A few days spent in Southwest Idaho gives you an opportunity to explore the best of what the West has to offer: mountain peaks and desert valleys, rushing rivers and bustling cities. It’s all here.

2. Whether rafting its rivers, skiing its mountains, drinking and eating from its
bounty, or learning about its history, there’s an experience for all in southwest
Idaho. World class whitewater, extensive mountain biking trails, piles of
powdery snow, and soaring sand dunes will get the heart pounding. In big
cities and small towns travel back in time to learn about the Idaho gold rush,
the early days of Idaho wine, the arrival of the largest Basque population in
the U.S., and trails traversed by frontier pioneers. A few days spent in
Southwest Idaho gives you an opportunity to explore the best of what the
West has to offer: mountain peaks and desert valleys, rushing rivers and
bustling cities. It’s all here.

3. Sunny Meadows
The parks of southwest Idaho- from Bruneau
Sand Dunes and Observatory to Payette Lake-
help travelers return to nature. Meadows covered
with wildflowers are inviting to horseback and ATV
riders alike. Lakes and streams rich with bass,
sturgeon, and catfish provide a relaxing escape to
the seasoned fisherman and a learning
environment to the novice. After a day of
adventure, natural hot springs help soothe away
aches and pains. As the sun sets over the
mountains the star-filled night sky enchants the
young and young-at-heart.

4. Raging Rapids
The whitewater of southwestern Idaho is legendary with
Class II to Class IV’s found along the Snake River and
Hell’s Canyon. Whether you’re looking to kayak class IV
rapids, join a guided rafting trip, paddle with the kids, or
try the latest whitewater trend the rivers of southwestern
Idaho have your adventure. Southwest Idaho outfitters
are on top of the latest in whitewater- from stand-up
paddle boarding to hydrospeeding- and can provide
gear, lessons, and trips.
In Cascade, Kelly’s Whitewater Park challengers
beginner and advanced kayakers, rafters, tubers, and
canoeists with five in water features. The 2,600 sq ft
Welcome Center is a perfect place for spectators to
catch the action and learn about Idaho’s history through
a variety of exhibitions.

5. Big City
The bustling city of Boise should be explored with all
the senses. Here are just a few ways to experience
Boise:
See: Watch science come to life at the Discovery
Center of Idaho or revisit a classic at the Idaho
Shakespeare Festival.
Smell: Breathe in hundreds of flowers at the Idaho
Botanical Gardens or inhale homemade paella baking
at the Basque Market.
Hear: Listen to the crowd cheering from BSU’s blue
turf or discover the newest sound at an underground
club.
Taste: Sample innovative microbrews or join the eat
local food craze.
Touch: Feel the rush of the wind while biking from
park to park along the Greenbelt or cool off with a float
down the Boise River.

6. Small Towns
Thanks to Boise’s central location and
international airport, the capital city is a great
gateway to some of Idaho’s hidden gems. Only
minutes away in Caldwell and Nampa are award-
winning wineries with inviting tasting rooms. To
the south Glenns Ferry and Three Island
Crossing display trails used by pioneers
exploring the west. To the north, the National Old
Time Fiddlers Contest and Festival swells the
mountain town of Weiser. Further north the
mountains of McCall transform from winter
wonderland to mountain biking paradise with the
changing seasons.
Easy Daytrips from Boise:
•Ride the rails on a themed trip with
Thunder Mountain Line
•Hike the sand dunes at Bruneau Dunes
•Zoom along the state’s longest ziplines in
Horseshoe Bend.
•Catch an open-air performance at Starlight
Mountain Theater
•Fish for trout at Black River Canyon

7. Soaring the Skies
The Snake River Birds of Prey National
Conservation Area (NCA), in southwest Idaho, was
established in 1993 to protect a unique
environment that supports one of the world's
densest concentrations of nesting birds of prey.
The NCA is a popular spot in southwest Idaho for
viewing wildlife, fishing, mountain bike riding, hiking
and other activities. Designed for all ages,
the Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of
Prey is a unique facility featuring innovative,
interactive exhibits; multimedia shows; original
artwork and a variety of resident birds of prey. Kids
will love learning from the Avian Ambassadors who
help teach about raptors and birds of prey.

8. Wine Time
Grapes have been grown in Southwest Idaho since the
1800s and in recent years its fertile valleys have
produced numerous award-winning wines. In 2007 the
Snake River Valley was named an American Viticulture
Area signifying the region’s importance in the American
wine industry. Today over 1000-acres of grapes from
the region are used by nearly 40 local wineries. Stop in
for a taste year round at tasting rooms in Boise,
Nampa, Caldwell, and the surrounding areas.
During harvest season, wineries invite the public to
help with local grape stomping festivals and the
vineyards along the Snake River Canyon Scenic
Byway are at their peak. Visit www.idahowines.org to
find out about area wineries and wine events.

9. Powder Play
With an average snowfall measuring well over 250” the
slopes of Southwest Idaho are a popular winter playground.
.Bogus Basin outside Boise and Brundage Mountain near
McCall offer full service facilities with extensive groomed
runs and lifts, tubing hills, lighted runs for night skiing, kids
programs, lessons, gear and apparel shops, and cross
country ski and snowshoe trails. Adventurous skiers can
venture into the backcountry of the Boise and Payette
National Forests. Hundreds of miles of trails and frozen
lakes are open to snowmobiles from Cascade to Idaho City
.
Travelers preferring ice to snow can join a hockey game or
curling match at Idaho Ice World or skate the day away at
Manchester Ice Centre.

10. Idaho Gold
Gold had just been discovered in the Boise Basin
in 1862, 150 years ago. Naturally drawing
individuals seeking wealth, Idaho City seemed to
instantly become a thriving city, with more than
250 businesses, including opera and theater
houses, music stores, tailors, breweries, bowling
alleys, barber shops and bakeries, pool halls and
drug stores, plus plenty of saloons. During the
gold rush more than $250 million worth of the
precious yellow metal was taken from the Boise
Basin. Incredible examples of early brick work and
wooden architecture still exist in Idaho City.

11. Media Contacts
Hailey McDonald
hailey@adventuremedianews.com
970.568.7423
Melissa Cleland
Mmcleland@gmail.com
208.921.7029
www.visitsouthwestidaho.org
@Visitswidaho
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