Boise to Bozeman Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Travelers looking for outdoor adventure need to make the weekend RV road trip from Boise to Bozeman at least once in their lives. Along this scenic route with lakes, mountains, and wildlife, you'll have the opportunity to stop and tour ice caves, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Yellowstone National Park. What more does the perfect RV road trip need?
The starting point on your journey, Boise, has tons of different things to do. Of course, you can play outside in the sun or snow. Local hills offer skiing and snowboarding, and in better weather, rock climbers flock to the striking black volcanic basalt pillars of the Black Cliffs.
While in town, take a tour of a 19th-century prison built by its inmates at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Walk the interesting Basque Block, which is dedicated to preserving the Basque culture with the architecture of its buildings and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.
You'll be able to find RV accommodation in Boise easily. RV campgrounds are scattered throughout the city. Check out the Boise/Meridian KOA Journey or park your RV and stay at the Big Idaho Potato Hotel. Yes, you read that right. It's a tiny home shaped like a potato just 20 minutes outside the city.
If you plan to hit every stop, the drive time is about 16 hours, covering roughly 850 miles. Larger rigs will be able to navigate the route easily. The main issues for RVs at popular summer attractions like Yellowstone are navigating around pedestrians and finding parking.
In Bozeman, you'll be treated to the same awe-inspiring scenery, and countless activities like skiing, hiking, and biking. Whatever you do, don't forget your hiking boots and camera.
Point of Interest
Yellowstone National Park
You simply cannot embark on an RV road trip from Boise to Bozeman and not stop at the iconic Yellowstone National Park. The truth is, you'd be silly not to stop. Featuring abundant wildlife, fascinating natural phenomena, and adventures around every corner, leave as much time as possible to explore the mighty Yellowstone.
The sky is the limit for outdoor activities at this first-ever national park: hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, and swimming top the list of active things to do. Rivers, streams, and trails are your playground.
Touring the scenery and attractions of Yellowstone is also a must. Check out the Old Faithful and Lone Star Geysers. Visit the colorful Morning Glory Pool and Isa Lake - the only natural lake on earth that drains to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Keep your eye open for the park's wildlife like American bison, elk, bears, wolves, and moose.
To maximize your time here, camp at one of Yellowstone's many RV-friendly campgrounds. If you're traveling in the summer, make a reservation to avoid being turned away.
The Museum of Clean
For something a little quirky and off the beaten path on your way to Bozeman, check out the Museum of Clean in Pocatello, Idaho. Started using the personal funds of the owner, Don Aslett, the museum explores everything imaginable related to the theme of clean.
Take a tour of the site and then leave plenty of time to experience the many displays and interactive exhibits. Highlights include the extensive antique vacuum cleaning equipment collection, and the art gallery dedicated entirely to the clean theme.
It's important to note that this museum focuses on all aspects of the word clean. It encourages clean language and clean minds from all its visitors. Don't walk in and immediately tell a dirty joke. Another major clean focus is on the environment. Air and water need to be clean too.
The site is RV-friendly with plenty of parking for large vehicles. The city of Pocatello also has the Pocatello KOA if you need an overnight stop.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Formed by volcanic activity up to 15,000 years ago, the area around the Craters of the Moon National Monument is worth seeing. After exploring this landscape that features cinder cones, sagebrush, and ancient lava flows, use the Lava Flow RV Campground to park overnight. There are no hookups, but RVs up to 40 feet are welcome.
You'll find plenty to do here to fill as much or as little of your time as you like, depending on your schedule. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the seven-mile loop trail around the park. Five exciting caves are waiting to be explored on foot. They link up through the Caves Trail, which is paved and spans 1.6 miles, and the Broken Loop Trail. The Broken Loop Trail is more challenging. Its 1.8 miles are unpaved with steeper inclines.
No matter how long you spend here, you're sure to feel like you've entered another world after only a short drive.
Shoshone Ice Caves
The short drive to Shoshone is the ideal first stop on your trip. In less than two hours from Boise, you can be marveling at the year-round ice floor of the Shoshone Ice Caves. Although only open from May to the end of September for tours, no matter what time you visit, the cave maintains a constant 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Just remember to shut the door when you enter and exit in the summer. Otherwise, you might be responsible for a huge melt.
In the 1940s, all the ice in the caves melted due to overdevelopment and poor planning. Luckily, the family who bought the site in the 1950s restored it to its original glory through the study of airflows. Now all road trippers can benefit from this unique attraction.
Prepare to navigate the cave and caverns using wooden walkways set a few inches above the ice floor. Encounter dinosaur and ice cavemen statues, and don't forget warm clothes. If you forget your coat, the site has some for you to borrow. But, be warned - these garments are typically past their prime.
Summary
After visits to amazing natural attractions along your route, your destination of Bozeman, Montana, will do its best to keep up the excitement. Another year-round outdoor heaven, set among the Rockies, Bozeman beckons you outside. Ski, hike, and bike in the Spanish Peaks mountain range or venture into the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest.
If the weather isn't on your side or you want a different activity, consider a trip to Bozeman's Museum of the Rockies. It explores the area's history and houses an intriguing collection of dinosaur fossils.
Once you leave and head back to your normal lives, this RV road trip from Boise to Bozeman guarantees that your memory card will be full, and your body will be tired. Good tired.
