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A view of Mesa Falls surrounded by tall trees.

Designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, scenic byways are recognized for their outstanding archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities. With 31 of these remarkable routes crisscrossing the state, Idaho’s scenic byways each promise an out-of-this-world experience. If stellar sightseeing tops your Idaho road trip list, buckle up for these seven routes that lead to some of the Gem State’s most incredible natural wonders.

Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway

Running along the northern shore of its namesake lake, the Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway beckons road trippers with alpine vistas, pristine forests and sparkling waters. Lake Pend Oreille isn’t just Idaho’s largest and deepest lake—it’s also the fifth deepest lake in the U.S., stretching 43 miles long, plunging 1,158 feet deep and boasting 111 miles of shoreline. During your visit, set sail, paddle a kayak or rev up some jet skis. Keep an eye out for wildlife like osprey, moose and deer, or cast a line for kokanee salmon. To top it all off, a variety of trails can be found around the lake and in Farragut State Park at the southern tip.

The Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway between a tree-covered mountain and Lake Pend Oreille.
Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway along Lake Pend Oreille. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

Winding through a dramatic collision of terrains, the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway showcases Idaho’s raw geological power—from the sky-scraping summit of Mount Borah to the surreal expanses of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. This otherworldly destination once served as a training ground for the Apollo 14 astronauts due to its lunar-like landscapes of vast lava flows and cinder cones. Today, visitors to Craters of the Moon can explore spatter cones, venture into ancient lava tubes and witness unfiltered night skies at this designated International Dark Sky Park.

Four people inside a lava tunnel looking up toward the sky through an opening at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Thousand Springs Scenic Byway

The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is a striking stretch of roadway that lives up to its name, offering a visual journey through a region where water steals the show. Along this route lies Thousand Springs State Park, made up of six separate park units brimming with waterfalls, spring-fed pools and other natural Idaho landmarks. Among them, the 350-acre Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Preserve stands out—home to entrancing blue waters, a 20-foot waterfall and the 11th largest spring in North America.

Three people standing on a cliff overlooking Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve.
Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Thousand Springs State Park, Wendell. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway guides travelers through the lush Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where two Idaho natural wonders take center stage. This Idaho scenic byway leads to Upper Mesa Falls, a thundering cascade as tall as a 10-story building, plunging over ancient volcanic rock left behind by a super eruption. Just downstream, Lower Mesa Falls cuts through layers of hardened ash and lava. Visitors can follow the boardwalk to a viewing platform at Upper Mesa Falls or take in the sweeping view of the lower falls from the Grandview Overlook, just a mile south of the visitor center.

A view of Mesa Falls cascading into a body of water, surrounded by forests of trees.
Upper Mesa Falls Overlook, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway

Sweeping through the iconic Sawtooth Mountains and the namesake national forest, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway offers an unforgettable Idaho road trip steeped in wilderness bliss. On this drive you’ll encounter the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve—the first gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S.—where, after sunset, the sky transforms into a brilliant canopy of stars. Free from light pollution, this designated Dark Sky Place treats visitors to rare, crystal-clear views of the Milky Way and beyond.

Silhouettes of trees beneath a night sky filled with stars at the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Stanley. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway

Spanning 202 miles, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is Idaho’s longest—and one of its most storied—drives. Following the route taken by Lewis and Clark in 1803, this Idaho scenic byway weaves through rugged landscapes and deep cultural history. One of its most significant stops is the Heart of the Monster, a sacred Nez Perce site. According to a Nez Perce creation story, Coyote defeated a large monster along the Clearwater River, giving rise to the region’s various tribes. The rock formation here is said to represent the monster’s heart. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits and listen to an audio program that brings the story and the Nez Perce culture to life. 

An aerial view of the Heart of the Monster site, surrounded by a sprawling field and a tree-covered hill off to the side.
Heart of the Monster, Nez Perce National Historical Park, near Kamiah. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway

The Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway offers a blend of Idaho natural wonders and historical landmarks—from the Soda Springs Geyser and soothing natural hot pools of Lava Hot Springs to the charm of Historic Chesterfield. One of the highlights on this route is Bear Lake, often called “The Caribbean of the Rockies” for its vibrant turquoise waters. Half the lake lies in Idaho, while the other half is in Utah. On the Idaho side, Bear Lake State Park’s North Beach is a favorite for swimming, boating and casting a line beneath wide-open skies. East Beach, meanwhile, invites sun seekers to enjoy waterfront picnicking and camping.

Bear Lake surrounded by fields and tall grass and fields of grass, and the sun setting behind the mountains in the background.
Bear Lake, Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Ready to discover more Idaho natural wonders? Embrace curiosity and keep chasing spectacular sights by downloading or ordering your copy of the Idaho Scenic Byway Brochure.


Published on June 17, 2025