The Scenic Route from Boise to Pocatello: Top Places to See in Idaho

Summer has arrived, and it's time to hit the road and explore the incredible sights and sounds of Idaho. Driving from Boise to Pocatello presents you with beautiful landscapes and hidden gems along the way. Pocatello, a vibrant and charming small town, is an easy 2-hour drive from Idaho’s capital city, Boise. If you're looking for an opportunity to get out, stretch your legs, and appreciate some of Idaho's most breathtaking sights, this is the perfect road trip for you. So, buckle up and explore some of the top places you will see when driving from Boise to Pocatello.

Boise National Forest

Driving from Boise, you'll first pass through the gorgeous Boise National Forest. Your eyes will be treated to 2.5 million acres of pristine wilderness, rolling mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Some of the best pull-offs include Warm Springs and the Payette River Scenic Byway. The byway boasts exceptional scenery, and you'll pass through towns like Lowman, Crouch, and Garden Valley – all of which offer fantastic accommodation options if you wanted a break.

Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park

Further down the road lies a surprise gem - Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park. These dunes, which reach up to 470 feet in height, are especially unusual as they lie in the midst of sagebrush that's generally commonplace throughout the arid Idaho landscape. Visitors come here to sandboard, camp, or take selfies with the stunning backdrop of the dunes. The dunes provide an excellent vantage point to watch the sunset – an absolute must-see.

Shoshone Falls

Next up is the magnificent Shoshone Falls, often cited as the "Niagara of the West." At 212 feet high and 900 feet wide, this natural wonder is breathtaking in every sense of the word. Take a stroll along the paved paths that snake their way around the falls - it's the perfect spot to observe the falls from every possible angle. There is a beautiful bridge across the Snake River that provides some great vantage points and photo opportunities of the falls.

City of Rocks National Reserve

The City of Rocks National Reserve is a great place to make a stopover – it’s a natural wonderland of towering granite spires and exquisite rock formations. It’s one of the most popular destinations for rock climbers in the area, but it's not just for the climbers - hiking trails, picnic areas, camping spots, and an easy drive make it a great spot for families as well.

Fort Hall Replica

Your last stop before arriving in Pocatello is the Fort Hall Replica, which takes you back in time to the early 19th century among the Oregon Trail emigrants heading west. The fort replicates an original Fort Hall, which stood on the Oregon Trail and served as a crucial trading post for generations. The replica, built in the late 1970s beside the Snake River, comprises blockhouse, trading posts, mule barn, blacksmith, and many other buildings from that era.

Conclusion

The drive from Boise to Pocatello is not long, but it's loaded with hidden treasures. From towering sand dunes and rugged mountains to crashing waterfalls and magnificent rock formations, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on this route. So grab a map, your camera, and hit the road - you won’t regret it!