Road Trips

Get out and go. Southwest Idaho’s scenic byways (both official and unofficial) make for unforgettable road trips. Most Southwest Idaho road trips can be comfortably completed in a day or easily extended to a multi-day tour.

  • Western Heritage Historic Byway

    Western Heritage Historic Byway

    In under an hour, farmland gives way to a wild and beautiful desert landscape — and North America's nesting raptors' greatest concentration.

  • Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway

    Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway

    When in search of scenery and solitude, chart a course through this route’s striking landscape.

  • Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

    Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

    Three hours is all the time it takes to get from Idaho’s charming capital city to expansive national forest lands — and some of the most remote wilderness areas in the country.

  • Payette River Scenic Byway

    Payette River Scenic Byway

    The mountains called. They said you’d better add this stunning four-season byway to your Idaho bucket list.

  • Lower Payette River Heritage Byway

    Lower Payette River Heritage Byway

    This scenic route is rich in Idaho history and natural wonders, from museums and fruit farms to wildlife and hot springs.

  • Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway

    Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway

    Choose your own adventure as you meander along the Snake River Canyon and its many rolling vineyards. Get your binoculars, golf clubs, and taste buds ready.

  • Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway

    Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway

    The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway (Idaho Highway 17) is a great way to take in views of Southwest Idaho’s rugged scenery and the wildlife that call it home.

  • Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

    Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway

    Walk (and ride) in the footsteps of Oregon Trail pioneers along the Main Oregon Trail Backcountry Byway. For history buffs, this drive is hard to beat.

  • Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

    Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

    If wild and rugged is what you're after, this remote scenic drive definitely delivers. There’s a reason Hells Canyon is such a popular bucket list destination.

  • HWY 55 Guide

    HWY 55 Guide

    Hwy 55 — the essential Idaho road trip that takes you from sandy desert to green mountain views.

  • HWY 95 Guide

    HWY 95 Guide

    Stretching from the Owyhee mountains to the depths of Hells Canyon, Hwy 95 takes you through some of the most picturesque places in Southwest Idaho.

  • Ultimate SW Idaho Summer Road Trip

    Ultimate SW Idaho Summer Road Trip

    We’ve put together the ultimate 10-day summer road trip through the most awe-inspiring and action-packed places in Southwest Idaho.

WHEN TO GO

Spring, summer, and fall are the classic road trip seasons, though sunny winter days — assuming road conditions are safe — can provide unparalleled snowy views.

Accommodations, Activities & More

Creekside Campground & Event Center

Creekside Campground & Event Center

This private campground is tucked away in the Boise National Forest along highway 21, just a 45 minute drive north of Boise.

Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce

Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce

Garden Valley is nestled along Idaho State Highway 17, which is a National Scenic Byway.

Desert Mountain Visitor Center

Desert Mountain Visitor Center

Peer into Mountain Home’s rugged history and rich heritage as a military base, farming community and import railway stop during the Wild West.

Jug Mountain Ranch

Jug Mountain Ranch

Jug Mountain Ranch is a 1,410-acre private residential community set beneath Jughandle Mountain’s rugged 8,310-foot peak. Roughly 75% of the Ranch (1,000 acres) has been set aside for preserved open space and a championship golf course.

Gem County Chamber of Commerce

Gem County Chamber of Commerce

Just a short distance NW of Boise, full of adventure and history, Gem County welcomes you.

Horseshoe Bend Valley Chamber of Commerce

Horseshoe Bend Valley Chamber of Commerce

Facilitation and support of community fundraising & activities in the Horseshoe Bend Valley.

Sunnyslope Wine Trail

Sunnyslope Wine Trail

Wine lovers take note, the Sunnyslope Wine Trail in Caldwell, Idaho is the next must-sip wine destination you need to visit.

Boise
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