Amanda Solomon

Starting at the Norton Lakes trailhead, travel up into the mountains through pine forest, with several small stream crossings (if you're going early in the summer, be prepared to wade). Although this trail packs on the elevation quickly, you're rewarded after just 2.1 miles with a view of beautiful Lower Norton Lake.While the lower lake is a satisfying destination in itself, be sure to go the e...

Balanced Rock is famous throughout the Magic Valley, and getting there is easy. A picnic table and turnoff on Castleford/Glenns Ferry Road allows you to park below the rock. From there it's a short scramble up the hill to get to the base -- that's the only way to get a feel for the boulder's enormity.Just a half-mile east down the road is Balanced Rock Park, with a few well-maintained campgroun...

Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles, you're rewarded by unobstructed vistas of the entire valley, huge granite boulder fields, and the ...

From Baker Creek trailhead, head up the trail as it winds through pine forest and mountain meadows (if you time it right, this hike is ideal for seeing all kinds of wildflowers!). Some sections can be steep, but nothing small children shouldn't be able to handle. The lake itself is a good place to have lunch or a refreshing swim, and it's usually well-stocked with trout, too. Watch for mountain...

This is a well-maintained trail that's fairly easy. You hike through a forested area to eventually reach the top of a sage-covered ridge offering expansive views of the surrounding area before descending back down to a lovely meadow and more forest. You're likely to be the only person/group on the trail on any given day, and it's great for kids/dogs.To get there, head south from Kimberly or Han...