Scenic Byways:
Three Ways Into the Wild
Salmon, Sawtooth, Ponderosa. Each names an Idaho
Scenic Byway: the first for a wild river, the second for
a mountain wilderness, and the third for a tree that
symbolizes the western frontier. The roads trisect in
Stanley, the only place in Idaho where 3 of its 11 scenic
byways come together. In fact, Stanley is the only place
in the USA where this happens. Local, state and federal
entities select scenic byways for their exceptional beauty.
The routes receive special protection and offer facilities
from overlooks to campgrounds.
Salmon River Scenic Byway
Lewis and Clark lost their way in 1805 at Lost Trail Pass, where
today Idaho meets Montana and the byway begins. Lose yourself in
time as you trace the Salmon River down its North Fork and up the
main Salmon to Stanley. Bald eagles grace the river’s edge and elk
graze wildflower hilllsides. Your best chance of seeing wildlife is
early or late in the day. Look, too, for mining history in Challis,
and here at Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center.
Ponderosa Scenic Byway
Just out the backdoor of Boise lies the western frontier.
As your drive north, pause to pan for gold in historic Idaho
City, one of the West’s biggest gold strikes. Stop in the
shade of centuries-old ponderosa pines. Experience the
aftermath of a natural wildfire in Lowman. Approaching
Stanley, you’ll enter a region with wilderness bigger than
the entire Yellowstone National Park. To the north
lies the portal to the Frank Church River of
No Return. Wilderness and to the south,
the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Sawtooth Scenic River
Ice caves in the desert! You’ll find them just north of Shoshone.
Surprises punctuate the journey north from Shoshone to the
Sawtooths. The byway passes through Sun Valley, home of the
nation’s first ski resort in 1936, and now a year-round recreation
mecca. Linger at Galdena summit for a grand view of the snow-
studded Sawtooth range and valley. The Sawtooth National
Recreation Area cncircles 756,000 acres of wild and rugged country.
