Summer Road Trips in Idaho
Routes
30
Avg Distance
550 mi
Avg Drive
9h 55m
Destinations
28
Summer in Idaho means long daylight hours perfect for exploring its diverse landscapes. With 30 routes averaging 550 miles and nearly 10 hours, you can tackle significant distances. Many routes feature high-altitude sections, some reaching over 6,600 feet, and all offer excellent EV charging coverage. Whether you're looking for a short hop or a multi-day adventure, Idaho delivers.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.47/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$77–$200
One-way, ~550 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~192 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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 1137-mile trek boasts the highest drive score at 8, tackling high-altitude sections with climbs up to 6,613 feet. With excellent EV coverage and 59 DC fast chargers, it's a solid choice for covering serious ground.
Editor's pick
Kimberly, ID → Coeur d'Alene, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Covering 631 miles, this route features climbs reaching 5,697 feet and a drive score of 7. It offers excellent EV charging infrastructure, including 36 DC fast chargers, making it a convenient option within the state.
Editor's pick
Post Falls, ID → Paul, ID
Through: Idaho Falls → Twin Falls
At 610 miles, this drive includes high-altitude terrain with a maximum elevation of 6,302 feet. It scores a 7 for its drive quality and provides excellent EV support with 38 DC fast chargers along the way.
Twin Falls, ID → Priest River, ID
Through: Hermiston → Yakima → Pasco +3 more
Post Falls, ID → Soda Springs, ID
Through: Idaho Falls → Montpelier
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
Idaho Falls, ID → Bonners Ferry, ID
Moscow, ID → Rexburg, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Coeur d'Alene, ID → American Falls, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Pocatello, ID → Rathdrum, ID
Lewiston Orchards, ID → Shelley, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Lewiston Orchards, ID → Ammon, ID
Through: Idaho Falls
Pocatello, ID → Hayden, ID
Idaho Falls, ID → Lapwai, ID
Idaho Falls, ID → Plummer, ID
Lewiston, ID → Ashton, ID
Through: Boulder
Idaho Falls, ID → Spirit Lake, ID
Idaho Falls, ID → Orofino, ID
Sandpoint, ID → Meridian, ID
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more
Post Falls, ID → Bellevue, ID
Hayden, ID → Kuna, ID
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more
Coeur d'Alene, ID → Marsing, ID
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +5 more
Post Falls, ID → Eagle, ID
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more
Pocatello, ID → Grangeville, ID
Through: Sh-55
Post Falls, ID → Star, ID
Through: Ritzville → Pasco → Pendleton +4 more