Boise is a fascinating place to visit as it offers Shakespeare performances at the outdoor theater, a terrific wine and craft beer scene, and is home to over 300 mixed-used trails. If you're willing to drive a little further, you can include visits to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park in a Salt Lake City to Boise road trip. There are fascinating state parks like Utah’s Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island, as well as Idaho’s Niagara Springs, Lucky Peak, and Three Island Crossing. You'll find many other things to do and see along the way when you go on a Salt Lake City to Boise RV road trip.
Grand Teton National Park
You need to go about four hours north on your Salt Lake City to Boise route to reach Grand Teton National Park. This park near Moose, Wyoming, has over 200 miles of trails to explore. The possibilities are almost endless, with many of the trails leading past the park’s lakes and through deep canyons. You may also want to go on a scenic drive, like the Moose-Wilson Road, where you may have to stop as moose walk in front of your car. Anglers will appreciate the trout fishing opportunities on the Snake River and Jackson Lake, where it's not unusual to catch trout up to 24-inches long. Some of the prettiest scenery here can be seen on boating and paddling adventures, especially on Jenny Lake. Thousands of people head to this park annually to climb its tallest peaks.
Yellowstone National Park
About four hours north of Logan, you'll reach Yellowstone National Park. This park is just 31 miles from Grand Teton National Park, so it's easy to put both on your road trip itinerary from Salt Lake City to Boise. If you have an interest in wild bears, head to Fishing Bridge to see grizzly bears or to Mammoth Hot Springs to see black bears. If you want to see bison, consider stopping at Old Faithful or head to the north entrance. Bighorn sheep can often be viewed in Lamar Valley or near the north entrance. Moose can sometimes be found near the northeast or south entrances to the park or at West Thumb.
Great Salt Lake State Park
The Great Salt Lake State Park is home to the Great Salt Lake, which is at least 20% saltier than the ocean. Consider starting your visit at the visitors center to learn more about the area and its unique ecosystem. Then, head to the observation deck to get astonishing views of the lake. Stop and explore the marina, which is home to one of the oldest yacht clubs in America. Stroll along the trail near the marina to watch sailboats on the lake and see some of the park’s birdlife; over 257 species of birds visit this park annually. The round and smooth sand on the beach is called oolitic sand, and it's unique because of its high calcium carbonate concentration.
Antelope Island State Park
You'll want to stop at Antelope Island State Park to see the Great Salt Lake from a different vantage point. You'll also want to see the buffalo that live on the range on this island as approximately 650 bison live here. Many are rounded up and taken to diverse points across the U.S. annually. They all come from 12 animals that were initially brought to the island in 1893. You may also see a range of other animals during your visit, including bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope. Hike along the trails to reach the Anglo house, which is the largest home in Utah that still sits on its original foundation. Some of the unique rocks that you pass while hiking are over 1.7 billion years old. Bird lovers will adore seeing all the birds congregating near the shoreline at this park.
Thousand Springs State Park
Thousand Springs State Park is divided into several different units, and you may want to stop at more than one during your Salt Lake City to Boise road trip. One that's very close to your route is the Niagara Springs unit, where you can see a tall waterfall crashing into the Snake River. While the road is narrow and steep, you can drive into a 350-foot-deep canyon in this part of the park near Wendell, Idaho. You may also want to head to the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve located near Twin Falls to see the waterfalls situated there. This preserve is a favorite spot for hiking, fishing, and biking. You may also want to hike to see Malad Gorge near Hagerman. Head to the nearby Billingsley Creek unit for horseback riding and fishing fun. View the historic homes on Ritter Island or follow historic wagon ruts on the Kelton Trail.
Three Island Crossing State Park
Head to Three Island Crossing State Park near Glenns Ferry, Idaho, to learn more about the Native Americans and first settlers at the Oregon Trail History and Education Center. See the replica Conestoga wagon. Then, head out on the short trails leading to the Snake River, where you can go wading and fishing. Your children are sure to love visiting this state park when you let them borrow one of the park’s backpacks filled with guidebooks, a magnifying glass and other equipment needed to explore the area. Everyone is sure to love playing disc golf at this park. This course makes it one of the best state parks in Idaho for competitive individuals.
Lucky Peak State Park
Lucky Peak State Park near Boise is divided into three different areas. Enjoy a picnic lunch while seeing beautiful scenery at the Discovery unit. The marina at the Spring Shores unit rents boats and water sports equipment. End the day with a sunset paddle on a paddleboard at Sandy Point.
Ogden Union Station
You'll come away from Ogden Union Station in Ogden, Utah, with a better appreciation of the men and women who pioneered this rugged area and the machines they used to do it. Stop at the Utah State Railroad Museum to see the old train cars and engines located there. Then, stroll to the Utah Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to learn more about the cowboys, cowgirls and entertainers who have chosen the western way of life. Tour the Browning-Kimbell Classic Car Museum to see the fantastic collection of antique automobiles and car memorabilia. The Browning Firearms Museum tells the story of John M. Browning and the many sporting guns that his company invented. This facility also features two art galleries showcasing work from local artists.
George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
See over 100 full-size replicas of dinosaurs at the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden, Utah. Many of them move and feature sounds, and all the dinosaurs are based on scientific data. This park also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.
Shoshone Falls
Often called the Niagara of the West, you won't want to miss seeing Shoshone Falls. This waterfall near Twin Falls, Idaho, is 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide. The amount of water flowing over the falls depends on the winter snowfall and how the Snake River water is used. The best time to see it is usually in the spring as that's when the most water flows, but it's open throughout the year.
Shoshone Ice Caves
Located about 46 miles north of Shoshone Falls, stop and visit Shoshone Ice Caves. This cave near Shoshone, Idaho, is the largest known ice cave in the world, and it stays between 25 and 32 degrees throughout the year. Stroll with a professional guide down a path and down 162 stairs to reach the cave. After visiting the 1,000-foot-long cave, stroll around the grounds where several statues are located.
Crater of the Moons National Monument & Preserve
Located about 90 minutes off your route, Crater of the Moons National Monument & Preserve between the towns of Arco and Carey, Idaho, is a sight you'll want to visit. The unique rock formations here will make you think you've left earth and traveled to the moon. You can see much of the park by driving along its 7-mile-long road. Consider leaving your RV to go for hikes across the rock formations, where you'll find caves waiting to be explored.
Ogden, Utah
You'll find an exciting mixture of things to do and see in Ogden, Utah, including an active nightlife, great restaurants and fun attractions like Union Station. Campground options in Ogden include Century RV Park and Fort Buenaventura. Ogden RV dump station options include Golden Spike RV Park, Lagoon RV Park & Campground and other nearby Utah locations.
Albion, Idaho
Just a short way off your road trip from Salt Lake City to Boise, Albion is one of the state's oldest cities. Pomerelle Mountain Resort is a fantastic place to play in the snow in the winter, and it offers excellent mountain biking for the rest of the year. Consider camping at Lake Cleveland Campground or Village of the Trees RV Resort. Albion RV dump stations are available at Massacre Rocks State Park, Willow Bay Marina and other Idaho locations.
Twin Falls, Idaho
If you love to hike, follow the 7-mile-long Canyon Rim Trail at Twin Falls, Idaho, for amazing scenic views of the Snake River or head to Centennial Park for a zip-lining adventure. Oregon Trails Campgrounds and Rock Creek RV Campground are highly rated Twin Falls campgrounds. Twin Falls RV dump stations are available at Twin Falls 93 Campground and Dead Horse Point State Park.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Salt Lake City to Boise, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Salt Lake City or Boise.