We’re not claiming to be travel bloggers, but we know a good drive when we see one… especially when fall’s showing off.
A few of our crew took a spontaneous weekend drive (the kind that starts with “let’s just see where this road goes”) and came back talking about waterfalls, winding backroads, and too many gas station snacks.
Before winter wins, we wanted to share that route AND two more we heard about along the way.
Each close enough for a day trip, but far enough to make you forget about work, emails, and that never-ending laundry pile waiting at home.
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Fall in Idaho is short, but man – it’s good while it lasts.
The air smells like harvest, the fields go amber, and even a gas station donut somehow tastes better.
If you’re itching for one more weekend escape before the snow hits, here are three routes worth your gas: the one our team just drove, plus two local favorites we heard about from fellow travelers along the way.
Easy to get to, beautiful all the way through, and 100% worth the miles.
🍂 Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
Hagerman → Bliss → Twin Falls
Why go: Because you haven’t really seen “Idaho waterfalls” until you’ve seen these. The cliffs pour water straight into the Snake River… nature showing off at its best.
Insider tip: Stop at Ritter Island for a picnic or a quick hot spring soak. Best light hits mid-afternoon when the basalt glows gold. ✨
Drive time: About 90 minutes from Boise to Hagerman, then 2–3 hours for the byway with stops.
🍂 Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway
Grand View → Jordan Valley, OR
Why go: Because solitude’s underrated. This is the drive you take when you want to see nothing but sky and golden sagebrush for miles. They call it “Oregon’s Grand Canyon,” but let’s be honest – it’s in Idaho’s backyard.
Insider tip: Gas up early and pack snacks, it’s remote. Detour to Silver City ghost town for an Old West vibe and total cell-service detox.
Drive time: About an hour from Boise to Grand View, then ~93 miles of backcountry road (plan for adventure).
🍂 City of Rocks Scenic Drive
Almo → Castle Rocks → City of Rocks National Reserve
Why go: Because it feels like another planet. Granite towers rise out of nowhere, framed by fall colors and crisp mountain air.
Insider tip: The view from Pinnacle Pass at sunset? Unreal. Bring a thermos, good music, and your favorite co-pilot.
Drive time: Around three hours from Boise to Almo, with about 49 miles of scenic roads inside the park.
Bottom line?
Fall in Idaho doesn’t stick around long. Fill up the tank, throw on a wicked playlist, and make a memory that’ll outlast the autumn leaves.
And if you remember, snap a pic and share it with us!
[Photo credits: Steve Gaepel and VisitIdaho.org]
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