MVW: Road Trip From Boise

April 21, 2010

Feeling like a road trip this summer? Make your way to Boise, Idaho and take in the splendor of the old west – it’s unrivaled beauty and rugged adventure opportunities.

Here’s a spectacular trip all ready to go. Giddy-up!

START: BOISE, IDAHO

The next big thing in the west, Boise is overflowing with activities for everyone from the outdoorsy daredevil to the knowledge-thirsty historian. With so much to do it’s the perfect place to start your tour of the American west.

To do: From zip line tours to white-water rafting the adventurous family can get out and stay active, just outside of Boise. For a tamer start visit the wildlife at Boise zoo followed by a visit to one of the many museums or hop on a trolley and see Boise’s historic downtown.

STOP 1: BRUNEAU DUNES STATE PARK AND OBSERVATORY (BRUNEAU, IDAHO)

Fall asleep under the stars and wake to a spectacular sunrise and a beautiful desert habitat to explore.

To do: Spend the day hiking the sand dunes and fishing the small lakes at their bases. Before bed stop by the Bruneau Observatory and take in the night sky and it’s many wonders.

Distance: 55.3 miles

STOP 2: MCGARRY RANCHES (REXBURG , IDAHO)

For a true All-American trip why not stop by a working dude ranch! Meals, lodgings and cattle driving all included.

To do: Begin with horseback riding lessons and by the end of the week you’ll be roping calves. Your quarter horse will guide you through the Idaho landscape as you help scatter cattle, or hang back and enjoy the view if you prefer.

Distance: 218 miles

STOP 3:YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

This is the year of the national park so why not stop in and visit Old Faithful. The park is filled with a plethora of outdoor opportunities.

Distance: 90 miles

FINISH: SHERIDAN, WYO.

Full of history and adventure Sheridan Wyoming is a must on any true western road trip. From Buffalo Bill to Don King this town has a genuine cowboy past which complements its modern sense of adventure.

To do: Share a bite with Buffalo Bill’s ghost on the veranda of the historic Sheridan Inn and afterwards stop in Don Kings Western Museum or explore the Historic Main Street District to see pieces of the past. If you’re looking for more adrenaline pumping action try hiking to hang-gliding in nearby Bighorn National Forest. In July grab the bull by the horns and experience one of the biggest events of the west, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo!

Many thanks to Amy Williams for these excellent ideas! I’m aching for the west right now…

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Category: Family Trippin'
Tags: Boise, Idaho, Mini-vacation Wednesday |

4 Comments »

Marla
on April 21, 2010 9:04 am
Wonderful area to visit and explore!
Whitney Trujillo
on April 21, 2010 12:51 pm
Looks like so much fun!
Melissa
on April 21, 2010 11:31 pm
Love Idaho, Love Wyoming!! Crisp air, beautiful place to ride horses!!
Penny
on April 22, 2010 5:34 pm
Sheridan was voted the original # 1 Western Town in America and remains the only town in the ‘Top 10’ to be selected by True West Magazine for two consecutive years! A highlight of offerings bring Sheridan to the forefront as a destination and includes a combination of Indian war history adventure activities, the majestic scenery and wildlife, as well as our western lifestyle and hospitality . . .

And then for two consecutive years, we were voted in the Top 10 Towns for Outdoorsmen, by Outdoor Life magazine – an outstanding destination for outdoor adventures! And after 10 years of living here, we still love it . . .