Take a scenic drive to see fall colors bursting in Idaho's Mountains

Caribou-Targhee National Forest, taken on Tuesday.  

Big-toothed maple trees glowing between Soda Springs and Lava Hot Springs 

Hi all, 

This week for my outdoor tip, I'd recommend taking a scenic drive to enjoy fall colors, which are really starting to pop in the higher elevations! 

I had a business trip to Southeast Idaho this week, and I was surprised and amazed how beautiful the colors were, especially as I went from Lava Hot Springs, south of Pocatello, toward Soda Springs. The big-toothed maple trees in the Portneuf Mountains, Bannock Mountains and other ranges in Southeast Idaho are turning deep red. Aspens are turning yellow, and cottonwoods are also beginning to take on a golden glow. The time is now! 

Visit Idaho lists two scenic drives in SE Idaho. I'd recommend the Oregon Trail - Bear Lake Scenic Highway , which goes from Lava Hot Springs to Soda Springs, Montpelier then Bear Lake. All interesting and scenic spots, a bit off the beaten track. 

With fires burning in the South Hills, the City of Rocks to Oakley scenic byway is out of the question. Fall colors may be popping in the Ketchum-Sun Valley area and Stanley. My friend Cheryl Bennett posted a few pics on a horseback ride this week in the East Fork Big Wood area, and the aspens and cottonwoods were turning a brilliant yellow. 

Courtesy Cheryl Bennett 

Here's a post I did last year on five Idaho scenic drives, which features a number of scenic drives in SW Idaho and N. Idaho. 

Clearwater River country 

Here are scenic drives in Southern Idaho ... see VisitIdaho.com for more information.  

Cobb Peak in the Pioneer Mountains, courtesy Cheryl Bennett