Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway

Travel Details

Distance: 53 miles

Time: 1.5 hours, but allow more time for visiting historical sites and wineries along the route.

When to visit: year-round, but some canyon overlooks may be closed during winter months.

Highlights: scenic vistas, striking agricultural landscapes, Map Rock, Sunnyslope Wine Trail.

Services: gas, food, and lodging available in Nampa and Caldwell, and partial services in smaller towns.

Accommodations: available in Nampa and Caldwell, although the route is only a short distance from Boise and Meridian.

Getting here: You’ll start the trek on Idaho Highway 45, roughly 16 miles south of Nampa in Walters Ferry, and end at the Nyssa Bridge on the Idaho/Oregon border. Much of the route is paved, though you may find some gravel roads if you choose to explore wine country.

Local’s Tip: September and October are harvest months at many wineries, so there are plenty of opportunities on this route for fall activities like grape stomping and tasting new releases (not to mention, perfect weather).

Before beginning your route, consider a detour to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, a 30-minute drive southeast of Walters Ferry. This area is home to the densest population of nesting birds of prey in North America, so you’re likely to spot raptors like the prairie falcon and golden eagle.

Begin the drive from the Snake River in Walters Ferry, proceeding north for about a mile. Take a left on Map Rock Road, and follow it for 7.3 miles, or about 15 minutes, until you reach the Map Rock Petroglyphs Historic District. Here you’ll find ancient carvings on a large basalt rock on the right side of the road and unique geological formations in the area. 

These petroglyphs are believed to be a map of the Snake River Valley, drawn by Northern Shoshone Natives before the 19th century. Roadside parking is limited, so use caution when exiting your vehicle and exploring the terrain. 

Continue on Map Rock Road until you reach Deer Flat Road. Take a left and follow the road for just over a quarter of a mile, then take a right on Chicken Dinner Road. Proceed for three miles until you reach Sunny Slope Road/Marsing Road. We recommend making a couple of stops along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail and tasting the fruit of the local terroir. This region is part of the Snake River American Viticultural Area (AVA) and includes over 16 wineries and vineyards. Cheers to that!

If you’re hankering for a few hours on the green, continue driving northwest to River Bend Golf Course in Wilder. Swing your clubs at this public, 18-hole course with several holes located along the Snake River, which is well worth a stop for its picturesque views and relaxed pace.

Or, for an alternate natural respite, head east on Idaho Highway 55 for about ten miles and stretch your legs at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. This area offers over ten miles of trails and plenty of opportunities for spotting nesting birds and other wildlife around Lake Lowell.

Next, drive about eight miles north on South Indiana Ave. to Indian Creek Plaza, where a once-buried waterway has been revitalized as a vibrant part of Downtown Caldwell. There are plenty of dining and shopping options available, and depending on the day and the season, you might find a pop-up market, musical performances, or a winter wonderland complete with an ice skating rink and over a million Christmas lights.

Continue northwest via US-20 for about 16 miles to arrive in Parma. Here you’ll find Old Fort Boise Park, where you can tour a museum and see a replica of the original, which once served as a supply post along the Oregon Trail.

Travel just another eight miles north on US-20 and you’ll reach the end of the route at the Nyssa Bridge. As the day winds down, park here and cast a line into the Snake River. This is a terrific location for catching both a spectacular sunset and perhaps a few catfish.