What to do and see in Idaho, United States: The Best Sightseeing Tours

April 26, 2022 Timmy Ribble

A mixture of forested mountains, alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, deep river canyons, and high plains deserts, Idaho is a paradise for golf, skiing, fly fishing, and river rafting. Boise, the capital, is the state's largest city and airline hub. North of Boise are golf, lake, and ski resorts from McCall in the south to Sandpoint and Coeur D'Alene in the north. East of Boise are the ski slopes of Ketchum and Sun Valley. East of Sun Valley are Craters of the Moon National Monument, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and the small town of Island Park just across the border from Yellowstone National Park. Boise's Basque Museum and Cultural Center reflects having the largest Basque population in the U.S. Reflecting Idaho's diverse heritage, near the Idaho Historical Museum in Boise's Julia Davis Park is the Idaho Black History Museum's chronicle of the slave York who served the Lewis & Clark Expedition. After a family visit to the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey and an outdoor performance at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, the next stop after Boise is likely to be Payette Lake in McCall or Sun Valley and Ketchum. About 100 miles north of Boise, past Cascade Lake, McCall takes you to the shores of Payette Lake. Go golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, waterskiing, sailing, boating, or whitewater river rafting. Ski or snowshoe Brundage Mountain or Tamarack Resorts, as well as Ponderosa State Park in winter. Ice skate year-round at Manchester Ice & Event Centre. About 450 miles north of Boise, there are resort lakes near skiing and golf at Coeur d'Alene, Hayden Lake, and Sandpoint. Golf, tennis, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, and hunting are popular in Sun Valley and Ketchum. Sockeye salmon may no longer do much spawning in Redfish Lake, but the boating and mountain scenery in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area make the short trip north to Stanley worthwhile. When the snows come the whole family will head for the slopes of Soldier Mountain, Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, or the Sun Valley Resort. A tiny forested town of about 250 people, Island Park has a large reservoir with fishing and boating, as well as Henry's Fork of the Snake River for fly fishing. It's only 15 miles from Yellowstone as well.
Restaurants in Idaho

1. Private Yellowstone Old Faithful and Lower Loop Tour

Tied To Nature
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Spending the day on Yellowstone’s lower loop will give you an opportunity to experience the best of what Yellowstone has to offer. A long the way stop and see the famous Old Faithful Geyser as it erupts 150 feet into the air. Walk along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and view the Lower Falls as water plunges 300 feet into the canyon. Visit the colorful hot springs and other thermal features at one of the many geyser basins including Fountain Paint Pots, Black Sand Geyser Basin, and Wet Thumb Geyser Basin. Watch for bison, elk, bears, wolves and numerous other animals in Hayden Valley and other wildlife hotspots. This is the recommended tour if you just have one day and want to see the best of Yellowstone.

Inclusions: Picnic style lunch including a sandwich, drink, chips, and a snack., Use of binoculars and a spotting scope. , Snacks

Exclusions: Tips, Yellowstone National Park Pass.

Reviewed By 236joant

Adam Brunaker provided an unforgettable experience in Yellowstone National Park for our family on our April vacation. We saw newborn bison known as red dogs, wolves, a bear and other animals we never would have without Adam’s situation awareness, expertise and trained eye. Adam provided a comprehensive view of the Park in a safe and comfortable environment. I highly recommend Tied to Nature.

2. Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour

Island Park, ID, USA Tied To Nature
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Spend the day looking for wildlife throughout Yellowstone, focusing on Yellowstone’s Northern loop. You will visit areas such as Lamar or Haden Valley for the chance to see bears, wolves, coyotes, bison, elk, and pronghorn. You will also explore river corridors, valleys, forests, and other habitats looking for other animals including, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, river otters, and other species. While traveling through these area you will also have a chance to enjoy the scenic vistas these animals call home. (This trip is your best chance to see a bear or wolf but no guarantees.)

Inclusions: Binoculars , Spotting Scope, Choose between a roast beef, turkey, ham, veggie, and a pb&j sandwich as part of your picnic style lunch., Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Yellowstone National Park Pass

Reviewed By Amy J

We were absolutely thrilled with Tied To Nature and Adam Brubaker's tour. He is so knowledgeable and connected to what is going on at Yellowstone. When you take his tour, he is in contact with which animals are where, when the next time Old Faithful is going to go off, so we saw everything with hardly any down time. His enthusiasm and love for nature is palpable. We saw hundreds of bison, elk, the Great Gray Owl, and Bears! We got fantastic photos because he allowed us to put our cell phones onto his telescope. He explained so much about this majestic and magical park. We recommend this tour company highly! And do your tour at the beginning of your trip so that you get the most out of your whole trip. We were lucky we got in because of someone else canceling. We went during Covid-19 and felt very safe on a private tour with just our group.

3. Private Day Tour Safari of Yellowstone from Idaho Falls and Rexburg

Globe Trekkers
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Guest will have private transportation to and from Gardiner with a professional photographer and guide. You will experience abundant wildlife, geysers, majestic mountains, and canyons.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Private transportation, Snacks, Soda/Pop

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

4. VIP Private Targhee NF, Palisades/Snake R., Swan Valley, and Mormon Row Day Trip

Globe Trekkers
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Cross over The beautiful Teton Pass in into Idaho for an outdoor adventure. Globe Trekkers is all about giving you The VIP and attention you deserve! These are private tours (your party only), hotel pick up and drop off included, you call the stops, we take your photos for you, And we offer complimentary snacks and drinks. This tour provides a unique experience to explore and see some of the most impressive landscapes of the American West. You will see wildlife, such as moose, and swans. You will cross The Beautiful Grand Tetons. This is a private tour with a Max of 4 people per vehicle so that each guest or group will be able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and rich history of this part of Idaho and Wyoming. Winter Conditions may temporarily affect roads and stops.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Photography - Driver/Guide will provide limited complementary photography services

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

5. 9 Day Winter Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Mighty 5 National Park Private Explorer

Nomad Unlimited Adventure
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Immerse yourself in the rugged winter beauty of the American West with an experienced local guide. On this 9-day tour, a private tour of 3-8 guests will explore the snowy landscapes and admire the natural breathtaking beauty of seven (7) world-famous national parks and two (2) state parks. Includes Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Canyonland, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Also includes Antelope Island and Dead Horse Point. With the camera in hand, venture into world-famous slot canyons, including the awe-inspiring Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Explore the superb wild west scenery in iconic Monument Valley. Let a local guide take you on a Snow Coach, snowshoe tour, sleigh ride through an elk herd, an unforgettable Navajo Jeep tour, and the opportunity to check out an amazing flightseeing adventure that features fantastic bird's-eye views of some of the country's most striking scenery! Soak in world-famous naturally fed hot springs pools to make this the perfect trip.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Private transportation provided on-trip, Transfers upon arrival and departure (pick-up/drop-off from airport as indicated in the itinerary) , All National Park Entry Fee(as as indicated in the itinerary) , 8 nights accommodation as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary, Snacks/refreshments, hot chocolate drink, and bottled water, Local, professional guide

Exclusions: Guide gratuity (5-10% of tour price recommended), Airfares or other transportation between your home and destination, Trip cancellation insurance or any other Travel Insurance, Dinners and alcoholic beverages, Any additional at your own expense activities, excursions, or entertainment, Any personal expenses,such as laundry,valet services,telephone calls,mini bar and etc., Souvenirs, Salt Lake City Airport pick up before 9:00 am, or after 9:00 pm will be charge $50

Reviewed By 15bryantw

Perfect time arrangement & trip experience there! The sight sight to see and information from tour guide are truly amazing & crucial components of my overall experience! I highly recommend this to you.

6. 5 Day Yellowstone and Grand Teton Winter Tour - Private Small Group Tour

Grand Loop Mid-West Winter Wonderland
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* On this 5-day, a private group with 3-8 guests per group, is very safe, flexible, and enjoyable with an experienced and fun local tour guide * A great experience a soothing soak in the world-famous naturally fed hot springs pools makes the perfect trip * Enjoy a heated snow coach adventure into the magic of Yellowstone. It is creating optimum viewing to spot the elk, bison, wolves, mule deer,and other animals * Walk or snowshoe to capture unique angles on famous sites like Old Faithful geyser, Fountain Paint Pots, without the crowds, and discover Mammoth Hot Springs,and Grand Teton,and Antelope Island lesser-known areas *Take an unforgettable horse-drawn sleigh ride through an elk herd! * Tour will offer plenty of opportunities for easy walking and photography *This tour includes 4 nights hotel, 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, Snacks, Hot Chocolate,and Bottle Water *Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary, national park entrance fees,and transportation provided on-trip

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Transfers upon arrival and departure (pick-up & drop-off from airport as indicated in the itinerary), Private transportation provided on-trip, All National Park Entrance Fees, 4 nights accommodation as indicated in the itinerary, Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary, Snacks/refreshments, hot chocolate drink, and bottled water , Local, professional guide, live commentary is provided in English.

Exclusions: Guide gratuity (5 -10% of tour price recommended), Airfares or other transportation between your home and destination, Trip cancellation insurance or any other Travel Insurance , Alcoholic beverages and meals as not indicated in the itinerary, Any additional at your own expense activities, excursions, or entertainment, Any personal expenses,such as laundry,valet services,telephone calls,mini bar and etc., Souvenirs, Optional tours or activities as Items and prices may vary due to season and are subject to confirm., Pickup before 9 am, or after 9 pm will be charge $50/person.

7. Private VIP Mesa Falls, St. Anthony Sand Dunes, and Harriman State Park Tour

Globe Trekkers

Enjoy a private scenic day in The Tetons of Idaho. One of the regions most beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, The Snake River, history, and so much more. Your tour departs Jackson and takes you over the breathtaking Teton Pass and to Darby Canyon. Followed by Mesa Falls, and through Caribou-Targhee National Forest to Harrimon State Park. The final stop is The Saint Anthony Sand Dunes before driving back across the Teton Flood Plains and over The Teton Pass to Jackson.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Private transportation

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

8. VIP Private Shoshone Falls, Craters of The Moon NM, and Potato Museum

Globe Trekkers

This full day VIP tour takes you to some of the most spectacular sights in Idaho. The tour departs Jackson Hole and follows The Snake River to the high Idaho Desert. The main highlight are; Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon NM, The Potato Museum, and the almost abandoned Atomic City.

Inclusions: Snacks, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By Cherie_Gigi_F

This was, by far, the best tour we have ever done. Our guide A.J., quickly became our friend. He is highly educated, fun and goes above and beyond to provide a one of a kind experience. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing this beautiful place with such a wonderful and genuine person who loves nature and wildlife as much as we do.

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