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A group of people horseback riding through an open landscape with a forest and the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance.
Horseback Riding near Redfish Lake near Stanley. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
two people sit in a boat on a lake surrounded by fog with snow-capped mountains in the background
Redfish Lake, near Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
Front view of the Veterans of Custer County Memorial with seven raised flags.
Veterans of Custer Country Memorial, Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, Challis. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
A skier in red glides down an expansive slope in Sun Valley
Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
a man sits on a red hammock looking at the Elephant's Perch in the Sawtooth Mountains
Elephant's Perch in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
A large herd of sheep moving down a street at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Ketchum. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
two people ride bikes through a meadow in Ketchum, Idaho
Mountain Biking, near Ketchum. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
One person in red and another in blue ride snowmobiles through Smiley
Snowmobiling in Smiley Creek, near Ketchum. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
A bronze statue of Sacajawea sits outside
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Salmon. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

Central Idaho

Central Idaho is home to some of Idaho’s most dramatic scenery. From Redfish Lake to the Salmon River, central Idaho has no shortage of thrilling whitewater, alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, wildflower-filled meadows and historic mountain towns. With the first and only International Dark Sky Reserve, the stargazing here is out of this world.

    Cities & Towns

  • Hailey
  • Ketchum
  • Bellevue
  • Sun Valley
  • Challis
  • Salmon
  • Stanley
  • Arco

Take the Road Less Traveled

Central Idaho is brimming with unexpected discoveries … Start your journey in Sun Valley, and venture off the beaten path to uncover a treasure trove of nearby adventures.

Go Beyond
Sun Valley and Beyond
There’s More to Explore in Central Idaho
mountain bikers ride on a trail surrounded by trees and grass

Get to Know Central Idaho

Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? Check out these travel tips and start planning your adventure.

Ready to Plan Your Next Vacation?

Check out these frequently asked questions about central Idaho.

When can we see fall foliage in central Idaho?

Typically September through the end of October.

Can you ski in central Idaho?

Yes. With an average yearly snowfall of 220 inches and bluebird days, spend your days skiing Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain in Sun Valley or exploring backcountry areas throughout central Idaho.

Are there unique geological areas to explore?

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Sawtooth Mountains, Mt. Borah (Idaho’s tallest peak) and Pioneer Mountains.

What wilderness areas are in central Idaho?

Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness.

When is the best time of year to visit?

In spring find wildflowers; in summer try mountain biking, whitewater rafting and hiking. In the fall, find fall colors and visit historical sites and in winter enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

What historical sites or monuments can I visit?

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park & Interpretive Center, Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Education Center, Ernest Hemingway Memorial and ghost towns.

Where can I fish in central Idaho?

Lakes and rivers abound here. Try Silver Creek Preserve, Big Wood River, Salmon River, Magic Reservoir, Redfish Lake and Stanley Lake.

Learn More About Our Regional Partners

Several deer standing in a river surrounded by green and yellow trees.
Big Wood River, near Ketchum. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
A man and two children point above them at the rock formations of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Hiking, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.
A family of five in two canoes paddle through Redfish Lake in Idaho
Redfish Lake, Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Let's Start Planning

a couple reading a map that's spread out on the hood of a car

Getting to
Central Idaho

Maps & Guides

Planning your Idaho getaway couldn’t be easier with our free travel guides and maps. Inspiration and information at your fingertips.

Learn More

Head in the Clouds

Flying to Idaho? Check out Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, Magic Valley Regional Airport in Twin Falls, or the Boise Airport in Boise for the most convenient access.

Places to Stay

From camping under the stars to cozy cabins, vacation rentals and hotels, find the accommodation that fits your every need.

Places to Stay
an overhead view of a highway snaking through a tree covered landscape with mountains in the background