Fall colors are popping everywhere in the Idaho mountains right now! Time for a Road Trip!

A River runs through it ...
South Fork Snake River valley, courtesy Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Hi all, 

Based on my own observations and many people's photos in social media, the fall colors are really starting to peak in the Idaho mountains right now, especially in McCall, the Wood River Valley, the Sawtooths, the Tetons and Eastern Idaho. 

Time to plan a scenic drive ASAP to see Idaho's mountains ablaze with deep colors! Book a room or find a camping spot near your scenic drives to reduce the amount of time on the road. 

The weather looks to be just about perfect for a scenic drive this weekend with high temps in the high 60s to high 70s. 

Courtesy Caribou-Targhee National Forest 

Recommendation #1: Zip over the Southeast Idaho on the Pioneer Historic Byway to see some of the most magnificent colors you'll see anywhere in Idaho. The Pioneer Byway can be reached via freeway to Pocatello, and then go south to Lava Hot Springs and over to Soda Springs. Be sure to stop and swim at Lava! From Soda you'll head down to Preston and Franklin. Head over to the other side of the mountains and visit Bear Lake while you're in the 'hood.    

Idaho side of the Teton Range (courtesy Pintrist)

Recommendation #2: Head over to Idaho Falls on the freeway and continue east to Swan Valley on U.S. 26. There, you can tap into the Teton Scenic Byway and head north over to Victor, Driggs, Tetonia and Ashton, a distance of about 70 miles. There are huge views of the Teton Range from the Idaho side, and in the foreground, you'll see miles of golden and red aspen groves.  

The weather looks to be just about perfect for a scenic drive this weekend with high temps in the high 60s to high 70s. 

For a full run-down on all 31 of Idaho's scenic byways, go to VisitIdaho. 

Closer to home: 

File photo courtesy Ed Cannady 

Recommendation #3. Sawtooth Scenic Byway - Take U.S. 20 to Fairfield and head for Sun Valley. The colors in the Wood River Valley and the Sawooth Valley should be fantastic. Stop for lunch in Ketchum. There are many great restaurants to choose from. I personally like the Pioneer, Whiskey Jacques, and Lefty's.

Hum Lake (photo courtesy Alejandro Meza/Hiking Idaho Facebook page) 

Recommendation #4: Payette River Scenic Byway - Take Idaho 55 north to McCall to enjoy fall colors along the North Fork of the Payette River and in the Boise and Payette National Forests. Go for a hike in McCall at Ponderosa State Park or the Payette National Forest - the colors are ablaze! 

Fall colors lighting up Box Canyon (courtesy Southern Idaho Tourism) 

Recommendation #5. Thousand Springs Scenic Byway - Follow U.S. 30 from Hagerman to Twin Falls. Potential side trips include Hagerman fishing ponds, Miracle Hot Springs, Hagerman Fossil Beds museum, Snake River Grill and more! Click here for details. Here's a post about three other scenic drives in the Magic Valley.

Have fun!
- SS