When you picture states with beautiful mountain views and unique rock formations, you probably don’t think of Idaho. But Idaho has numerous must-see stops for mountain lovers and rockhounds. You just need to know where to find them. Here are the best Idaho trips for rockhounds that you can add to your next motorcycle trip itinerary.
Castle Rocks State Park
Located in Almo, ID, Castle Rocks State Park features hundreds of hiking routes through beautiful mountain scenery. This park is a popular destination for rock climbers from around the world, as it features impressive rock formations and challenging climbing routes. If you’re not into climbing, you can also appreciate the spectacular mountain views from the ground, or participate in activities like:
- Bird watching
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Snowshoeing
- Biking
- Motorcycling
- Disc golf
- Hiking
Castle Rocks State Park is a historical site. You’ll find remnants of Native American pictographs throughout the park and see signs for several historic trail crossings. Researchers believe people have been coming to Castle Rocks State Park for more than 9,000 years. You can lodge in one of the many campsites on the park grounds or stay in a cabin or hotel nearby.
City of Rocks National Reserve
City of Rocks is a national reserve that shares a ranger station with Castle Rocks State Park. You can easily incorporate both of these natural areas into your list of Idaho trips for rockhounds. This reserve is well-known for its gorgeous, unique rock formations. Visitors commonly refer to the area as “a city of tall spires” due to the towering rocks throughout.
The City of Rocks is a common destination for geologists-in-training, as it offers numerous opportunities for study. It also sees thousands of tourists each year who participate in activities like hiking, camping, hunting, and rock climbing. The park’s 22 miles of hiking trails make for a full weekend of exploration.
Aside from its natural beauty, City of Rocks National Reserve also has a rich history. The area surrounding the City of Rocks was once home to Paiute and Shoshone Native Americans. Later, the reserve served as the backdrop for hundreds of thousands of people emigrating to California.
Teton Valley
Teton Valley is a portion of the Teton Mountain Range on the Wyoming-Idaho border. This area is often referred to as “the quiet side of the Tetons,” as it is less crowded than the more popular tourist areas. Still, it provides fantastic views of the Tetons and sprawling Idaho countryside.
While you’re in the area, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in many activities reminiscent of a previous era of cowboys and living off the land. You can stay in a campsite, a “luxury tent,” a cabin, or a hotel and spend your days exploring the Tetons.
Biking, climbing, horseback riding, and hunting are just a few of the activities offered in Teton Valley. You can stop for meals between attractions at old-country restaurants like Forage Bistro and Badger Creek Cafe.
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
Rockhounds and mountain enthusiasts love exploring the eye-catching, diverse rock formations of Craters of the Moon National Monument. This monument and national preserve in South Central Idaho features lava flow rock formations, scattered islands of sagebrush and cinder cones, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.
You can explore Craters of the Moon on your motorcycle by taking the seven-mile scenic loop around the preserve. If you happen to visit during a new moon, you can benefit from the incredible stargazing opportunities throughout the park.
You can’t go wrong choosing any of these spectacular Idaho trips for rockhounds. If you ever cause or become a victim of a motorcycle accident in Idaho, call Law Tigers at (888) 863-7216 for a free consultation. Law Tigers – motorcycle attorneys who ride – will refer you to a vetted motorcycle attorney in your area.
