Dream time for the Great American West in Idaho

Payette River

The Great American West is an awe-inspiring region in all seasons, and summer is always a great time to visit the states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The region abounds in pristine national parks, fascinating Native American and cowboy culture and exciting outdoor activities for when travel to these states is once again possible.

Here is a collection of off-the-beaten-path highlights in each state and virtual tours and videos that you can experience from the comfort of self-isolation while you plan and dream.

Check out our Australian & New Zealand websites and our Facebook page for more great photos and information about the Great American West.

And click here to experience Idaho's virtual tours

• Payette River: This exciting 360° video will give you the thrills (without the spills!) of rafting on Idaho’s Payette River with glistening water and towering conifer trees surrounding you.
• Twin Falls Canyon Experience: Thrill seekers will love virtual kayaking near Shoshone Falls, epic BASE jumping, and ziplining through Snake River Canyon with panoramic views.
• North Fork Championship: Take a thrilling 360° journey alongside some of the world’s best Whitewater kayakers at the 2016 North Fork Championship at Payette River.

‘Inspo for iso’ –– here are 3 off-the-beaten-path Idaho destinations to dream about:

Castle Rocks State Park

1. City of Rocks Backcountry Byway
City of Rocks Backcountry Byway wraps around two incredible geographic wonders in southern Idaho: City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. City of Rocks is a 14,000-acre paradise of Idaho’s scenic wilderness which can be enjoyed through rock-climbing, hiking, and bird watching. Next door, Castle Rocks State Park attracts rock-climbers from all around the world due to its unique rocky landscape that dates back 2.5 million years. Closely examine rock formations to see Native American pictographs created by the area’s original inhabitants.

Lake Coeur d'Alene

2. Lake Coeur d’Alene
For incomparable views of lakes, mountains and wildlife, drive along the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway which is one of the most famous summer playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Go on a family bike ride on the spectacular 73-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes where you could spot eagles, deer, and elk. Winding along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the trail provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding pine and fir trees.

Kirkham Hot Springs

3. Kirkham Hot Springs

One of the most relaxing and scenic off the beaten path destinations in Idaho is Kirkham Hot Springs where you can unwind in naturally heated soaking pools surrounded by small steaming waterfalls. Nestled beside the magnificent South Fork of the Payette River, you will be treated to breathtaking views and the serenity of Boise National Forest’s ponderosa pine trees and grasslands. There is a campground next to the hot springs if you want to stay there for the night.

Ask a local: the Pioneer Saloon, Ketchum

Downtown Ketchum

Experience Idaho’s vibrant nightlife at The Pioneer Saloon a favourite haunt for the locals to gather on a Friday night for ribs, steaks, and seafood with a beer or glass of wine. Opened in the 1940s as a gambling casino and transformed into a restaurant in the 1960s, this old-time western bar recreates an authentic saloon atmosphere through natural woods and period firearms. It showcases intriguing artefacts including antique bullet boards from the 1890s, western art, posters and sculptures, Ernest Hemingway memorabilia, and American Indian arrowhead boards.

Photos credit Idaho Tourism

About The Great American West
The Great American West is the brand for the international marketing efforts of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. Collectively, the group markets to both travel trade (tour operators, travel agents, etc.) and consumers through advertising and public relations efforts. Individually, each state office works with their industry partners to raise awareness of their states and the region as a whole through the promotion of products and travel destinations. The Great American West contracts with Rocky Mountain International to help coordinate their united efforts in eight international markets, including The United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Benelux and Nordics. https://greatamericanwest.co/