Idaho Fall Colors 2024

Mountain peaks, dunes, and forests—Idaho has it all to impress a devoted leaf-peeper

Best time: early October–mid November

Idaho nature is beautiful at any season, but during fall, it pops with every shade you can think of. Aspens and maples are signature trees in the state, which transform multiple forests of Idaho into a beautiful blaze of color. Whether in a city or the mountains, autumn in Idaho unfolds its patchwork blanket to the delight of nature lovers.

When to see fall foliage in Idaho

Leaves start changing color in Idaho at the beginning of September. Fall arrives first at higher elevations. The leaf-peeping season in the state is quite long and stretches into mid-November, when the trees look the most spectacular at lower elevations in Southern Idaho. Generally, the best time to enjoy fall colors in Idaho lasts from early October to early November. In the north and central areas of the state, the peak fall foliage is observed around early or mid-October. It's a good time to visit Boise River Greenbelt, Sun Valley. Southeastern Idaho areas, like Pocatello and Mesa Falls, look the best in late October.

Boise

Boise is often called "The City of Trees." Therefore, you can expect to enjoy the best fall foliage without even leaving the city. The downtown area and river belt explode with bright maples, cottonwoods, and oaks. The city is also home to Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the best gardens in the whole state to display colorful leaves.

A walk or a bike ride on Boise Greenbelt is a must during the fall months. The 25-mile tree-lined pathway goes along the north and south sides of the scenic Boise River. Eagle Island State Park is another great destination, located west of Boise. A huge day-use park, adjacent to the Boise River, has a grassy picnic area, a beach, and a zip line course.

Southwest of Boise, you will find many vineyards, which offer tastings and bright views during the fall season. To the north, Moscow is another destination to explore with amazing autumnal scenery. The University of Idaho campus and its arboretums are among the top places in the city for leaf-peeping.

Sun Valley

Sun Valle resort town gets incredibly colorful during autumn. Bald Mountain is the best area for a panoramic view of the sea of gold. You can take a ski lift, which operates from 10 am to 4 pm during the warm season, or take a 3-mile (5-km) hike to a scenic overlook, offering the best view of the valley and Big Wood River.

Galena Pass, located in the Boulder Mountains, within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, is a scenic spot, where you can enjoy fall foliage earlier in the season (mid-September). Pleanty of beautiful aspens can be spotted north of the North Fork Visitor Center and along the Big Wood River.

Pocatello

A leaf-peeping adventure in southeastern Idahowill be a memorable experience for sure. Landscapes look stunning thanks to beautiful maples, aspens, and oaks. Start with The City Creek Trail, suitable for both bikers and hikers. Pocatello also has some great peaks to challenge advanced hikers, such as Sedgwick Peak and Oxford Peak. Oneida Narrows Reservoir south of the city is great for fishing, boating, and enjoying the beauty of autumn in Idaho.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

Upper Mesa Falls is a top leaf-peeping destination in Eastern Idaho. Take a scenic fall foliage ride on Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, which stretches for 28 miles (45 km). The route starts at Idaho 47 near Aston, goes Travel northeast to the old Bear Gulch Ski Area site, and then along Forest Service Route 294 to the U.S. 20. Along the way, you can stop to see Idaho's most beautiful waterfalls: Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The stunning fall landscape of Caribou-Targhee National Forest, which is adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, is no less spectacular. The lush forests of Idaho are a paradise for hikers. Pleasant weather and multiple routes perfectly suit a short stroll or a multi-day adventure.

Practical info

Where are the best places for leaf-peeping in Idaho?

The Boise River Greenbelt is among the popular destinations for leaf-peeping in Idaho. The scenic route boasts a range of trees like oaks, maples, and sycamores, among others. The Idaho Botanical Garden also showcases the fall leaves' beauty. In addition to Boise, Sun Valley, Sawtooth National Forest, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and Moscow all offer exceptional opportunities for leaf-peeping fame.

What are the top hiking destinations in Idaho during fall?

The lush hiking trails in Idaho make it impossible not to want to experience the beauty of its fall. The state has a collection of hiking trails for people to enjoy, such as Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Sawtooth National Forest, Sun Valley and Pocatello's southeast region. The last is famous for its challenging trails that hikers take during the autumn months. Its diverse plant life and fauna make it a nature lover's paradise.

What other activities besides hiking and leaf-peeping can visitors enjoy in Idaho during autumn?

Visitors can indulge in a host of activities during the fall season. These include fishing at the Oneida Narrows Reservoir, kayaking or boating on the Snake River, scenic drives while enjoying the foliage or visiting vineyards. Wine lovers get a chance to participate in wine tastings while taking in the splendid views that the area offers. The fall weather is perfect for golfers, while spa lovers and stargazers have to relax and admire the beautiful Idaho skies.

Can visitors expect to see wildlife during their fall visit to Idaho?

Idaho has a thriving wildlife population across its vast landscapes, making it a fantastic destination for fall animal encounters. During autumn, many wildlife species are active as they prepare for winter. Deer, moose, and elk migrate through Idaho's forests, with mountain goats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears also active. Visitors are advised to maintain safe distancing and respect wildlife's activity and migration patterns.

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