Idaho is one incredible place to explore. Fortunately, you don’t always have to head into the mountains and tackle a difficult hiking trail to admire some of the Gem State’s greatest scenery. In fact, some of the best views are from the comfort of your own vehicle! To catch just a small glimpse of Idaho’s natural beauty, here are seven of the most beautiful backroads that are just waiting for you.
- Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr This two-lane road is 35 miles and will take you along the shores of the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene. This is one of the best ways to capture the beauty of the lake without actually hopping in the water. If you drive the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway between December and January, it isn’t uncommon to see several eagles as they soar in the sky. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
- Elk River Back Country Byway
Stan Petersen/Flickr Elk River Back Country Byway will take you through north-central Idaho. This scenic byway in Idaho travels from Orofino to the small town of Elk River and your 57-mile journey will take you past some remarkable features like Dent Bridge, Dworshak Dam, and Elk Creek Falls. If you love driving through forests, near lakes, and by rivers, this backroad will not disappoint! Elk River, ID 83827, USA
- Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
Bartfett/iStock Via Getty Images Plus The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway takes you along Highway 93 and Highway 26. It is actually one of the most diverse scenic drives in Idaho as you will travel from the mountains to the lava flows in approximately 140 miles. If you complete this drive in its entirety, you will capture views of Mount Borah, Idaho’s tallest mountain peak, and large fields of lava flow near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA
- Sacajawea Historic Byway
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr The Sacajawea Historic Byway takes you through some of the most remote country in eastern Idaho. This backcountry road is packed with history like the Lewis and Clark expedition and the 1800s mining boom. You’ll pass through areas like the small town that calls itself the birthplace of Sacajawea and the charcoal kilns that were used to process lead and silver more than 100 years ago. Salmon, ID 83467, USA
- Teton Scenic Byway
William Stone/Google When considering scenic backroads in Idaho, the Teton Scenic Byway is often overlooked. However, it is one of the best road trips you can take in America. This scenic byway in Idaho is 70 miles and takes you from Swan Valley to Ashton. You will drive through beautiful small towns and can capture the most incredible views of the Grand Tetons. Teton Scenic Byway, 6535 ID-33, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA
- Thousand Springs Scenic Drive
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images One of our favorite scenic drives in Idaho is the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. This 67-mile road takes you between the small towns of Bliss and Hansen, and you’ll drive through some of the most extraordinary natural features in the Gem State. Along this drive, you can explore areas of Thousand Springs State Park, visit the remarkable Balanced Rock formation near Buhl, and even stop to see the Perrine Memorial Bridge and Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls on your way. Thousand Springs State Park - Ritter Island, 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
- Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway
JayLazarin/iStock Via Getty Images Plus Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway is another lesser-known backroad in Idaho but it certainly deserves your attention. This road connects Highway 21 and Highway 55 in southern Idaho and is 33 miles long. You will follow the South Fork of the Payette River and will not only enjoy gorgeous river views but you may just see some wildlife in this remote area of the state as well. Payette River, Idaho, USA
What is your favorite backroad in Idaho? Did it make our list? Let us know in the comments!
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
This two-lane road is 35 miles and will take you along the shores of the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene. This is one of the best ways to capture the beauty of the lake without actually hopping in the water. If you drive the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway between December and January, it isn’t uncommon to see several eagles as they soar in the sky.
Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
Stan Petersen/Flickr
Elk River Back Country Byway will take you through north-central Idaho. This scenic byway in Idaho travels from Orofino to the small town of Elk River and your 57-mile journey will take you past some remarkable features like Dent Bridge, Dworshak Dam, and Elk Creek Falls. If you love driving through forests, near lakes, and by rivers, this backroad will not disappoint!
Elk River, ID 83827, USA
Bartfett/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway takes you along Highway 93 and Highway 26. It is actually one of the most diverse scenic drives in Idaho as you will travel from the mountains to the lava flows in approximately 140 miles. If you complete this drive in its entirety, you will capture views of Mount Borah, Idaho’s tallest mountain peak, and large fields of lava flow near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The Sacajawea Historic Byway takes you through some of the most remote country in eastern Idaho. This backcountry road is packed with history like the Lewis and Clark expedition and the 1800s mining boom. You’ll pass through areas like the small town that calls itself the birthplace of Sacajawea and the charcoal kilns that were used to process lead and silver more than 100 years ago.
Salmon, ID 83467, USA
William Stone/Google
When considering scenic backroads in Idaho, the Teton Scenic Byway is often overlooked. However, it is one of the best road trips you can take in America. This scenic byway in Idaho is 70 miles and takes you from Swan Valley to Ashton. You will drive through beautiful small towns and can capture the most incredible views of the Grand Tetons.
Teton Scenic Byway, 6535 ID-33, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images
One of our favorite scenic drives in Idaho is the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. This 67-mile road takes you between the small towns of Bliss and Hansen, and you’ll drive through some of the most extraordinary natural features in the Gem State. Along this drive, you can explore areas of Thousand Springs State Park, visit the remarkable Balanced Rock formation near Buhl, and even stop to see the Perrine Memorial Bridge and Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls on your way.
Thousand Springs State Park - Ritter Island, 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
JayLazarin/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway is another lesser-known backroad in Idaho but it certainly deserves your attention. This road connects Highway 21 and Highway 55 in southern Idaho and is 33 miles long. You will follow the South Fork of the Payette River and will not only enjoy gorgeous river views but you may just see some wildlife in this remote area of the state as well.
Payette River, Idaho, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
