When do the leaves change in Idaho?
Western larch and aspen turn gold across the Sawtooth and Panhandle National Forests, with the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway and Coeur d'Alene's lake shoreline drawing color-seekers in late September and early October.
Peak: September 30–October 18
Color builds from September 24 · mostly bare by October 29
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures (Open-Meteo) drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model; terrain shifts timing ~1 day earlier per 300 m of elevation. Temperature alone can’t tell a maritime autumn from a continental one — two places at the same latitude and the same September can peak weeks apart, because the trees differ — so each region is also calibrated against published peak dates. Estimates, not promises: typically within a few days, occasionally a week or more out. Check locally before you travel.
Known for
Things to do in fall in Idaho
6 iconic stops — scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.
Teton Scenic Byway
Scenic drivePeak September 27
Idaho Highway 31 runs nearly 70 miles from Swan Valley to Victor over 6,754-foot Pine Creek Pass, its aspen and cottonwood turning gold each September against Teton Valley's farmland and the Tetons' quieter, western-facing side.
Don’t miss: Pine Creek Pass at 6,754 feet · Backside view of the Tetons
The Farmstead Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival
Fall festivalColor nearby peaks October 17
The Lowe family's agritourism farm in Kuna, southwest of Boise, cuts a fresh corn maze each fall and opens a pumpkin patch alongside hayrides, a jumping pillow, cow-train rides and slides, all under one general admission. The 2026 season runs September 12 to October 31, open evenings midweek and closed Sundays.
Don’t miss: Fresh corn maze each year · Pumpkin patch and hayrides · One-price general admission
The Haunted World
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 18
Billed as Idaho's largest indoor-and-outdoor haunt, this attraction sprawls across more than 40 acres of Caldwell farmland west of Boise, pairing a themed haunted house with a corn maze that runs over a mile long. It has been scaring visitors since 2000, and a full walk-through takes roughly two hours on weekends.
Don’t miss: 40+ acres of haunt · Mile-long corn maze · Running since 2000
Ten Mile Farms
Corn mazeColor nearby peaks October 17
A Meridian farm just outside Boise running a corn maze with both a quick family route and a full sized version for anyone who wants to get properly lost. The pumpkin patch, hayrides, barrel train, and straw bale slides run six days a week from mid September through Halloween.
Don’t miss: Family and full-sized corn maze routes · U-pick pumpkin patch · Hayrides and barrel train
Fright Nights at the Old Idaho Penitentiary
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 15
The state's actual 19th century territorial prison turns into a haunted house for adults only nights each October, with actors working the old cell blocks and infirmary where inmates really lived and died. It bills itself as Idaho's only haunted cell house, and it is not exaggerating.
Don’t miss: Real 1870s territorial prison · Terror on Cell Block 4 · 18-plus, photo ID required
Harvest Market & Apple Palooza
Fall festivalColor nearby peaks October 10
Downtown Coeur d'Alene's farmers market turns into an apple tasting crawl for one October Saturday, with shops along 5th Street handing out samples of apple pie, mulled cider and caramel apples. Ticket holders vote for their favorite, and the winning shop takes home the Golden Apple.
Don’t miss: Apple tasting crawl, Golden Apple vote · Farmers market with harvest produce · Live music downtown
Frequently asked
- When do leaves peak in Idaho in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for September 30–October 18 (best estimate October 9). Color starts around September 24 and trees are mostly bare by October 29.
- How reliable is the Idaho forecast?
- The forecast blends recent-year weather normals with photoperiod and elevation; it tightens as the season approaches. Against published peak dates the model lands within a few days for most regions, but it can be a week or more out — mountains and coastlines are the hardest. Higher elevations turn roughly one day earlier per 300 m.
- When is Idaho's autumn season?
- Idaho colors during autumn (September–November). Western larch and aspen turn gold across the Sawtooth and Panhandle National Forests, with the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway and Coeur d'Alene's lake shoreline drawing color-seekers in late September and early October.
- What are the best things to do in fall in Idaho?
- The iconic stops: Teton Scenic Byway, The Farmstead Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival, The Haunted World, Ten Mile Farms, Fright Nights at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, Harvest Market & Apple Palooza. Every one is mapped on this page with its peak-color timing.
- What are the best things to do in autumn in Idaho?
- Autumn — autumn (September–November) — is peak season here. Pair the color with Teton Scenic Byway, The Farmstead Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival, The Haunted World, Ten Mile Farms, Fright Nights at the Old Idaho Penitentiary; each is on the map above with the window to catch it.
Nearby & similar
Season by season
2026 (forecast)
Peak September 30–October 18
September 24 → October 29