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7-Day Scenic Idaho Escape: Hot Springs, Ghost Towns & City of Rocks Adventure

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Day 1: Arrival & Boise Exploration

Boise, Idaho on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro

Kick off your trip with a delicious breakfast featuring local ingredients and hearty portions in downtown Boise.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Boise Art Museum

Explore contemporary art collections and rotating exhibits open daily from 10am to 5pm, offering insight into local and regional artists.
USD10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Boise Fry Company

Savor gourmet fries with creative toppings in a casual setting, perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Boise River Greenbelt

Enjoy a peaceful riverside walk through parks and natural scenery, stretching for several miles along the Boise River.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at State & Lemp

Dine on elevated American cuisine using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in an inviting atmosphere.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 2: City of Rocks Adventure

Almo, Idaho on September 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Almo Cafe

Fuel up with a classic breakfast featuring freshly baked goods and coffee before heading out.
USD16, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to City of Rocks National Reserve

Travel southeast to this stunning rock formation known for hiking, climbing, and natural history.
USD7 per vehicle, 1h30m

10:00am

Hiking and Rock Formations Tour

Explore iconic formations like the Window, Twin Sisters, and register rock with interpretive signage along well-maintained trails.
Free, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Rock City Cafe

Enjoy fresh sandwiches and refreshments served with a view of the reserve's majestic rocks.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Evening Photography & Wildlife Spotting

Capture the golden hour light on the granite formations and keep an eye out for local wildlife like mule deer and birds.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at City of Rocks Grill

Relax with a home-style dinner featuring Idaho game meats and fresh sides in a cozy setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Ghost Towns

Silver City, Idaho on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local diner in Almo

Enjoy a quick and comforting breakfast before traveling north to the historic ghost town area.
USD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Silver City

Travel north to Silver City, one of Idaho’s best-preserved and most famous ghost towns from the gold rush era.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Silver City Walking Tour

Take a guided or self-guided walking tour among old mining buildings, historic saloons, and the unique preserved streetscape.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Silver City Saloon

Dine in the historic atmosphere with hearty western-style dishes popular with locals and tourists alike.
USD30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit nearby partially restored mining sites

Explore the outskirts of Silver City with light hiking and historical interpretation of mining operations and ghost town life.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and overnight at Silver City

Stay overnight in one of the charming inns or bed and breakfasts for a full historic immersion and enjoy a quiet dinner.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Relaxing Hot Springs Soak

Cascade, Idaho on September 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Silver City

Enjoy a local breakfast before your journey to the hot springs near Cascade.
USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Gold Fork Hot Springs

Travel west to the serene Gold Fork Hot Springs known for beautiful pools in a forest setting.
USD8 entrance fee, 2h0m driving

11:00am

Gold Fork Hot Springs Soak

Relax in naturally heated mineral pools ideal for soothing tired muscles and enjoying nature.
USD8, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Fogg's Burgers & Brew in Cascade

Savor delicious burgers and hand-crafted beers in Cascade’s friendly town center.
USD25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Afternoon hike along Gold Fork River

Explore easy trails alongside the river for beautiful fall colors and peaceful ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local Cascade restaurant

Choose from several local eateries focusing on fresh, regional ingredients for a relaxed evening meal.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: McCall Hot Springs & Exploration

McCall, Idaho on September 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at McCall Coffee Company

Start your day with fresh coffee and artisan pastries at this cozy local café.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Burgdorf Hot Springs

Travel a short distance to Burgdorf Hot Springs, a historic natural hot springs resort with rustic charm.
USD10 entrance fee, 30m driving

9:30am

Morning soak at Burgdorf Hot Springs

Enjoy soaking in thermal waters surrounded by scenic woodlands, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
USD10, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at the Restringer Grill & Tavern

Enjoy a hearty lunch with lakeside views featuring fresh local ingredients in McCall.
USD28, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ponderosa State Park

Spend the afternoon exploring hiking trails, wildlife watching, and enjoying Payette Lake views inside this beautiful state park.
USD7 per vehicle, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at My Father's Place

Relish in a casual family-style meal offering a variety of American comfort food favorites.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sawtooth Mountains Day Trip

Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho on September 15, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at McCall Coffee Company

Grab a quick but satisfying breakfast with excellent coffee to energize your day.
USD12, 45m

7:45am

Drive to Ketchum via scenic route

Embark on a picturesque drive towards Ketchum/Sun Valley, gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains.
Free, 3h0m

11:00am

Hiking in Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Choose from short to moderate hikes offering breathtaking mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Free, 4h0m

3:00pm

Lunch in downtown Ketchum

Enjoy a late lunch at The Kneadery, a casual spot known for fresh and flavorful sandwiches and salads.
USD25, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Ketchum town

Visit local shops, galleries and the historic Sun Valley Lodge to soak in the alpine town ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sawtooth Brewery

Sample locally brewed beers paired with inventive American dishes in a friendly brewpub setting.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return to Boise & Departure

Boise, Idaho on September 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Big City Coffee

Enjoy one last satisfying breakfast with artisan coffee and fresh baked pastries in Boise.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Old Idaho Penitentiary

Explore this unique historic prison opened 9am-5pm with engaging exhibits about Idaho’s past.
USD8, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fork Restaurant

Savor your final meal of the trip with fresh, locally sourced dishes in a lively Boise setting.
USD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Stroll Downtown Boise & Shop

Spend any remaining time exploring local shops, artisan markets and cafes downtown before departure.
Free, 2h0m
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