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Wizard of Wandering

Get Ready for Leaf Peeping!

Photo courtesy of Brett Sayles


It's Leaf Peeping Time in Southwestern Idaho! ...well almost.


As it gets colder and the days get shorter, the trees and shrubs start putting on their bright and colorful fall show! If you live near Boise, nicknamed “The City of Trees,” it's almost time to head outside and see the brilliant color of the trees and shrubs in the city and nearby areas! Whether you’re looking for a quick glimpse around your neighborhood or you want a longer day trip, you'll find many opportunities in Southwest Idaho.


We thought it was time this past weekend and went in search of those brilliant autumn leaves, but we were a little early. We even went up into the mountains seeking more color where the weather is colder but saw a LOT of green on the trees and VERY LITTLE signs of fall. But any day now, the show will begin!


Here are some areas to try in Southwestern Idaho ---

 

In Boise

Drive into the City from almost any angle and you’ll see the reds, oranges and yellows of oaks, maples, cottonwoods, aspen and ash trees. One of the best views is coming down Emerald where it turns into Americana. From the hill, as you drive down into town, the vivid colors are some of the best you’ll find in town! You will also get a good view over the City from the Boise Depot.

 

Drive or walk through the North End of Boise to see more of this colorful fall experience in one of Boise’s oldest neighborhoods, with well-developed trees and shrubs throughout this area.

 

The Boise parks and riverbanks, with their mature trees are also bursting with color! Slow down and walk or bike through the park pathways to enjoy the changing color of the leaves overhead and rustling beneath your feet. Bike the 25-mile path of the Boise Greenbelt to enjoy miles of a multicolored display of fall color.

 

West of Boise

Eagle Island State Park is another great destination, located 14 miles west of Boise next to the Boise River. This day park has a beach, a picnic area and even a zip line course!

 

Continuing further west from Boise, there are many vineyards, offering tastings in addition to bright views of fall.

 

North of Boise

Take Highway 55 north to Cascade, Donnelly and McCall and catch changing colors along the way.  

Rainbow Bridge Photo Courtesy of Idaho Department of Transportation


Near Smith’s Ferry, look for a viewing point to capture a picture of the Rainbow Bridge which has served the area since 1933. Enjoy the beauty of the arch of this bridge before it is replaced in the near future.

 

Two of Idaho’s scenic byways offer fall color viewings, beautiful scenery and wildlife sightings.

 

Payette River Scenic Byway

The Payette River Scenic Byway runs 112 miles (about 2 1/2 hours). Beginning west of Boise, head north on Idaho 55 to the junction of U.S. 95 in New Meadows. The views along the river are always spectacular.

 

Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway

The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway is a gorgeous drive that runs between Banks and Lowman along Idaho Highway 17.  You can make a loop of this drive from Boise by taking Highway 55 to Banks, turning east at Banks, following the Byway along Highway 17 (also known as the Banks-Lowman Road) and then turning south on Highway 21 at Lowman, to return to Boise. The part of the drive between Banks and Lowman is approximately 45 minutes (34 miles). Check the weather before you start this trip because conditions in the fall can change quickly in the mountains.

 

East of Boise

A little over an hour east of Boise, is Three Island Crossing in Glenn’s Ferry. This park and campground have abundant yellows and golds, with the golden cottonwood trees creating a striking contrast with the blue water of the Snake River on a bright sunny day.

 

Continuing your day trip further east, you will find more bright yellow foliage throughout the seven parks that make up the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Here you will also see waterfalls, canyons and learn about the pioneer history of the area, if you stop at Ritter Island.

 

A bit further going north

If you want a longer adventure, take a drive up State Highway 21 from Boise to Stanley, where the changing leaf color can be seen across the meadows and along the river. If you continue the loop along State Highway 75 you will find Sun Valley and Ketchum. Bald Mountain, Sun Valley’s ski mountain, is a great spot to look out over the beautiful yellow-gold trees in Ketchum.  If you want to enjoy a little fishing along the way, bring a fly rod to fish the Big Wood River as it flows through Stanley, Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey and beyond.

 

From Ketchum, go south approximately 12 miles to Hailey. Draper Preserve is a great place for a leisurely stroll through the aspens and cottonwoods along the Big Wood River. Then cross the Bow Bridge for a short stroll on a boardwalk across a (sometimes) marshy meadow. 

 

If you want a workout hike that leads you to an expansive view across the valley, head up Carbonate Mountain – a 3.7-mile loop.

 

All of these day trips can be made better by packing a picnic lunch to enjoy, whether you are visiting parks in town or taking a longer day trip across Southwestern Idaho. But get out there soon so you don’t miss the amazing colors Idaho wants to show you!

 

STARTING POINT:  Boise

DISTANCE FROM STARTING POINT:  It depends on where you go!

TIME TO REACH:  You can make this a short neighborhood day trip or a full day

ROAD SURFACE: Paved - unless you decide to go off road

WHEN:  Fall

FEES:  Check parks you visit for any fees

RECOMMENDED VEHICLES:  Any

PET FRIENDLY:  On leash in outdoor areas

WHEN WE WENT:  Mid/end of October


I'm Here - Now What?

  • Hiking

  • Dog walking

  • History

  • Photography!

  • Picnicking

  • Fishing

  • Enjoy local sites

  • Geocaching


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