Idaho City (Boise County)

This 500-person historic town sits directly on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, which winds up and over the Boise foothills, offering a quick escape with immediate access to hot springs, the Boise National Forest, and a taste of Idaho’s past. Founded in the 1860s as a booming gold mining town, Idaho City once had fancy theatres, dozens of saloons, a bowling alley, the state’s first Catholic Church, and a county jail that housed the criminals of the Old West. And while four separate fires have hit the community since its founding, many of the original wooden plank buildings still stand today. Visit the Boise Basin Museum for a glimpse of what life during the boom was like.
The Springs, a newly opened high-end commercial hot springs facility, is one of the town’s biggest draws, where you can get your soak on in one of their large geothermal pools. They also offer massages, and there’s a full-service cafe and bar onsite. Visit on Wednesdays for an adults-only environment; Sunday is family day at the Springs. Whichever day you choose to come, it’s a good idea to make reservations.

If you’re looking for more of an off-the-grid experience, there are several all-natural hot pools not too far north of Idaho City, including Pine Flats and Kirkham Hot Springs. Along Highway 21, Idaho Parks and Recreation also runs six furnished backcountry yurts that are available for rent year round. Oh, and one last thing—no one comes to Idaho City without getting a slice of the incredible homemade pie at Trudy’s Kitchen. Go for it.