud cracks of thunder and lightning, the Inn completely lost power. But that didn’t stop the fun, Rod just played his acoustic by lantern light and everyone ate wood-fired pizza. 

Three people smiling together in a dimly lit environment, with one man wearing a hat with goggles and a white shirt, while the two women wear casual clothing.

We had planned just to have a few drinks but after the Clamato and champ-bongs, we ended up closing down the bar. 

Day 5: We begrudgingly left our cabin in Lowman to head back to Boise. The morning views were moody from the storm. 

A misty mountain landscape with fog rolling over green hills and pine trees in the foreground.

Lauren’s priority was to check out the Rite Aid so we stopped there first for plane snacks then found brunch in downtown. 

We didn’t have reservations anywhere so ended up at the bar at Red Feather Lounge. 

Loved the Huevos Rancheros and Avo Toast and would highly recommend a brunch reservation at Red Feather. 

After wandering Boise a bit, we made it to the airport and flew out uneventfully. The rental car return was easy, even with the lot construction, and there was a gas station easily accessible on the airport property. 

To close:

Another adventurous trip with Lauren in the books. Southern Idaho did not disappoint—stunning landscapes, quiet trails, and some hidden gems that rival the beauty of California and Colorado, minus the crowds. Highly recommend adding it to your list. Happy to share tips if you’re planning a visit—just shoot me a message!

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