Just 50 Miles From Boise, Grand View Is The Perfect Idaho Day Trip Destination
By Courtnie Erickson|Updated on April 27, 2024(Originally published April 14, 2022)
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
When you want to get out of the house but you don’t have an entire weekend to give, a day trip is a perfect solution. Here in the Gem State, we have many incredible day trip destinations. However, one that is often overlooked but should be on everyone’s bucket list is a visit to the small town of Grand View, Idaho. This town is located approximately 50 miles from Boise and is the perfect place to spend the day. Learn more about one of the best day trips from Boise.
Grand View is a small town located in Owyhee County. Fewer than 500 residents call this area home.
This Idaho town is known as the Gateway to the Owyhee County Outback and if you love the great outdoors, this area is the ultimate playground.
There is no better way to spend a portion of your day than on a trail and just a short drive outside of Grand View on Mud Flat Road, you will come to the trailhead for the Shoofly Oolite Interpretive Trail.
This 1.6-mile loop trail takes less than an hour to complete and will let you explore some of the most unique Shoofly Oolite geological formations. Before you go, check out AllTrails+ and our ultimate hiking list to ensure you are prepared for your adventure.
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You can also relax and spend some time next to the water. The Snake River flows right by this town, providing some incredible fishing opportunities. Plus, you may even see some wildlife around the river as well.
If you are willing to go for a drive, take some time out of your day to explore the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway. This road is quiet and you are not likely to pass many other vehicles. It is also a great place to experience some of Idaho’s backcountry.
This byway is 101 miles long, but if you don't want to go the whole way you can travel as far as you’d like and turn around. Make sure you drive a vehicle that can handle off-road adventure as the majority of this byway is a gravel road. Also, there are no services on this scenic byway so take the time to prepare for the journey.
If you still have time in your day and want some adventure near Grand View, head to Bruneau Sand Dunes. Again, this is just a short drive outside of town but it is one of the most unique and beautiful state parks in Idaho.
During your visit, stop by the visitor center to rent a sandboard and soar down a sand dune, or put your hiking boots back on and tackle the Bruneau Dunes Loop.
Grand View may be small but there is excitement, beauty, and adventure on all sides of this Idaho town. It’s the perfect place to spend a day.
Have you ever visited Grand View, ID? What did you do during your stay? What are some of your favorite day trips from Boise? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
