Boise vs. Idaho Falls for a day
 

This is an update to my earlier thread requesting feedback on my Idaho road trip itinerary. I've revised my schedule so that it is now:

1. Day 1 and 2 - arrive in Boise - drive to McCall for two nights
2. Day 3 - drive to Stanley
3. Day 4 and 5 - drive to Ketchum/Sun Valley for two nights
4. Day 6 - visit Craters of the Moon and then drive to Idaho Falls
5. Day 7 return to Boise
6. Day 8 - leave early in the AM

I picked this itinerary for some relaxing scenery, short hikes and to get an overview of south/central Idaho (leaving North Idaho for another trip). I picked Idaho Falls just because that area has a different geography and it seemed like a nice small city to visit. But now I'm wondering if I should just go back to Boise after Craters of the Moon? It seems like there is more to do in Boise and that a full day there might be better than the extra driving. But I also like the idea of at least seeing the other part of the state/

I'd appreciate any thoughts on whether the day in Idaho Falls is just a lot of extra driving without much scenery, I'd appreciate any thoughts from people who've visited or live in the area. Thank you again for your help!

Make a stop in Rigby to see the birthplace of television.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2958

Hmmmmmmmmmmmph,


I'm still pondering it... and with Idaho Falls SO far over there (280 freeway miles back to Boise from Idaho Falls)...

I just think that you would likely do better to give Boise something more near to its just due.

With your first two nights scheduled for <b>McCall</b>, it still seems as if you're not giving Boise enough attention.

It's plenty pleasant with lots of amenities for an isolated city of its size. If seen from the air at first, you'd wonder what in the WORLD you could drive to see in the nearby area (esp. to the south and southwest).

Central Boise is pleasantly green, and as a State Capitol it has even more going on than is typical for a place of its size.

My vibe is to suggest progressing as you intended, only <I>dropping Idaho Falls</I> and envisioning the last couple of days in Boise, <b>thus allowing the chance that you might spontaneously be inclined to add another night somewhere earlier along the path</b>.

Then you'd have fewer miles to cover, and less could-be stress about making flights and the like.

(and again, I did much of this just last summer, and was pleased with most of the circular path Boise-Lowman-Stanley-Sun Valley-Fairfield-Mountain Home-Boise)

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm probably overthinking this and would likely enjoy both options, but I'm so excited for this trip.

When I was looking up activities, there were a number of things that seemed fun including the Nature Center and River Walk, and I thought an afternoon (after driving all morning) might not be enough time to really appreciate anything in Boise.