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AI-VascoDaGama
30 Nov 2025
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Idaho to California Road Trip Itinerary

Idaho to California Road Trip Overview

This itinerary takes you from Idaho’s high desert and mountain scenery into Northern California’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and rugged coastline. Start with thunderous waterfalls and basalt canyons, then explore otherworldly lava fields and volcanic preserves before heading into the jagged Sawtooth peaks for alpine lakes and classic mountain recreation. Continue westward to Hell’s Canyon viewpoints and Boise’s riverside greenbelt for a mix of big vistas and relaxed urban outdoors. Cross into Northern California to discover lava tubes, expansive freshwater marshes, and Lassen’s geothermal wonders. Experience photogenic waterfalls, the towering presence of Mount Shasta, and the granite spires of Castle Crags and the Trinity Alps for solitude and high-country hiking. Finish with coastal redwoods at Muir Woods, the wild headlands and wildlife of Point Reyes, and iconic Golden Gate viewpoints—each stop blends distinctive geology, accessible trails, wildlife viewing, and photographic opportunities, making for a varied and memorable road trip filled with natural highlights and outdoor adventures.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Shoshone Falls

    Often called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls offers dramatic, wide waterfalls plunging over basalt ledges with seasonal high flows that create thunderous cascades and rainbows. The easy-access viewpoints and park facilities make it a great stop for photos, picnics, and short walks while traveling through southern Idaho.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

    This otherworldly landscape of extensive lava fields, cinder cones, spatter cones, and lava tubes provides a rare chance to walk across recent volcanic terrain. Scenic drives, easy hiking trails, and opportunities for cave exploration and stargazing let visitors experience distinctive geology and learn about volcanic processes in a compact, visitor-friendly setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Sawtooth National Recreation Area (Stanley, ID)

    The Sawtooth NRA surrounds jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and pristine trails that appeal to hikers, backpackers, anglers, and photographers. The Stanley area serves as a gateway with access to iconic spots like Redfish Lake and high-country trails, offering peaceful wilderness, abundant wildlife, and classic mountain scenery ideal for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Hell's Canyon Overlook (Hells Canyon National Recreation Area)

    Offers sweeping panoramic views into North America’s deepest river gorge, carved by the Snake River. The dramatic cliffs, seasonal raptors, and opportunity for scenic drives, hiking, and photo vantage points make it a must-see for geology enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys bold, rugged landscapes.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Snake River Greenbelt (Boise)

    A scenic urban park and trail system along the Snake River that provides easy access to riverside pathways, wildlife viewing, and recreational activities like biking, walking, paddling, and picnicking. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly green corridor that showcases Boise’s outdoor lifestyle within the city.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Lava Beds National Monument

    Features an extensive network of lava tube caves, volcanic features, and historic Native American and Modoc War sites. Visitors can explore accessible caves, unique volcanic formations, petroglyphs, and interpretive trails, offering a blend of natural wonder, geology, and cultural history off the beaten path.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Klamath Lake (Upper Klamath Lake)

    A vast freshwater lake rich in birdlife and fisheries, ideal for birdwatching, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Its marshes and islands attract migratory waterfowl and nesting raptors, and the scenic shoreline provides peaceful views, photographic opportunities, and access to nearby trails and cultural sites.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Home to a wide variety of volcanic features—fumaroles, boiling springs, cinder cones, and lava beds—set among alpine lakes and forests. The park offers accessible hikes to dramatic geothermal areas, panoramic summit views, and a chance to learn about volcanic processes in a less-crowded national park with seasonal wildflowers and diverse terrain.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Burney Falls (McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park)

    A spectacular, constant-flow waterfall dropping over a wide basalt ledge into a lush, fern-lined gorge. Often cited for its beauty and impressive year-round flow, Burney Falls provides easy viewing platforms, short trails, swimming and fishing in Burney Creek and Lake Britton, and peaceful picnic spots surrounded by old-growth forest.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Mount Shasta (Mount Shasta City viewpoints)

    An iconic, snow-capped stratovolcano dominating the skyline—Mount Shasta offers dramatic views from town and numerous trailheads for hiking, climbing, and photography. The mountain’s alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and spiritual reputation attract outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking scenic drives, sunrise/sunset vistas, and access to higher-elevation recreation.
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  • Trip Point Pin11

    Castle Crags State Park

    Striking granite spires and rugged crags rising above the Sacramento River create dramatic scenery and excellent hiking, rock-climbing, and picnicking opportunities. Trails like the Castle Dome and Pacific Crest segments reward visitors with panoramic views, wildflowers, and geological formations reminiscent of miniature alpine peaks in a compact, accessible park.
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  • Trip Point Pin12

    Trinity Alps Wilderness (Weaverville area)

    A lesser-known Sierra-like wilderness of jagged granite peaks, alpine lakes, and extensive trail networks offering solitude, backpacking, and fishing. The Trinity Alps provide high-country scenery, larch and pine forests, and remote ridge and lake experiences close to Weaverville—ideal for multi-day trips, peak-bagging, and seeing pristine, varied mountain landscapes.
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  • Trip Point Pin13

    Muir Woods National Monument (Marin County)

    Ancient coastal redwood forest with towering trees, easy boardwalks and trails close to San Francisco. Muir Woods offers peaceful, shaded walks among some of the tallest and oldest trees in California, excellent wildlife and birdwatching, and accessible trail connections for longer hikes into Mount Tamalpais.
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  • Trip Point Pin14

    Point Reyes National Seashore

    A dramatic coastal preserve with windswept cliffs, sandy beaches, tule elk and elephant seal viewing, historic lighthouse, and scenic headland hikes. Point Reyes combines diverse ecosystems—shoreline, grassland, forest and estuary—making it ideal for wildlife viewing, coastal walks, tidepooling, and panoramic ocean vistas.
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  • Trip Point Pin15

    Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Fort Point/Crissy Field viewpoints)

    Provides iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and city skyline, plus waterfront promenades, historic fortifications, and recreational space. Fort Point offers close-up history and unique bridge perspectives; Crissy Field features flat, family-friendly trails, windsurfing and picnic areas with sweeping views of the bridge and Alcatraz.
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Restaurants

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    The Cellar Pub & Kitchen (Boise, ID)

    5

    The Cellar Pub & Kitchen (Boise, ID)

    Known for its locally sourced ingredients and creative Pacific Northwest–inspired dishes; great for a relaxed dinner after exploring Boise’s Greenbelt.
    5
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    Wild Root Café (Stanley, ID)

    Wild Root Café (Stanley, ID)

    A cozy spot offering hearty, home-style meals and regional favorites—perfect for fueling up before heading into the Sawtooth trails.
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    The Chart Room (Klamath Falls, OR)

    5

    The Chart Room (Klamath Falls, OR)

    Classic regional restaurant with fresh seafood and locally sourced produce; a convenient and reliable stop en route to northern California attractions.
    5
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    Old Station Store & Grill (near Lassen Volcanic NP, CA)

    4.9

    Old Station Store & Grill (near Lassen Volcanic NP, CA)

    Casual, well-regarded roadside grill offering burgers, sandwiches and comfort food—handy for park access and day hikes in Lassen.
    4.9
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    The Marshall Store (Marshall Beach area, Marin County, CA)

    4.7
    $$$$

    The Marshall Store (Marshall Beach area, Marin County, CA)

    Historic waterfront spot famous for its oysters and scenic bay views; a memorable coastal dining experience near Muir Woods and Point Reyes excursions.
    4.7
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Riverside Hotel (Boise, ID)

    4.4

    The Riverside Hotel (Boise, ID)

    Comfortable riverfront hotel with easy access to the Boise River Greenbelt and downtown dining; good base for city attractions and outdoor activities.
    4.4
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    The Stanley Hotel (Stanley, ID)

    4.3

    The Stanley Hotel (Stanley, ID)

    Charming lodge-style accommodations near the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, offering rustic comfort and proximity to trailheads and alpine lakes.
    4.3
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    Lava Bed Motel (Alturas/Lava Beds area, CA)

    4.8

    Lava Bed Motel (Alturas/Lava Beds area, CA)

    Simple, convenient lodging serving visitors to Lava Beds National Monument; practical option for exploring caves and nearby historic sites.
    4.8
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    Burney Falls Lodge (Burney, CA)

    4.1

    Burney Falls Lodge (Burney, CA)

    Historic lodge adjacent to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park providing classic, rustic accommodations and direct access to the falls and park trails.
    4.1
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    Muir Woods Lodge (Mill Valley/Marin County, CA)

    3.6

    Muir Woods Lodge (Mill Valley/Marin County, CA)

    Comfortable lodging near Muir Woods and Sausalito with easy access to Marin attractions and short drive to San Francisco; ideal for exploring coastal redwoods and Point Reyes.
    3.6
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Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Sawtooth Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness.

    Good routes for a couple night trip to Idahos Sawtooth Mountains?

    Sawtooth Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness.

    /r/camping
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  • Reddit Icon

    Sawtooths - 3 nights (right now staying 2 in Stanley) Boise - 2 nights - explore the city. Making stops along southern Idaho like City of Rocks/ twin falls/craters of the moon...

    Advice for Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho in June?

    Sawtooths - 3 nights (right now staying 2 in Stanley) Boise - 2 nights - explore the city. Making stops along southern Idaho like City of Rocks/ twin falls/craters of the moon...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Last summer my wife and I did a two week trip starting in Boise and making our way back home through the sawtooths, Craters, Teton, and Yellowstone. It was an amazing trip. Do...

    Advice on roadtrips from Idaho?

    Last summer my wife and I did a two week trip starting in Boise and making our way back home through the sawtooths, Craters, Teton, and Yellowstone. It was an amazing trip. Do...

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    Stanley Lake, Idaho. Sawtooth National Recreation Area

    Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho

    Stanley Lake, Idaho. Sawtooth National Recreation Area

    /r/backpacking
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  • Reddit Icon

    12 votes, 41 comments. My husband and I plan to spend about a week in ID in August exploring the state and trying to get a good feel for it (or as

    Week long road trip through Idaho. Recommendations?!

    12 votes, 41 comments. My husband and I plan to spend about a week in ID in August exploring the state and trying to get a good feel for it (or as

    /r/Idaho
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  • Reddit Icon

    My favorite routes in the Idaho Sawtooths have been a mix of trail and off-trail, e.g., connecting cirques via off-trail routes over cols, e.g., Alpine Creek basin lakes > Fly...

    Help Needed Planning the Sawtooth Loop from a distance. Looking for all the advice I can get.

    My favorite routes in the Idaho Sawtooths have been a mix of trail and off-trail, e.g., connecting cirques via off-trail routes over cols, e.g., Alpine Creek basin lakes > Fly...

    /r/WildernessBackpacking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Looking to do the Imogene Lake to Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop(https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/idaho/imogene-lake-to-toxaway-lake-to-alice-lake-loop). I would li...

    Sawtooth National Forest in July, any advice?

    Looking to do the Imogene Lake to Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop(https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/idaho/imogene-lake-to-toxaway-lake-to-alice-lake-loop). I would li...

    /r/WildernessBackpacking
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  • Reddit Icon

    I'm interested in any recommendations for this road trip, focused mostly on areas around twin falls/ketchum/boise, though i'm not married to that route if there are cool spots...

    recommendations for a southern ID road trip?

    I'm interested in any recommendations for this road trip, focused mostly on areas around twin falls/ketchum/boise, though i'm not married to that route if there are cool spots...

    /r/Idaho
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  • Reddit Icon

    2.2K votes, 89 comments. 6 days, 5 nights, 63 miles. Wonderful, remote area.

    Six Days in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho

    2.2K votes, 89 comments. 6 days, 5 nights, 63 miles. Wonderful, remote area.

    /r/WildernessBackpacking
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  • Reddit Icon

    If youre asking for recommendations, difficulty sounds like it may be a concern. While the areas you listed are highly trafficked, its cause theyre easy to moderate. There is ...

    Best Sawtooth Day Hikes

    If youre asking for recommendations, difficulty sounds like it may be a concern. While the areas you listed are highly trafficked, its cause theyre easy to moderate. There is ...

    /r/Idaho
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  • Reddit Icon

    Sawtooths in general below ~8K ft by late May should be largely clear of snow, though probably not yet clear of new fallen trees. Lodges & car-camping sites all open on/around...

    Is Late May too early to backpack in Sawtooth Wilderness, ID?

    Sawtooths in general below ~8K ft by late May should be largely clear of snow, though probably not yet clear of new fallen trees. Lodges & car-camping sites all open on/around...

    /r/Idaho
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  • Reddit Icon

    Did several of those hikes & some backpacking & car camping there exactly that timeframe last year. Around 20 June Iron Creek to Alpine was totally clear, but Sawtooth Lake wa...

    June Hiking in Sawtooth Mountains, ID?

    Did several of those hikes & some backpacking & car camping there exactly that timeframe last year. Around 20 June Iron Creek to Alpine was totally clear, but Sawtooth Lake wa...

    /r/Idaho
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  • Reddit Icon

    I recommend renting a car so you have flexibility. If you plan to go to Muir Woods or Big Basin, check the respective park websites. Both require reserving parking passes in a...

    Muir Woods tour suggestions?

    I recommend renting a car so you have flexibility. If you plan to go to Muir Woods or Big Basin, check the respective park websites. Both require reserving parking passes in a...

    /r/AskSF
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  • Reddit Icon

    Usually humidity is low which makes a 40 F morning seem pretty nice as an 80 F in the Shade seem pretty nice too. Thunderstorms are common, sometimes AZ monsoon systems make i...

    Sawtooth Wilderness Area, Idaho Questions

    Usually humidity is low which makes a 40 F morning seem pretty nice as an 80 F in the Shade seem pretty nice too. Thunderstorms are common, sometimes AZ monsoon systems make i...

    /r/backpacking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hidden gems or must-see spots we should add to our itinerary. Car rental advice: Good companies/websites for a one-way rental from LA to SF. Foodie tips: Local favorites, icon...

    California Road Trip Itinerary - Advice Needed!

    Hidden gems or must-see spots we should add to our itinerary. Car rental advice: Good companies/websites for a one-way rental from LA to SF. Foodie tips: Local favorites, icon...

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    Or all 3 days in Stanley and just drive to Ketchum area during the day to see more of the scenic sawtooth byway Things we want to see/do: Scenic views of mountains/lakes, hiki...

    Where to Stay - Late June/Early July Trip to Sawtooths

    Or all 3 days in Stanley and just drive to Ketchum area during the day to see more of the scenic sawtooth byway Things we want to see/do: Scenic views of mountains/lakes, hiki...

    /r/Idaho
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Rough example of itinerary: Day 1-3: LA Day 3-5: Sequoia Day 5-7: Sierra? Areas between Sequoia and Yosemite? Day 7-10: Yosemite Day 10-12: Lake Tahoe? Day 12-13 Sacramento? D...

    20 day California Road Trip! Advice needed

    Rough example of itinerary: Day 1-3: LA Day 3-5: Sequoia Day 5-7: Sierra? Areas between Sequoia and Yosemite? Day 7-10: Yosemite Day 10-12: Lake Tahoe? Day 12-13 Sacramento? D...

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    I like the Alice Lake area or Redfish Lake trailhead which takes you into wilderness and you can basically hike anywhere you want. Be warned the area is insanely busy and it c...

    Idaho Sawtooth mountains

    I like the Alice Lake area or Redfish Lake trailhead which takes you into wilderness and you can basically hike anywhere you want. Be warned the area is insanely busy and it c...

    /r/camping
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Upbeat road-trip anthem with driving rhythm—great for open highways and energetic starts to each day.
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    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Warm, reflective tune about returning and belonging—fits moments looking out over lakes or settling into a small mountain town.
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    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Laid-back classic with West Coast vibes that matches scenic drives and easy coastal stretches.
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  • Music Icon

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Cheerful, whimsical song that lifts spirits and complements playful sightseeing and short hikes.
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  • Music Icon

    Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster

    Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster

    A mellow, contemplative acoustic song ideal for watching the landscape change as you cross into California.
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    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    Emotional, piano-driven track for reflective moments by rivers, lakes, or at sunset viewpoints.
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  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Classic travel song celebrating the joy of being on the move—perfect for the overall spirit of a road trip.
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  • Music Icon

    The Kinks - Big Sky

    The Kinks - Big Sky

    Expansive, atmospheric tune that suits wide-open landscapes, volcanic fields, and mountain panoramas.
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  • Music Icon

    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Energetic indie-folk track with driving beat, matching hikes through alpine trails and lively outdoor exploration.
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  • Music Icon

    Van Morrison - Into the Mystic - 2013 Remaster

    Van Morrison - Into the Mystic - 2013 Remaster

    Soulful, maritime-tinged song that pairs well with coastal sunsets, serene drives, and reflective stops along the shore.
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