The Ultimate Idaho Wildflowers Roadtrip
Guest Author: Michael Bonocore
Idaho is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for many reasons. The stunning jagged mountains, the endless miles of unspoiled rivers, and the abundant access to outdoor recreation make it easy to see why. Wildflowers, on the other hand, are not the first thing that visitors think of when they plan their Idaho road trip. But, to the surprise of many, Idaho is a phenomenal destination for viewing wildflowers as they sprout up throughout the Spring months. With some planning, a craving for adventure and a little luck, you can find beautiful wildflowers in some of the most unique landscapes in the west. So pack your bags, charge your camera batteries, reserve your campervan and get ready to experience a unique springtime roadtrip like no other.
Camas Prairie
The first stop on our quest for wildflowers is also the easiest to access from the state capital of Boise. Load up your campervan home on wheels with the supplies needed for the journey and begin to head east across the high desert landscapes of southern Idaho. The Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh lies just one hour and 40 minutes from the state capital and is just another example of the diversity of landscapes that Idaho has to offer. This massive 3,100-acre wetland is home to thousands of waterfowl in the spring months as the purple camas lily begin to bloom.
The flat marsh land lies just a few miles from the photogenic Soldier Mountains to the north, giving you an incredible angle to photograph the purple camas lilies as the spring skies explode in pink and orange hues during the afternoon golden hour shortly before sunset.
After witnessing a beautiful sunset over the springtime bloom, head to the nearby Anderson Ranch Reservoir for a wide assortment of campgrounds.
Mount Harrison
After enjoying a delicious breakfast and a cup of hot coffee in the comfort of your campervan, head south through the charming town of Gooding before reaching Interstate 84, which will lead you to Mount Harrison. Lying just north of the Utah border, the 9,265 foot Mount Harrison is the tallest peak in the Albion Mountain Range. While an impressive height, this mountain is not even in the 40 highest peaks that Idaho has to offer, a testament to the impressive mountain landscapes that Idaho holds within its borders.
On the peak of Mount Harrison, not only will you have a stunning 360-degree view of the impressive Idaho and Utah high desert and mountain ranges, but you will also be able to witness a phenomenon that occurs nowhere else in the world. Mount Harrison is the home to the rare Christ’s Indian Paintbrush wildflower, and the mountain turns a vibrant yellow as this flower blooms in the summer. A casual drive on a well paved road will lead your campervan to the fire lookout tower on the summit, where the bloom will surround you on all sides.
Island Park
Located close to Idaho’s eastern border with Wyoming lies Island Park, a green oasis with some of Idaho’s most tranquil rivers. Kayaking and fly fishing are king here, and being only 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, it’s a beautiful and quiet stop before entering the tour bus madness of this massive National Park.
But while most people simply drive through this peaceful paradise, they are doing themselves a disservice if they don’t stop to smell the wildflowers. In early July, the lands around the Henry Fork River and Henry’s Lake explode in yellow wildflowers. But for the real treat, drive in the area around and up the Kilgore-Yale Road to get some incredible photos of the wildflowers blooming as the sun sets behind thick grooves of majestic trees.
Craters of the Moon
Do you think they have wildflowers on the moon? Although I am not a scientist, my guess would be no. But if there were wildflowers on the moon, it would most likely resemble Craters of the Moon National Monument in mid-June. This volcanic landscape is so alien like, the Apollo astronauts actually trained on it. Founded in 1924, this 753,000 acre protected area features massive volcanic craters and lava fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. But wildflowers? On this rugged, otherworldly landscape? Believe it, because it happens. While the flowers are relatively small and not nearly as large as the other locations on your campervan roadtrip, they might just be the most interesting. Fields of almost perfectly spaced tiny flowers explode from the broken lava rock, creating a mesmerizing scene that you won’t soon forget.
While most of the flower fields can easily be seen on the seven-mile loop road, some of the best blossoms will be found on the black, alien looking back side of Inferno Cone. Craters of the Moon also hosts a handful of stunning hikes, so it’s worth parking your campervan in the National Park Service run campground on site and staying for a couple of days.
Sun Valley & Cathedral Pines
As the home to an amazing ski mountain that plays hosts to the rich and famous, Sun Valley has a lot of hype to live up to. And fortunately, it does. As the winter snow melts off of Bald Mountain, the foothills that surround the town of Ketchum come alive with giant wildflowers, giving you the perfect excuse to take the mountain bikes out of your camper van for an afternoon ride.
While the entire region holds various wildflowers, my favorite views came from an easy hike along the trails directly across the street from the Sun Valley Resort. Look for the bench on the Valley View trail to get some Instagram worthy photos of the wildflowers with the slopes Bald Mountain in the background.
During mid-June, the wildflowers will pop during the golden hour that leads up to sunset, so plan on having a home for your campervan before you make the hike. There are plenty of campsites in the area, and dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas.
After a restful sleep in your cozy camper van, wake up early and drive 20 minutes north on Highway 75 to Cathedral Pines. The Boulder Mountains will lie to your east, and the meadow in front of them turns into a bright white and blue display of flowers each Spring.
Pettit Lake
While most visitors head straight to the famous Redfish Lake, the long section of Highway 75 that runs from Sun Valley to Stanley is home to many smaller, less crowded lakes. Pettit Lake is easily my favorite, as the southern section of the Sawtooth Mountains rise high directly behind the lake. While swimming in this Alpine Lake will only be for the bravest of the brave during the non-summer months, the photogenic scenery is accented with wildflowers on the hill just on the northern edge of the lake. Head to the campsite and pick out a overnight home for your campervan before walking to the hiking trails just on the other side of the dirt road. You won’t even need your rugged hiking boots to get to the wildflowers, as they start to appear shortly after your initial ascent. With the sun disappearing early behind the Sawtooth Mountains to the west, the best time to see the flowers is in the morning, to get the best light behind your back for photographs.
Stanley
Ah, Stanley. It’s only fitting that I end this road trip with my favorite place in all of Idaho. Once you arrive at the small town , ou will quickly see why Stanley’s popularity is quickly exploding. While the winter months are almost unlivable due to the extreme cold, the warming temperatures during Spring begin to awaken the sleepy town from its hibernation.
The best view of the Sawtooth Mountains lies right here in Stanley, and in mid-June, the fields that lie between Stanley and the Sawtooths along Highway 21 become a treasure trove of small and colorful flowers. These flowers, and the mighty Sawtooth Mountains behind them, will photograph well in the late afternoon as well as the early morning, as the rising sun lights up the mountain peaks in a jaw-dropping glow.
From the marsh lands to the lava fields, Idaho is an incredible place to visit during the Springtime, and the magic of the wildflowers in front of the Sawtooth Mountains will undoubtedly be an incredible finale on your Idaho Wildflower Campervan Road Trip.