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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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