Social Distance-Friendly Activities in Idaho
Here are some fun summer outdoor adventures in Idaho, including advice to minimize social contact if needed. You can experience these in a one-week driving loop from Boise or a road trip from Salt Lake City to Boise. What a beautiful uncrowded slice of America. Read more details about this wonderful journey: 10-Day Idaho Adventure Road Trip Itinerary.
So what was it like in Idaho in June 2020? Well, the weather was fantastic! Trails at higher altitudes still had snow but no need for a jacket after all of that incline hiking. And regarding COVID: Idaho restaurants were open and masks were no longer required — except in Sun Valley.
Please be safe and please follow local precautions. Wherever you are. Whatever is open or closed. Please wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
These are my honest opinions and recommendations — I do not receive any compensation or discounts during our travel. This story does include some affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please click the links to support my blog.
1| Hike. And hike some more!
Download the free AllTrails app to find a nearby trail and information on distance and difficulty. We found uncrowded trails in: Sun Valley, Stanley, Bruneau Dunes State Park, City of Rocks National Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Box Canyon State Park.
FITZ BITS TIP: Consider a loop trail versus in-and-out if you want to reduce human passings.
2| Mountain Biking. Hit the trails + explore.
Rent a bike if you do not have your own wheels. Ask about paths and routes to fit your skill level. And, if you are worried about crowding, ask which areas are least visited.
We rented mountain bikes from Boise Gear Collective in downtown Boise. The nearby Ridge to Rivers trail system was well marked and uncrowded on a Monday afternoon. The flat and paved 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt pathway was also wide and open. Along the way, stop to watch the river surfers and then enjoy a glass of wine on the patio of a nearby winery.
Sun Valley and the greater-area is also a mountain biking mecca with tons of singletrack trails as well as lift-serviced trails. It is also just a great all-around area for outdoor adventures in Idaho!
3| Natural Hot Springs. Discover and relax!
Timing, size, and ease of access will have a lot to do with potential for crowds. This is a truly iconic outdoor activity in Idaho.
The very scenic Snake Pit Hot Springs in Stanley is easy to access, so return later if folks are already there. Near Lowman, the various little natural pools at Pine Flats Hot Springs were very crowded mid-day. However, we were the only ones there at 6 PM. Kirkham Hot Springs sounded awesome, but they were closed during our visit. Or, reserve the private hot springs hut at the Mountain Village Resort in Stanley. How delightful!
FITZ BITS TIP: Explore up- or down-river for another hot spring or come back later if you arrive to a crowd.
4| Rock Climbing. Get your adrenaline going!
When rock climbing you probably need to be more aware about general safety than getting COVID! City of Rocks is a climber’s paradise. Or, find the crags in Sun Valley.
If you are new or intermediate, I highly recommend hiring Sawtooth Mountain Guides. They went above and beyond to social distance, require masks when close to each other, sanitize, and wash hands.
5| Whitewater Rafting. A raft with your family + guide.
Another iconic Idaho outdoor activity. Ask if your group is large enough for your own raft. Consider that you will likely be transported on a bus with other rafters. And, you will likely be using their equipment such as a helmet, life jacket, and possibly a wetsuit. Most outfitters include updated safety procedures and cleaning protocols on their website. We did a full-day trip with the Payette River Company in Lowman. Their bus was sparkling clean as well as all of the gear. My family of five had our own raft but the other raft had three groups of two.
6| Horseback Riding
COVID did not slow us down, but the weather did. We had to cancel our horseback riding tour with Mystic Saddle Ranch in Stanley due to a rainstorm. However, they were easy to communicate with and I can’t wait to return for a ride some day!
Lodging and Dining
BOISE: The downtown Hampton Inn was quite nice and the location was perfect. They had an inside pool and hot tub that you could sign up for by the hour. Note that there is a parking fee but we found street parking nearby. You can easily walk to restaurants, ice cream shops, and bars. We really liked the food and atmosphere at St. Lawrence Gridiron — make a reservation ahead of time.
TWIN FALLS: The Hilton Garden Inn was in a great location. From here, walk over the bridge and you are on a nice walking path to the gorge. Take a stroll and stop at Elevation 486 for a meal or a snack. It is pricy so we opted for drinks and dessert. We liked the breweries about ten minutes away: Milner’s Gate and Koto Brewing Company.
SUN VALLEY: This more affordable two-bedroom condo + loft in Elkhorn Village was great for our family of five. There was not much right there because the pool was closed. However, it was easy to drive to hiking and activities.
STANLEY: We stayed right in town in this nice two-bedroom condo. It was very new and clean. Also check out Red Fish Lake Lodge and stop by for a snack or meal even if you aren’t staying there.
LOWMAN: There is not much in Lowman so you may just choose to drive on to Boise. However, we stayed at the Southfork Lodge after white water rafting to break up the drive. They had a restaurant upstairs and a grill downstairs. And, horseshoe pits! Be sure to check out the natural hot springs in the area.
Look no further than Idaho for great outdoor adventures!
Visited in June 2020
