If you’re an explorer, then you probably love a simple afternoon drive on a scenic country road or byway. Idaho is no doubt an explorer’s paradise, especially when it comes to the changing seasons. From winding mountain roads dotted with red and gold foliage to relaxing and unexpectedly colorful rural drives, the Gem State is truly a beautiful place to take a drive by yourself or with loved ones to experience the beauty of autumn. Here are some boldly-colored country roads to get you started on your next fall outing:
From the well-traveled highway that brings you the beautiful Rainbow Bridge across the Payette River comes a vibrant show of foliage come autumn. Golds are especially abundant this time of year, and the fallen leaves dancing delightfully across the winding road makes for an especially pretty scene.
Running along the western edge of the spectacular Teton Range, this 70-mile trip includes breathtaking views of the namesake mountains as its crowning jewel, but you'll find the meandering rivers lined with lush autumn foliage, as well as the the lower Teton slopes. It's the perfect dramatic setting for a fall photo.
Beginning at the Utah state line, this vibrant 54-mile byway follows U.S. 89 north to U.S. 30 before heading to Soda Springs. Perhaps the most diverse byway in southeastern Idaho, the Gem State's natural plethora of gold foliage is speckled with reds and oranges in a fiery display that is hard to beat.
The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge plays host to an abundance of fall foliage, but the meandering drive that leads north to Bonners Ferry boasts some spectacular seasonal showings of deciduous colors mingling among the dark evergreens. North Idaho has the shortest fall viewing window, however, so jump on this drive as soon as possible!
The region around the Salmon River is beloved for many reasons, and autumn is just one more breathtaking spectacle that this region displays every year. A true treasure for fall foliage adventurers, the closer you get to the Idaho/Montana border, the more intense and dramatic the colors become.
Arguably the most beautiful slice of roadway in the country, the International Selkirk Loop is a must-drive for every road trip lover. But the Idaho portion is especially rich in beauty during the cooler months -- evergreens, aspens, cottonwoods and willows all add their own unique fall hues to the mix.
We've boasted about the fantastic beauty of the Sun Valley region in autumn before, but Trail Creek Road is especially lovely this time of year. Leafy Cottonwoods and vibrant native flora transform the area around Ketchum into an especially bold expanse of mountainous color.
These richly colored roads are an beautiful starting point for any fall road trip. And once you’re there, shut off that GPS and explore! Idaho has a wealth of hidden gems, overlooks, and charming spots to pull over and enjoy the sights and sounds of the changing seasons. Perfect for a fall picnic, wouldn’t you say?
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