a group of people standing on a wooden bridge crossing a river in a forest, along the Buena Vista Trail — Buena Vista Trail, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a large, historic, two-story wooden building with a wooden fence surrounded by trees — The Sluice Box, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a group of people outside, at a mining equipment exhibit in Idaho City — Mining equipment exhibit, Main Street, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a group of people walking toward the Boise Basin Museum — Boise Basin Museum, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a woman pointing at the center of a sawed log — Main Street, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a group of people standing in front of a wooden, historical building in Idaho City — Idaho City Trading Post, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

view of Arrowrock Dam and Reservoir, surrounded by mountains — Arrowrock Dam and Reservoir, Boise. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a group of people splashing in a creek surrounded by trees — Robie Creek Park, Boise. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A family carrying floaties running in the sand toward the water at Sandy Point Beach in Lucky Peak State Park. — Sandy Point Beach, Lucky Peak State Park, Boise. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

view of a sprawling field with a forest and mountains in the brackground — Sawtooth Mountains, near Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a family of five standing in the Idaho City Pioneer Cemetery, surrounded by tall trees — Idaho City Pioneer Cemetery, Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a group of people hiking along the Granite Creek Interpretive Trail, surrounded by trees — Granite Creek Recreation Area, near Idaho City. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

view of a sprawling field with a forest and mountains in the background — Sawtooth Mountains, near Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a car driving down a tree-lined road, along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway — Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, near Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a family on a trail overlooking the Sawtooth Mountains and a forest of trees — Overlook of the Sawtooth Mountains, near Lowman. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a bridge crossing a reservoir with mountains in the background — Lucky Peak Reservoir, near Boise. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

overhead view of a small town and a river running through a grassy landscape, with mountains in the background — Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

a group of people standing on a dock overlooking Stanley Lake with a forest of trees and mountains in the background — Stanley Lake, Stanley. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

Beginning in Boise, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway meanders through historic Idaho City, up to Lowman and on to the mountain town of Stanley at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. This route is packed with outdoor adventure and stunning natural scenery, following a portion of the South Fork of the Payette River and passing the Sawtooth wilderness, Boise, Salmon-Challis and Sawtooth National Forests.

Length

131 miles
211 km

Time

3 hours

Region

Southwest & Central Idaho

When to Visit

Year-round

Portions of the route may be closed in the winter.

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: From Boise on Idaho 21 northeast to the junction of Idaho 75 at Stanley

Road Conditions: Check conditions before traveling in the winter. Avalanche conditions exist in the Banner Summit area, and road closures may occur.

Full Services in: Boise, Idaho City, Lowman and Stanley

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available