All Blog Entries by Hughes Group Blog Team

Horseback Riding Destinations

From north to south, Idaho is teeming with outdoor recreational opportunities and stunning scenic views. As the weather gets warmer, finding things to do outdoors becomes endless. Idaho's incredible topography, towering mountain ranges, and blue skies are ideal for spending hours exploring the vast wilderness. Take the road less traveled and consider horseback riding the backcountry to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state!

Saddle up for an adventure and spend an afternoon trotting through Idaho's far-reaching wilderness or embark on a scenic sunset dinner ride with expert guides leading the way. For those seeking an extended getaway, consider a vacation at one of the many local guest ranches in…

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Magic Valley, Hagerman is a southern gem built around flourishing aquaculture. The presence of geothermal water that flows through the town makes it an ideal location to practice this kind of unique farming. With millions of fish spawning from this area every year, Hagerman stands as one of the world's largest trout producers, accounting for roughly 70% of U.S. domestic trout production in Idaho alone. The mild weather and abundance of open water year-round make the valley an optimal stopping point for migrating waterfowl as well as an excellent destination for a variety of water sports. Discover all that this area has to offer, from gushing waterfalls, prehistoric fossil beds, pristine hot springs to beautiful…

Boise Blooms

If you haven't heard the saying, "April showers bring May flowers," this is especially true in Boise, Idaho. Come Spring, Boise's natural landscapes fill with wildflowers and budding blooms. The rolling foothills burst with color, making for some of the most serene hiking views, and the fragrant smell of flowers fills downtown streets. Spring is undoubtedly one of the best seasons in Boise. It opens up possibilities for outdoor recreation and not to mention the ideal time to start planning that dream garden or finish that landscaping project. Introducing native plants can offer low-cost, sustainable solutions that benefit budgets and the ecosystem. Below are a few ideas to help everyone, from novice graders to local businesses,…

Nestled in the vistas of the Southeast Idaho mountain ranges, discover lush green valleys blanketed with purple sage and overgrown wetlands. Comprised of some of the country's most extensive stretches of unspoiled land, Idaho is a hub for wildlife enthusiasts and birding in particular. The state's vast network of protected wilderness and outdoor recreation areas connect to an extensive birding trail that spans 2,000+/- miles and includes 175 different sites. Uncover a network of birdwatching clubs, Audubon Society chapters, the World Center for Birds of Prey, and more.

Depending on the region, Idaho's bird population ranges from golden eagles to sandhill cranes and just about everything in between. Species can be grouped into several locations:…

Spanning 2,170+/- miles long, the Oregon Trail extended from Oregon's rugged coast, through the Rocky Mountains, to the flat Prairies of Missouri. Still to this day, the Oregon Trail stands as a historic landmark and a prominent point of mass migration across North America. The trail also paved the way for major highways, including US‑20, which cuts across southern Idaho's arid, volcanic terrain contrasted by whitewater rivers and isolated mountain ranges. The landscape has continued transforming into beautiful lush fields and vineyards that thrive in the otherwise barren, gray-green sagebrush plains. Little else has changed since pioneers faced insurmountable challenges crossing the country along the Oregon Trail.

For the better half of ten…

There is nothing quite like a day of enjoying the backwoods, nature, and the unique wonders of the wilderness. The trails of the Boise National Forest within the Cascade Ranger District wrap and weave from the valley to the mountain peaks and offer delightful scenery and sounds of nature, as well as a few trails that pass by creeks, meadows, and alpine lakes. The charm of a journey through the forest within the early morning hours may present foggy canyons lined in dew-covered grasses with cool air that can make trekking the area trails a bit more pleasant, especially during the warmer months.

The habitat of Idaho's woodlands welcomes visitors to take part in collaborative activities, educational trails, discover new plants, trek to a mountain…

Indian Bathtub (Lower Indian Bathtub, Bruneau) 

Indian Bathtub Natural Hot Springs (lower pool) sits at the heart of the desert alongside the Bruneau River waters. Locating Indian Bathtub Springs requires travel along extensive rugged dirt roads that embody the essence of the surrounding desert terrain. Tall grasses, a sea of sagebrush, larkspur, phlox, and tumbleweeds drench the grainy sands of the vastly barren land. Mesmerizing surroundings welcome visitors to the remote and secluded destination of Indian Bathtub, and begs for hours of relaxation, rejuvenation, and comfort. Overall, the area's remoteness enhances the robust canvas of the starry night sky. The midnight sky proves to provide an unmatched perspective of the stars and is…

Atlanta Area Natural Hot Springs  

The Atlanta Natural Hot Springs are found within densely forested terrain, making this destination ideal for allocating a few extra days to enjoy a multi-day trip, filled to the brim with scenic views, outdoor adventures, and hot springs. The south face of Greylock Mountain sits adjacent to the town and features craggy cliff sides, and the possibility of a backcountry trek. Trails lead to justifiably unforgettable views from the summit and the possibility of locating a visitor's jar enclosed with scraps of paper including visitors' names, notes, and kind words.  

The Atlanta Hot Springs main soaking pool is ideal for a full sun soak most of the daylight hours, with generous room to stretch out without…

Natural hot springs open the door to well-planned steamy adventures of relaxation while soaking in warm basins, most often surrounded by nature, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. The state has the most excellent usable natural hot springs in the nation, with about one hundred and thirty immersible out of over three hundred. Idaho's natural hot springs offer various surrounding terrain and topography. Choose the ideal region and landscape for the next hot spring soaking adventure and relish in some of nature's optimal outdoor activity opportunities.

Natural hot springs do not always require traveling to a remote location to be appreciable. However, a few of the prime locations are going to be the ones that are a bit more challenging and…

Best Weekend Getaways

Visiting the state of Idaho with a focus mainly on the state's parks, mountains, ghost towns, narrow glacial valleys, wilderness with thundering waterfalls, historic cities, steep canyons, and alpine lakes await visitors from all over the world. How powerful could a day or weekend exploring the Rocky Mountains become if it meant traversing one of the many hiking trails surrounded by aspen groves, wildlife, and opportunities to fly fish?

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Idaho is home to over 3,700 alpine lakes, a few with natural trails systems, camping accommodations, and opportunities for nearby amenities. Discover locations with hidden caves, secluded beaches, spectacular overlooks, with the option of a…