Scenic Drives
The Salmon-Challis National Forest maintains an extensive road network, providing opportunities to experience diverse landscapes and natural beauty. These drives often feature stunning vistas, historical sites, and access to recreational areas like lakes, rivers, and mountains. Idaho is host to miles of established Scenic Byways, Historic Trails and Backcountry Byways, for more information about these routes go to visitidaho.org.
- Keep the following in mind while driving through the woods:
- Watch for and obey posted speed limits. Forest Service roads can be narrow, rocky, and are not meant for high speeds.
- Be careful braking on gravel roads. Allow more time and distance when coming to a stop.
- Beware of rocks, boulders, road washouts, downed trees and brush on the roadway.
- Use appropriate tires for the terrain and conditions you’ll be traveling. Remember to stay on authorized roads.
- Plan appropriately for food, gas, and lodging, which may not be readily available along Forest Service roads. Always carry extra food and water.
- Carry a car kit, equipment, tools, and supplies, in case of an emergency.
- Always let someone know your plans and stick to those plans.
- Winter driving can pose its own challenges. In addition to the tips above, keep these suggestions in mind, too:
- Check the Idaho Department of Transportation website for information on road conditions, closures, and restrictions.
- Follow the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's winter driving tips.
- Check current and forecasted weather conditions.
- Check the Forest website prior to your trip for any posted alerts.
- Make sure that your car is in good mechanical order. Check tire condition, antifreeze and motor oil levels, and the entire exhaust system for leaks. Ensure that all hoses and belts are in good condition.
- Pack extra layers of clothing, including rain gear, socks, gloves or mittens, and a warm hat.
- Bring a winter emergency kit, which should include a flashlight, map and compass, matches in a waterproof container, whistle, fire-starter, nylon cord, pocketknife, high-energy food, plastic tarp, space blanket, signal mirror, first aid kit, duct tape for repairs, and a metal container for melting snow.
Search for Scenic Drives Opportunities
Antelope Canyon Area
This is the area in and around Antelope Canyon, and can be accessed by Road #137.
Arco Pass Area
This area encompasses the King Mountain Launch Site and the Natural Arch.
Banner Creek Campground
A nice campground along Highway 21 in the trees with a small creek running through. Campground has 5 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grills. The campground amemities include…
Banner Summit Rest Stop
This rest stop also has two picnic tables for travelers to enjoy a picnic.
Cape Horn Area (MF6)
This area generally encompasses trails, trailheads, campgrounds and other recreation opportunities in the Cape Horn Country that are outside the Wilderness boundary. Campgrounds in this area include…
Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District
Site Open
The Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District provides a multitude of opportunities for recreation year round. We are in the process of updating this site to provide you with the most current…
Copper Basin Area
 road 138
Lake Creek Trailhead & Campground
This area has four camping units in an open sage brush area adjacent to Lake Creek with one vault toilet. Hitching rails and loading ramp are available outside of the campground. Horses are not…
Lemhi Range Area
These are the areas located in the Lemhi Mountain Range south of Sawmill Canyon.
Lost River Ranger District
Site Open
Lost River District