Hiking

Where to Hike

Looking for a place to hike in a certain region of Idaho? Check out our Idaho Trails Map. Filter the map to show only the type of route you want to see, plan your route from your computer or mobile device, then create custom georeferenced map files (GeoPDFs) for offline mobile navigation or print maps to paper.

Two versions of the Idaho Trails App cover all devices:

Advanced is full-featured, usable on PCs, iOS devices, plus Android devices with extended capabilities.

Mobile is configured to function on Android devices of all capabilities.

Users should try the Advanced version first. If a blank screen is encountered when zooming the map in, tap the Go to Mobile App button to switch to the Mobile version.

Please provide feedback here if you encounter any issues with app function.

Fire and Air Quality Information

Idaho summers are often characterized by wildfires and poor air quality. There are several resources you can use to find places to recreate safely and determine whether it is safe to have a campfire.

Check air quality information from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
Check for local burn bans from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.
Check for fire restrictions from the Idaho Department of Lands.
Check for active wildfires from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Trail Etiquette

Stay off muddy trails. Using trails while they are muddy damages the tread and can result in unsafe conditions for future users.
Stay on designated trails. Taking shortcuts or using unofficial trails leads to excess resource damage.
Ride on the proper trails designated for your use type. Do your research ahead of time (check out the Idaho Trails Map!) so you know where to go.
Share the trails. Be prepared to encounter others on the trail – whether it be walkers, mountain bikers, runners, stock users, or off-highway vehicle users.
1. Mountain bikers should yield to foot-traffic and stock users. Foot-traffic should yield to stock users.
2. Motorized users should yield to non-motorized users.
3. When approaching stock users, remove your helmet, get to the downhill side of the trail if possible, and speak calmly to let the stock know you’re human.
Be kind, courteous, and respectful. Remember, we are all out on the trails to have a good time. BE a good trail ambassador and go out of your way to be courteous to others.
Do your best to Leave No Trace.

Idaho Road Conditions

For the latest road conditions, visit the Idaho 511 map managed by the Idaho Department of Transportation.

Hiking on Rangeland

Idaho’s public lands allow for many uses, including ranching. To learn how to recreate responsibly around livestock on public land, please read these ten tips and visit the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission website.

Idaho Trails Supporter Sticker

Want to support Non-Motorized Trails in Idaho? Purchase an Idaho Trails Supporter Sticker. Trails provide access to Idaho. IDPR already has one of the most effective motorized trail maintenance programs in the country, supported by user fees. But the needed resources to maintain trails for hiking, biking, and stock users are lacking. Without adequate maintenance and improvements, access to some non-motorized trails will be lost.

Idaho Centennial Trail

The 995.6-mile Idaho Centennial Trail weaves through some of the most scenic portions of Idaho’s wild country, from high desert canyonlands in southern Idaho to wet mountain forests in northern Idaho. The entirety of the Idaho Centennial Trail can be utilized by thru-hikers, backpackers, day hikers, and stock users. Some sections can be accessed by off-highway vehicles and mountain bikes.

Hiking in Federal Land

More than 60% of Idaho is public and managed by the US Forest Service and Federal Bureau of Management. There are trails for everyone whether you’re looking for a short hike for the whole family or a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience.

Click below to find information about hiking on federal land:

Hiking in Wilderness Areas

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines Wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Wilderness areas are limited to non-mechanized users. Recreational use is limited to foot traffic, stock users, and wheelchair users.

Idaho offers some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the lower 48 states. Follow a trail through 6,000 foot river canyons, hike to crystal alpine lakes or jagged peaks, or find solitude on thousands of miles of hiking trails in Idaho’s designated wilderness areas, two of which (the Frank Church and Selway Bitterroot Wilderness areas) are the largest in the lower 48 states.

Southern Idaho:

Central Idaho:

Northern Idaho:

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness

Hiking in Idaho State Parks

Idaho state parks in every region of the state have excellent opportunities for hiking and learning about the natural and historical significance of the environment. Visit these Idaho state parks for exceptional hiking opportunities: