Scenic Drives
The Sawtooth National Forest is home to three scenic byways, but visitors can catch beautiful vistas along many National Forest System roads.
Scenic Driving
The Sawtooth National Forest is home to three scenic byways:
- The 116-mile Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in Shoshone, Idaho, then rolls north through lava deposits, agricultural land, and resort towns. The route follows the Big Wood River past the Boulder and Smoky mountains on the way up to Galena Summit at elevation 8,701 feet. From Galena down into the Sawtooth Valley, the route showcases view so the Sawtooth and White Cloud mountains.
- A small portion of the 162-mile Salmon River Scenic Byway runs through the Sawtooth National Forest on State Highway 75. The route begins in Stanley and follows the East Fork of the Salmon River to Challis. The route continues north on State Highway 93 through the Salmon-Challis National Forest to the Montana border.
- The 131-mile Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway also starts in Stanley. The route crosses Banner Summit at 7,056 feet, then descends through the Salmon-Challis National Forest into the Grandjean area, providing views of the Sawtooth Wilderness to the left and the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness on the right. The route continues on the Boise National Forest, following the Payette River along State Highway 21 all the way to Boise.
Search for Scenic Drives Opportunities
Albion Division
The Albion Division, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Burley, Idaho, encompasses 95,000 acres of National Forest system land. Beautiful wildflowers can be seen and wildlife is abundant. In…
Cassia Division
The Cassia Division is a short 40 minute drive south of Twin Falls and is known to local residents as the "South Hills." The division's proximity to Twin Falls makes this area appealing to residents…
East Fork Baker Creek Campground
East Fork Baker Creek Campground is a primitive non-fee, non-reservation campground composed of 7 campsites located by the East Fork of Baker Creek. This area is accessible from June through…
Five Points Campground
Five Points Campground is a primitive campground composed of 7 units located near Five Points Creek 17 miles north of Fairfield over Couch Summit. The campground offers restrooms and is close to…
Lake Cleveland Campground - East Side
Lake Cleveland Campground is a very popular summer recreational facility. Located next to its namesake, the campground is divided into the East Side and West Side loops. Very popular with residents…
Lake Cleveland Campground - West Side
Lake Cleveland Campground is a very popular summer recreational facility. Located next to its namesake, the campground is divided into the East Side and West Side loops. Very popular with residents…
Pike Mountain Scenic Overlook
Pike Mountain Scenic Overlook