A roadside sign for Lost Gold Scenic Trails Loop. — Lost Gold Trails Loop signage, near Dubois. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Exterior of the Heritage Hall Museum. — Heritage Hall Museum, Dubois. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A blue sign for Spencer Opal Mines. — Spencer Opal Mines, Spencer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Water tower for the town of Dubois. — Town of Dubois. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A person with two red buckets collects rocks. — Spencer Opal Mines, Spencer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A single lane road surrounded by plains along the Lost Gold Trails Loop. — Lost Gold Trails Loop, between Spencer and Kilgore. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of Beaver Creek surrounded by evergreen trees. — Beaver Creek, between Dubois and Spencer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of the town of Spencer, with trees and buildings, and mountains in the background. — Town of Spencer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An antelope stands in a gassy prairie land. — Antelope in prairie land, near Dubois. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of Beaver Canyon, surrounded by an open landscape. — Beaver Canyon, between Dubois and Spencer. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Lost Gold Trails Loop

Follow the Lost Gold Trails Loop through rolling terrain in eastern Idaho. This byway runs along an early Gold Rush route, historic sites like the Heritage Hall Museum, the gateway to the Nez Perce Historic Trail and Beaver Canyon. When the gold near Spencer disappeared, opals took over, and you can still dig for opals in this area today. During the spring and fall, this route often features wild game grazing along its length.

Length

52 miles
83.6 km

Time

1 hour, 30 minutes

Region

Eastern Idaho

When to Visit

Spring, Summer, Fall

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: The byway begins on A-2/Red Road Junction at the “Y” Junction east of Dubois. It follows this route to Old Highway 91 north of Dubois to Spencer. The route then heads east on Spencer/Idmon road connecting to Idmon/A-2 Junction and the Fort Henry Historic Byway. Continue north toward Kilgore and east to Island Park, or turn south and return to the “Y” Junction at the start of the route.

Road Conditions: Two roads (A-2 and Spencer/Idmon Road) close during winter. Check weather conditions before your trip.

Full Services in: Dubois

Partial Services in: Spencer, Kilgore

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Partial Services: When gas and a few other facilities are available

Nearby Adventures

Exploring eastern Idaho on this notable byway offers interpretive sites, outdoor recreation and even the chance to mine for your own opals. In the wintertime, several roads become snowmobiling routes in this scenic setting.