4 Scenic Byways: Take the long way 'round in Eastern ID
Backroads and byways are the best way to see Eastern Idaho's wildest beauty. Journey through God's country and travel to places that many don't take the time to see. Plan to spend additional time on each of the byways in order to explore small towns, pullover to watch wildlife go about their business or simply stop and smell the wildflowers.
History on the Road
Fort Henry Historic Byway
FORT HENRY HISTORIC BYWAY
Length and Roadway: 97 miles, two-lane road, 11 miles of gravel road
Driving Time: Allow up to 2.5 hours
Directions: From North Rexburg, exit on US-20, head North on Salem Highway to St. Anthony Sand Dunes. Take Red Road to "Y" junction with A-2, North on A-2, then East on US-20 at Island Park.
What to expect: Sandhill cranes are early Spring visitors in the Camas meadows. Stop awhile to watch graceful flocks and listen to their birdsongs. The meadows are full of wildflowers through August. In the late Summer and through Fall, herds of elk and deer can be seen migrating to lower elevations.
Stops along the Route:
- St. Anthony Sand Dunes : See 10,600 acres of pristine white quartz sand dunes
- Island Park : Visit the town with the longest Main Street
- Camas Meadows Battleground: An interpretive monument marks the site of an 1877 skirmish between the U.S. Calvary and the Nez Perce
Hidden Treasure
LOST GOLD TRAILS LOOP
LOST GOLD TRAILS LOOP
Length and Roadway: 48 miles, two-lane road, 11 miles of gravel road
Driving Time: Allow 1.5 hours of travel time
Directions: On A-2, at "Y" Junction (with Red Road on the Fort Henry Historic Byway) head West into Dubois then North on Old US 91 to Spencer. Next head East on Spencer/Idmon (gravel) Road, connecting to A-2 and the Fort Henry Byway at Idmon.
What to expect: Best traveled between mid-April and November, the Loop cuts through desert-lava rolling hill terrain where cattle and wild game graze the meadows between Spring and Fall. Be sure to stop and look among herds of cattle for the antelope and elk herds that migrate through the area.
Stops along the Route:
- Spencer Opal Mines: Idaho is the second largest contributor of gem material. Mine your own opals or buy polished gemstones at the Gift Shop
- Heritage Hall : A wonderful community museum in Dubois, ID listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Beaver Canyon: Adjacent to Beaver Creek, this Canyon cuts an impressive wedge through the scenic terrain
MESA FALLS SCENIC BYWAY
Length and Roadway: 28.7 miles, two-lane road
Driving Time: Allow an hour of travel time
Directions: From Ashton, ID, head Northeast on ID-47, then Northwest along Forest Service Route 294 to US-20
What to expect: Gorgeous views of two of Idaho's last undisturbed waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, which pour over remnants of an ancient volcanic super-eruption. There is a nice Visitor's Center with trails for avid hikers and walkways for those looking for a casual yet scenic stroll.
Stops along the Route:
- Harriman State Park : Offering 22-miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails, the Park is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife
- Island Park : Visit the town with the longest Main Street
- Johnny Sack's Cabin: An historic site with unique design and building decoration
- Ashton, ID : A wonderful example of small town Idaho. Stop for a bite to eat and shop at the local establishments.
Eastern Idaho's Famous Mountains
Teton Scenic Byway
TETON SCENIC BYWAY
Length and Roadway: 69 miles, two-lane road. Icy conditions in winter. Pine Creek Pass is the highest point with 6% grade.
Driving Time: Allow 2.5 hours of travel time
Directions: From Swan Valley, follow ID-31 Northeast to Victor, turn North on ID-33, then North on ID-32, then head West of ID-47 to US-20 in Ashton to connect with Mesa Fall Scenic Byway.
What to expect: Travel over Pine Creek Pass which runs through the Big Hole Mountain Range. Pine Creek hugs the two-lane highway which is a frequent crossing site for wildlife. Please watch your speed. Once into Victor, the highway runs parallel to the Teton Mountains. Stop in Victor, Driggs and Tetonia to soak up small town culture, grab some ice cream, do some shopping or have a meal.
Stops along the Route:
- Teton Geo Center : Discover Teton Valley at the Center, Museum & Discovery Hub. Comprehensive, interactive exhibits introduce the history of the region.
- Stop in Swan Valley : Plan a day to hike, fish, ride and relax in this picturesque haven of Idaho.
- Grand Targhee Resort: A bike/hike resort in the Summer and a world-famous ski resort in the Winter. Recreate, dine and shop on the mountain.
Idaho's scenic drives connect
so many wonderful things across the State
"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us." - Anonymous
