Idaho Scenic Byways

Scenic Byways

City of Rocks Back Country Byway
Forming a 49-mile 'necklace' around the Albion Mountain Range, the City of Rocks Back Country Byway traverses historically significant rural landscapes that preserve numerous unique attributes of Western development.

Elk River Backcountry Byway
The route to Elk River, from either direction, can be characterized as an all natural, no frills, individualistic and unpretentious pathway through rural North Central Idaho. It is a 57 mile route to adventure, fun and relaxation for travelers.

Fort Henry Historic Byway
See the first white settlement marked by the Fort Henry Monument, from which this byway gets its name.

Gold Rush Historic Byway
Rich in scenery, history, and wildlife, the route along Idaho 11 travels through mountains and forests where early pioneers discovered gold in Idaho for the first time.

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Idaho
At 9,300 feet deep, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. The views from the roadway above these towering canyon walls, and from below on the winding Snake River, defy imagination.

International Selkirk Loop
Marvel at the awesome beauty of the International Selkirk Loop as it encircles the wild Selkirk Mountains for 280 miles (including British Columbia). Play on crystal clear rivers and lakes, or traverse mountain trails to view snowcapped peaks and wildlife dive

International Selkirk Loop Idaho
Receding glaciers carved this landscape. Encounter many opportunities to view wildlife at the area’s reserves and wildlife refuges. In 1809, explorer Dave Thompson searched for a river course to the Pacific, while in 1864 thousands of prospectors traveled to

Lake Coeur dAlene Scenic Byway
This byway snakes along the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene and through the towering forests of Idaho's timber country.

Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway
Explore two National Trails, visit the homeland of Sacajawea and the Lemhi Shoshone, enjoy beautiful scenic vistas and observe the abundant wildlife. You can see how nature and humans have shaped the landscape, from wildfires and critical habitats.

Lost Gold Trails Loop
This byway begins on A-2 at the "Y" Junction, west of Dubois, routing to Old Highway 91 north of Dubois, to Spencer, and then trails east on Spencer/Idmon road connecting to A-2.

Main Oregon Trail Back Country Byway
Step into the shoes of pioneers as you drive the Main Oregon Trail Back Country Byway.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway offers travelers a scenic drive along the Falls River and past Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway
The Lewis and Clark Expedition journeyed through north-central Idaho 200 years ago in search of the Northwest Passage. The sparkling rivers, deep canyons, and rugged mountains they encountered are relatively unchanged. Experience the culture, recreation, and s

Oregon Trail Bear Lake Scenic Byway
The Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway offers travelers a panoramic view of Bear Lake and the Bear River valley. Following a portion of the Oregon Trail, it also offers panoramic views of the Blackfoot Reservoir and Grays Lake.

Owyhee Uplands Back Country Byway
From expanses of sagebrush and wildflowers, to sheer, red-walled river canyons, the Owyhee Uplands represent what many people believe the real West is all about.

Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage Scenic Byway
Traverse the river route that explorer David Thompson first canoed in 1809 in search of a passage to the Columbia River, and let the scenic beauty and history along the Pend Oreille (pond-er-ay) River enrich your drive through Idaho's Panhandle.

Payette River Scenic Byway
The Payette River Scenic Byway meanders through foothills, mountain valleys, canyons, forests, and wide-open valleys with expansive vistas. Visit Lake Cascade, with its beauty and wildlife, and enjoy Payette Lake among the mountains and trees. Easy access to r

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
Experience many of the diverse landscapes Idaho has to offer by taking a drive on the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway.

Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
Visitors to the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway find an abundance of recreational opportunities, postcard-quality scenery, and historical elements. Each season enhances the numerous recreational opportunities created by the interplay of Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark

Pioneer Historic Byway
Begin at Franklin, Idaho's first city, and then travel up the Bear River to northern Mormon settlements, military campaigns, and the first Yellowstone route. Relive the byway's pioneer saga and walk Oregon Trail ruts in emigrant footsteps. See major geologic a

Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway
This route follows a portion of the Boise River, the South Fork of the Payette River and Smaller creeks. It passes through heavily timbered country and high mountain valleys and offers beautiful views of the Sawtooth mountains and the Lost River.

Sacajawea Historic Byway
This passage through the high country of Idaho offers a wealth of engaging stories, many of them considered historic legacies of Idaho.

Salmon River Scenic Byway
This route offers travelers views of the main fork of the Salmon River from near its headwaters as well as views of the White Cloud, Lemhi and Bitterroot mountains and the Lost River.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway
Starting at Shoshone Falls to the south, this byway rolls northward through the European-style ski resort of Sun Valley and carves its way through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway
The Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway is a rich tapestry of places, people, and scenic lands that encompasses all that is truly Idaho. Nearly 15,000 years ago water reshaped the land as one of the largest floods in geologic history flooded the entire valley from

St Joe River Scenic Byway
Traveling along the St. Joe River, the highest navigable river in the world and one of the only rivers that travels from one lake to another, St. Joe River Scenic Byway provides an adventure through history and scenic beauty.

Teton Scenic Byway
This byway offers travelers beautiful views of the Snake River Valley, the western slope of the Tetons, and the Falls River.

Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
This scenic byway offers travelers views of the Snake River, the Hagerman Fossil Beads National Monument, fish hatcheries, and numerous historic points of interest.

Western Heritage Historic Byway

Explore the Western Heritage Historic Byway's vast sagebrush lands and canyon rims of the Snake River. The panoramic, breathtaking view encompasses the snowcapped Owyhee Mountains, the Boise Front, and the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Are

White Pine Scenic Byway
This byway passes through the deeply contrasting thick forests of Idaho's timber country.

Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway
The Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway is part of the International Selkirk Loop. The byway follows the Kootenai Tribe's historic path to fishing grounds at Lake Pend Oreille.

Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway
Visitors revel not only in the beauty of the canyon formed by the powerful Payette River, but also in the roaming wildlife that call this area home.