Here in the Gem State, there are an abundance of scenic drives just waiting for you to explore them. The hard part is deciding which one to set off on first! We’re here to help you with that. In fact, we believe the scenic drive featured below is one of the most underrated in the state. The three-hour drive takes explorers across several diverse landscapes and boasts views that are bound to blow you away. What do you think, are you up for an adventure? Take a look:
The Peaks To Craters Scenic Byway is a wonderful 140-mile stretch of highway that runs right through the heart of Idaho.
The name of this scenic drive really couldn't be any more fitting. The byway features some of the most diverse stretches of highway that our state has to offer. You'll see every type of landscape imaginable on this highway, ranging from lava flows and high desert to the tallest mountains.
The adventure begins at the junction of Idaho 75 and US 20, headed towards the town of Carey. It's along this section of the route that you'll drive along the stunning Lost River Mountain Range.
The Lost River Mountains are a looming range that rises a mile above the surrounding valleys. It's also home to nine of Idaho's 12 highest peaks, including the iconic Borah Peak that boasts an elevation of 12,662-feet.
When you arrive at Arco, the scenery will begin to change. The byway turns west and takes you right through Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve—a bucket list destination for any Idahoan!
Surrounding you will be large, breathtaking swaths of lava fields. The contrast in scenery is almost startling, and it just goes to show how diverse the Gem State truly is.
After Craters of the Moon, the byway leads you through the town of Richfield before arriving at Shoshone. It's here that the Peaks To Craters Byway ends as it meets up with the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.
The entire drive sticks to US Highway 93 and takes roughly three hours from start to finish. However, you'll definitely want to plan some extra time to see all there is to see! This underrated drive packs a lot in, so be sure to check it out.
Have you explored the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway yet? This drive looks downright spectacular! For more stellar adventures, check out our list of 11 Scenic Byways Everyone In Idaho Should Drive.
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