Idaho - The Gem State
The last state to be explored by Euro-Americans is renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation in natural settings of incredible contrast.

History is all around; this is Lewis and Clark country, the route of the Oregon Trail and the home of the Nez Perce Indians and the Appaloosa horse.

With snowcapped mountains, dense forests, many lakes and miles of riding and hiking trails, outdoor activities are the big draw here. Resorts commonly offer horse riding, golf, mountain biking, fishing, boating and skiing. Idaho also has more than 3000 miles of whitewater rivers.

Idaho is known as the Gem State as it produces 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world. One of the largest diamonds ever found in the USA, nearly 20 carats, was discovered near McCall.

The desolate yet starkly beautiful Craters of the Moon National Monument and Thousand Springs Scenic Route are fascinating neighbours to the stunning mountains of the Sawtooth National recreation Area and the lushly forested northern Idaho glaciated lakes.

A spectacular and impressive state, Idaho offers Hells Canyon - deeper than the Grand Canyon; Shoshone Falls - higher than Niagara Falls; and the Bruneau Sand Dunes - larger than the dunes of Death Valley. Idaho has the most designated wilderness area outside Alaska, and with more than 3000 whitewater river miles, no other state can claim as many diverse recreational rivers. In all this wilderness, luxury can be found in the resorts of Coeur d'Alene, Sun Valley and McCall, or staying at a dude ranch.

Idaho is half-way between the Equator and the North Pole on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, with an abundance of sunshine and deep blue skies, even in the midst of winter. Idaho changes with the seasons. Expect fresh snow in winter, wildflower and wildlife viewing in the spring, ideal water sports and horse riding in summer and perfect travelling weather with gorgeous autumn colours in September and October.

Northern Idaho
Idaho borders Canada to the north, Washington to the west and Montana to the east. This four-seasoned wonderland is filled with crystal clear lakes, rivers, glacial valleys and pristine forests, all gently placed in a panoramic mountainous setting. In the midst of all this are the resort towns of Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint.

Nez Perce County and the Appaloosa Horse
Travelling south, you'll find the land considered 'paradise' by Lewis and Clark, the first Euro-Americans to visit the area. This is the land renowned for the roaring white waters of the Lochsa, the Snake, the Clearwater and the Salmon 'River of No Return.' The Seven Devils Mountain Range towers high enough to overlook four states. Hells Canyon plunges to the deepest depths in North America. From the rolling flowered hills of the Palouse Range to the dense green of the Bitterroot forests, history and hospitality invite exploration. North-central Idaho is home of the Nez perce Indian Nation and several sites across the countryside commemorate their rich history. It is also the home of the famous Appaloosa horse, as well as the new 'Nez Perce' breed developed by the tribe.

South-western Idaho
This is a land rich in culture, history and recreation of infinite variety. It has agricultural valleys, wineries and fruit orchards which lead to the state's dynamic capital of Boise. To the south is the rugged high mountain desert of the Owyhees and ancient Indian rock drawings, as well as the World Centre for Birds of Prey. To the east, one discovers Bruneau Dunes State Park and Glenns Ferry, site of the annual wagon train crossing of the Oregon Trail. Farther east, the scenic Hagerman Valley is home to the mysterious Thousand Springs and Hagerman Fossil Beds which feature fossils of prehistoric ancestors of the horse and camel.

Eastern and Central Idaho
Eastern Idaho is rich with farm and ranch recreational activities. The lovely and cultural town of Idaho Falls, on the Snake River is a natural when planning Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park tours and rides.

Sawtooth Mountains and Horse Trail Riding
Sun Valley is the gateway to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is at the heart of Idaho's Central Rockies. Lodging from Stanley to Salmon ranges from first-rate guest ranches to secluded log cabins on the banks of the mighty Salmon River. Licenced outfitters and guides offer half-day to multi-day trail rides and horseback trips into the wilderness.

Rodeos and other events
One-of-a-kind events take place in Idaho throughout the year, from spiritual Native American celebrations to wild fairs and rodeos. Pocatello hosts the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in mid-March. The Snake River Stampede takes place in Nampa in mid-July and is considered one of the top 25 rodeos in the USA. Labor Day in early September is celebrated in Ketchum and Sun Valley with Wagon Days. Mid-September brings the Lewiston Roundup and the Twin Falls County Fair and Rodeo at the end of September features a carnival, draft horse show, mule show and PRCA rodeo.