The new year can be overwhelming. Resolutions, reality, the end of the major holiday season… Do we really need a better reason so showcase even more of Idaho’s astounding beauty? These places boast all of the colors of the rainbow, hand-painted by Mother Nature herself in the most unexpected of locations. Where’s your favorite?
- Pioneer Mountains
Peter Pham/Flickr The Pioneer Mountains always seem to have a dramatic, moody hue as the day comes to a close.
- Alturas Lake
Pam Streeby Astley/Idaho Pnly/Facebook Tucked deep within the Sawtooth Mountains, Alturas lake is just as vibrant as its fellow alpine lakes, especially in the fall.
- Camas Prairie
Andrea D. Cobler/Idaho Only/Facebook Camas Prairie is renowned in Idaho for its annual display of vibrant purple blossoms. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, the spectacle is particularly lovely.
- Magic Valley
Sharon Breshears/Idaho Only/Facebook I don’t know what it is about southern Idaho, but every sunset captured here is beyond spectacular–especially in the Magic Valley.
- Redfish Lake
Linda Lantzy, Idaho Scenic Images/Idaho Only/Facebook This favorite summer destination was once renowned for the plethora of red sockeye salmon that surged within its depths, which tinted the water a soft red. Today, the water reflects the glorious colors of the sky and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
- Teton Valley
Art Hale/Idaho Only/Facebook The rich fields of rural eastern Idaho, set against the deep-hued Tetons form a rich, wheat-colored valley that characterizes the beauty of Idaho.
- Shoshone Falls
Kim Critchfield/Idaho Only/Facebook Most Idahoans don’t think of Shoshone Falls as being a colorful destination, but spring runoff and a dramatic sky really bring out the hues of this treasured natural wonder.
- The Edge of the Sawtooth Wilderness
Christof Teuscher/Flickr As the Sawtooths range touches the Washington border, the usual rugged peaks give way to more golds and contrasting colors than normally seen in the heart of Idaho’s beloved central range.
- Hagerman
Steve Glauner/Idaho Only/Facebook “Blue Hour” in Hagerman is always spectacular, even in summer.
- “Somewhere in Idaho”
Kristal Bucholz/Idaho Only/Facebook Idaho’s bright, cloudless skies always seem to reflect the sun’s rays into the most thrilling, rainbow spectacles.
- Snake River Canyon
Steve Glauner/Idaho Only/Facebook The Perrine Bridge is one of the best places to overlook the colors of the valley as the sun sinks below the horizon.
- Priest Lake
Jaeger Moore/Flickr Idaho’s northernmost major lake is one spectacular place to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Glimmering over the water is one sight that can’t be beat!
- Hunt Lake
Priest Lake, ID/Facebook This overlooked lake, tucked away near Priest Lake, is a local favorite for its naturally serene hue.
- Sun Valley
South-central Idaho’s favorite winter destination showcases the colorful side of its mountain setting during the fiery season of fall.
- Payette Lake
Robin Casmaer/Idaho Only/Facebook Payette Lake always knows how to put on a show when it comes to spectacular colors over the water, no matter the season.
A special thank you to all of the photographers who have shared their work with us! When you’re out tackling our 2017 Idaho Bucket List, don’t forget to stop and drink in the beauty around you, and keep on sharing those beautiful memories with us!
Peter Pham/Flickr
The Pioneer Mountains always seem to have a dramatic, moody hue as the day comes to a close.
Pam Streeby Astley/Idaho Pnly/Facebook
Tucked deep within the Sawtooth Mountains, Alturas lake is just as vibrant as its fellow alpine lakes, especially in the fall.
Andrea D. Cobler/Idaho Only/Facebook
Camas Prairie is renowned in Idaho for its annual display of vibrant purple blossoms. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, the spectacle is particularly lovely.
Sharon Breshears/Idaho Only/Facebook
I don’t know what it is about southern Idaho, but every sunset captured here is beyond spectacular–especially in the Magic Valley.
Linda Lantzy, Idaho Scenic Images/Idaho Only/Facebook
This favorite summer destination was once renowned for the plethora of red sockeye salmon that surged within its depths, which tinted the water a soft red. Today, the water reflects the glorious colors of the sky and surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Art Hale/Idaho Only/Facebook
The rich fields of rural eastern Idaho, set against the deep-hued Tetons form a rich, wheat-colored valley that characterizes the beauty of Idaho.
Kim Critchfield/Idaho Only/Facebook
Most Idahoans don’t think of Shoshone Falls as being a colorful destination, but spring runoff and a dramatic sky really bring out the hues of this treasured natural wonder.
Christof Teuscher/Flickr
As the Sawtooths range touches the Washington border, the usual rugged peaks give way to more golds and contrasting colors than normally seen in the heart of Idaho’s beloved central range.
Steve Glauner/Idaho Only/Facebook
“Blue Hour” in Hagerman is always spectacular, even in summer.
Kristal Bucholz/Idaho Only/Facebook
Idaho’s bright, cloudless skies always seem to reflect the sun’s rays into the most thrilling, rainbow spectacles.
The Perrine Bridge is one of the best places to overlook the colors of the valley as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Jaeger Moore/Flickr
Idaho’s northernmost major lake is one spectacular place to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Glimmering over the water is one sight that can’t be beat!
Priest Lake, ID/Facebook
This overlooked lake, tucked away near Priest Lake, is a local favorite for its naturally serene hue.
South-central Idaho’s favorite winter destination showcases the colorful side of its mountain setting during the fiery season of fall.
Robin Casmaer/Idaho Only/Facebook
Payette Lake always knows how to put on a show when it comes to spectacular colors over the water, no matter the season.
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