Posted in Idaho July 23, 2021 by

Take This Road To Nowhere In Idaho To Get Away From It All

Nearly everyone who has lived in Idaho for any length of time has told someone that they live “in the middle of nowhere.” A few years ago, an analysis of major US roads, metropolitan areas, and airstrips discovered that the middle of nowhere is in fact in Idaho, a fact which data graphic maker Vizual Statistix compiled into a unique set of isolation maps.

Tucked away in Owyhee County in the Southwest corner of our beautiful panhandled state is seemingly the very definition of isolation itself – expansive high desert country scape, miles and miles away from civilization with little but sagebrush and wildflowers for company. But, this surprisingly beautiful stretch of nowhere-ness is uniquely accessible to those with a bit of determination and a thirst for adventure…and this one backcountry road will take you straight into the heart of it. Curious to see what awaits you on one of the best scenic drives in Idaho? Let’s go!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway is a 103-mile road that winds lazily through Idaho's most remote high-desert country.
Allen/Flickr
Primitive and untamed, this "Road to Nowhere" is all too often overlooked.
Nicholas D./Flickr
Along the way, you'll see the ghostly remnants of former mining towns...
Nicholas D./Flickr
...Stunning river scenes...
Scott Butner/Flickr
...And herds of desert wildlife, among other things.
Nicholas D./Flickr
But what you'll hear is the most perfect silence you could ever hope for, save for the natural sounds of the desert.
Bill Williams/Flickr
Starting in Jordan Valley, Oregon (just a few miles shy of the border), travel east along Jordan Creek and past isolated ranches.
Matt Lavin/Flickr
Nestled along sagebrush-covered hills, these are the last reminders of civilization you'll see for the rest of your trip.
Andy Melton/Flickr
You can also take a 20-mile side trip to the confluence of the North, South, and Main forks of the Owyhee River.
Here, you'll also find a spectacular hot spring oasis. A 98-degree creek bubbles out from the rocks and flows down through a series of natural slides into an expansive plethora of pools and waterfalls overlooking the Owyhee River canyon.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
But crossing the border into Idaho is where the real beauty begins. Stunning mountains, natural rock arches and hoodoos, and pristine river canyons are around every corner.
In the spring, this area is awash in colorful desert wildflowers and green old-growth juniper - a uniquely lush landscape that few people take the time to visit.
Troy Smith/Flickr
You can continue to follow the byway for its entirety, enjoying scenic detours and cherrystem roads into the best isolated canyon setting in the US.
But to truly get to the middle of nowhere, take a primitive road just beyond Mile 41. You're officially in the most remote area in Idaho, and arguably, the entire country.
Bureau of Land Management/Facebook
Our recommendation: be sure to catch a sunset.
Bureau of Land Management
And after you've completed one of the best scenic drives in Idaho, don't miss the most epic and vast stargazing you've ever seen.

But be warned, there are a few things to consider before tackling this incredible adventure. As the most isolated area in the country, emergency services are nonexistent. Be especially prepared for car trouble, flats, etc., and bring extra food and water with you on your journey, as well as means of shade. Use the BLM’s Owyhee Uplands guide as a reference, but attempt at your own risk! Round trip from Boise, this is a lengthy full-day drive.

Where’s your favorite “road to nowhere” in Idaho? Have you ever traveled the entire Owyhee Uplands Byway, and if so, do you agree that it’s one of the best scenic drives in Idaho? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For more adventures, check out this historic backcountry road trip, or this near-perfect road trip, which was named as one of National Geographic‘s “Top 100 Scenic Drives.”

Address: Owyhee, ID 83634, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

best scenic drives in Idaho

July 28, 2021
Beth C.

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Address: Owyhee, ID 83634, USA