Nearly everyone who has lived in Idaho for any length of time has told someone that they live “in the middle of nowhere.” A few years ago, an analysis of major US roads, metropolitan areas, and airstrips discovered that the middle of nowhere is in fact in Idaho, a fact which data graphic maker Vizual Statistix compiled into a unique set of isolation maps.
Tucked away in Owyhee County in the Southwest corner of our beautiful panhandled state is seemingly the very definition of isolation itself – expansive high desert country scape, miles and miles away from civilization with little but sagebrush and wildflowers for company. But, this surprisingly beautiful stretch of nowhere-ness is uniquely accessible to those with a bit of determination and a thirst for adventure…and this one backcountry road in Idaho will take you straight into the heart of it. Curious to see what awaits you on one of the best scenic drives in Idaho? Let’s go!
The Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway is a 103-mile road that winds lazily through Idaho’s most remote high-desert country.
Allen/Flickr If you’ve been searching for one of the “best scenic drives near me in Idaho,” you’ve just hit the jackpot.
Primitive and untamed, this “Road to Nowhere” is all too often overlooked.
Nicholas D./Flickr It offers the perfect opportunity to get a peek at the Idaho desert.
Along the way, you’ll see the ghostly remnants of former mining towns…
Nicholas D./Flickr
…Stunning river scenes…
Scott Butner/Flickr
…And herds of Idaho desert wildlife, among other things.
Nicholas D./Flickr You’ll quickly discover this is one of the most spellbinding roads in Idaho.
But what you’ll hear is the most perfect silence you could ever hope for, save for the natural sounds of the Idaho desert.
Bill Williams/Flickr
Starting in Jordan Valley, Oregon (just a few miles shy of the border), travel east along Jordan Creek and past isolated ranches.
Matt Lavin/Flickr
Nestled along sagebrush-covered hills, these are the last reminders of civilization you’ll see for the rest of your trip.
Andy Melton/Flickr You can also take a 20-mile side trip to the confluence of the North, South, and Main forks of the Owyhee River.
Here, you’ll also find a spectacular hot spring oasis. A 98-degree creek bubbles out from the rocks and flows down through a series of natural slides into an expansive plethora of pools and waterfalls overlooking the Owyhee River canyon.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr But crossing the border into Idaho is where the real beauty begins. Stunning mountains, natural rock arches and hoodoos, and pristine river canyons are around every corner.
In the spring, this area is awash in colorful desert wildflowers and green old-growth juniper - a uniquely lush landscape that few people take the time to visit.
Troy Smith/Flickr You can continue to follow the byway, arguably one of the most beautiful roads in Idaho, for its entirety, enjoying scenic detours and cherrystem roads into the best isolated canyon setting in the US.
But to truly get to the middle of nowhere, take a primitive road just beyond Mile 41. You’re officially in the most remote area in Idaho, and arguably, the entire country.
Bureau of Land Management/Facebook
Our recommendation: be sure to catch a sunset.
Bureau of Land Management And after you’ve completed one of the best scenic drives in Idaho, don’t miss the most epic and vast stargazing you’ve ever seen. Do you agree that this is most beautiful of all roads in Idaho?
But be warned, there are a few things to consider before tackling this incredible adventure. As the most isolated area in the country, emergency services are nonexistent. Be especially prepared for car trouble, flats, etc., and bring extra food and water with you on your journey, as well as means of shade. Attempt at your own risk! Round trip from Boise, this is a lengthy full-day drive.
Allen/Flickr
If you’ve been searching for one of the “best scenic drives near me in Idaho,” you’ve just hit the jackpot.
Nicholas D./Flickr
It offers the perfect opportunity to get a peek at the Idaho desert.
Scott Butner/Flickr
You’ll quickly discover this is one of the most spellbinding roads in Idaho.
Bill Williams/Flickr
Matt Lavin/Flickr
Andy Melton/Flickr
You can also take a 20-mile side trip to the confluence of the North, South, and Main forks of the Owyhee River.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
But crossing the border into Idaho is where the real beauty begins. Stunning mountains, natural rock arches and hoodoos, and pristine river canyons are around every corner.
Troy Smith/Flickr
You can continue to follow the byway, arguably one of the most beautiful roads in Idaho, for its entirety, enjoying scenic detours and cherrystem roads into the best isolated canyon setting in the US.
Bureau of Land Management/Facebook
Bureau of Land Management
And after you’ve completed one of the best scenic drives in Idaho, don’t miss the most epic and vast stargazing you’ve ever seen. Do you agree that this is most beautiful of all roads in Idaho?
Where’s your favorite “road to nowhere” in Idaho? Have you ever traveled the entire Owyhee Uplands Byway, perhaps the most famous road in Idaho, and if so, do you agree that it’s one of the best scenic drives in Idaho? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
For more adventures, check out this historic Idaho backcountry road trip, or this near-perfect Idaho road trip, which was named as one of National Geographic‘s “Top 100 Scenic Drives.”
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Owyhee, ID 83634, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in Idaho July 28, 2021 Beth C. What are the most scenic places in Idaho? Idaho is the land of beautiful scenery. Whether you happen to be a lucky resident or are simply passing through on a vacation, there are some destinations that belong on your itinerary. Some of the most scenic places to explore in Idaho include Bear Lake, Stanley, Thousand Springs, the Sawtooth Wilderness, Snake River, Redfish Lake, Table Rock, the Palouse, City of Rocks, and the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Learn more about the most beautiful places you can visit in Idaho. What are some hidden gems in Idaho? Looking to explore Idaho’s hidden gems? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together an entire road trip itinerary that will lead you to the most breathtaking hidden gems in the state. These destinations include Upper Mesa Falls, Lava Hot Springs, Silver Creek Preserve, Black Magic Canyon, Box Canyon State Park, Three Island Crossing, Pine Flat Hot Spring, Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Q’emiln Park, and Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about these hidden gems in Idaho. Does Idaho have any natural wonders? Idaho is positively filled with natural wonders, and they can be found in nearly every region of the state. The most incredible natural wonders in Idaho are Lake Pend Oreille, Bruneau Sand Dunes, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Great Idaho Rift, the Salmon River, Craters of the Moon, and Owyhee Canyonlands. Care to learn more about Idaho’s most impressive natural wonders? Read our previous article: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Idaho.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best scenic drives in Idaho
July 28, 2021
Beth C.
What are the most scenic places in Idaho? Idaho is the land of beautiful scenery. Whether you happen to be a lucky resident or are simply passing through on a vacation, there are some destinations that belong on your itinerary. Some of the most scenic places to explore in Idaho include Bear Lake, Stanley, Thousand Springs, the Sawtooth Wilderness, Snake River, Redfish Lake, Table Rock, the Palouse, City of Rocks, and the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Learn more about the most beautiful places you can visit in Idaho. What are some hidden gems in Idaho? Looking to explore Idaho’s hidden gems? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together an entire road trip itinerary that will lead you to the most breathtaking hidden gems in the state. These destinations include Upper Mesa Falls, Lava Hot Springs, Silver Creek Preserve, Black Magic Canyon, Box Canyon State Park, Three Island Crossing, Pine Flat Hot Spring, Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Q’emiln Park, and Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about these hidden gems in Idaho. Does Idaho have any natural wonders? Idaho is positively filled with natural wonders, and they can be found in nearly every region of the state. The most incredible natural wonders in Idaho are Lake Pend Oreille, Bruneau Sand Dunes, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Great Idaho Rift, the Salmon River, Craters of the Moon, and Owyhee Canyonlands. Care to learn more about Idaho’s most impressive natural wonders? Read our previous article: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Idaho.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Idaho is the land of beautiful scenery. Whether you happen to be a lucky resident or are simply passing through on a vacation, there are some destinations that belong on your itinerary. Some of the most scenic places to explore in Idaho include Bear Lake, Stanley, Thousand Springs, the Sawtooth Wilderness, Snake River, Redfish Lake, Table Rock, the Palouse, City of Rocks, and the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Learn more about the most beautiful places you can visit in Idaho.
What are some hidden gems in Idaho?
Looking to explore Idaho’s hidden gems? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together an entire road trip itinerary that will lead you to the most breathtaking hidden gems in the state. These destinations include Upper Mesa Falls, Lava Hot Springs, Silver Creek Preserve, Black Magic Canyon, Box Canyon State Park, Three Island Crossing, Pine Flat Hot Spring, Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Q’emiln Park, and Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about these hidden gems in Idaho.
Does Idaho have any natural wonders?
Idaho is positively filled with natural wonders, and they can be found in nearly every region of the state. The most incredible natural wonders in Idaho are Lake Pend Oreille, Bruneau Sand Dunes, the Sawtooth Mountains, the Great Idaho Rift, the Salmon River, Craters of the Moon, and Owyhee Canyonlands. Care to learn more about Idaho’s most impressive natural wonders? Read our previous article: Here Are The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Idaho.
