Sawtooth Scenic Byway

One of America's most spectacular drives from Shoshone to Stanley. Paved route through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area with endless views of jagged granite peaks. Access to countless forest roads and trails.

When to go: Summer and Fall typically offer the best window.

Vehicles: All Vehicles. Standard maintenance and a spare tire cover the basics here.

Central Mountains context

Central Idaho holds the largest contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48. Roads here are committing — long, slow, and often a full day from any pavement. The Magruder Corridor, the Lolo Motorway, and the Yankee Fork loops are the named drives. Stanley, McCall, Salmon, and Elk City are the staging towns.

Suitable for family adventures with reasonable preparation.