Summer Road Trips in Idaho
Routes
30
Avg Distance
587 mi
Avg Drive
10h 11m
Destinations
21
Idaho in the summer offers a variety of drives, with 30 routes averaging 587 miles and over 10 hours. Expect high-altitude sections and notable climbs on many, with max elevations reaching over 6,600 ft. The drive scores range from 6 to 8, suggesting some truly memorable routes. This collection focuses on longer excursions, perfect for maximizing daylight and accessing mountainous terrain.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.96/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$83–$177
One-way, ~587 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~205 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Idaho
Idaho peaks at around 93°F in Jul and cools to 39°F / 26°F in Jan. Wettest month is Dec at ~1.5 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39 | 26 | 1.4 | 5.3 |
| Feb | 46 | 29 | 1 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 56 | 35 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 62 | 40 | 1.2 | 0.1 |
| May | 72 | 48 | 1.5 | — |
| Jun peak | 81 | 54 | 0.8 | — |
| Jul peak | 93 | 62 | 0.2 | — |
| Aug peak | 91 | 61 | 0.2 | — |
| Sep | 80 | 53 | 0.4 | — |
| Oct | 65 | 42 | 0.8 | 0.1 |
| Nov | 49 | 32 | 1.2 | 2 |
| Dec | 39 | 25 | 1.5 | 5.6 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for ID — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Kamiah, ID → San Diego, CA
Through: Parma → Reno → Las Vegas +2 more
This lengthy drive scores an 8 out of 10, topping out at 6,613 ft. With access to parks and covering over 1,100 miles, it's a significant adventure through varying landscapes.
Editor's pick
Kimberly, ID → Coeur d'Alene, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
A substantial internal Idaho route, this trip reaches an elevation of 5,697 ft. It's a solid 7/10 drive, offering a good taste of the state's terrain without leaving its borders.
Editor's pick
Post Falls, ID → Paul, ID
Through: Idaho Falls → Twin Falls
This 610-mile drive also earns a 7/10 score and features high-altitude terrain, peaking at 6,302 ft. It provides a considerable journey within the state, showcasing its interior geography.
Heyburn, ID → Post Falls, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Rupert, ID → Post Falls, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Burley, ID → Coeur d'Alene, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Twin Falls, ID → Priest River, ID
Through: Hermiston → Yakima → Pasco +3 more
Osburn, ID → Twin Falls, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Post Falls, ID → Soda Springs, ID
Through: Idaho Falls → Montpelier
Malad City, ID → Coeur d'Alene, ID
Twin Falls, ID → Hayden, ID
Through: Hermiston → Yakima → Pasco +2 more
Coeur d'Alene, ID → Filer, ID
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more
Pocatello, ID → Priest River, ID
Pocatello, ID → Ponderay, ID
Preston, ID → Lewiston, ID
Through: Sh-55
Lewiston, ID → Driggs, ID
Through: Idaho Falls → Rexburg → Jackson
Pocatello, ID → Plummer, ID
Idaho Falls, ID → Bonners Ferry, ID
Moscow, ID → Rexburg, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Aberdeen, ID → Post Falls, ID
Coeur d'Alene, ID → American Falls, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Pocatello, ID → Rathdrum, ID
Aberdeen, ID → Coeur d'Alene, ID
Lewiston Orchards, ID → Shelley, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Lewiston Orchards, ID → Ammon, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls, ID → Lewiston Orchards, ID
Chubbuck, ID → Post Falls, ID
Pocatello, ID → Hayden, ID
Lewiston, ID → Idaho Falls, ID
Chubbuck, ID → Hayden, ID