Feel like going for a drive? There is no shortage of scenic drives in Idaho boasting spectacular views of mountains, valleys, canyons, forests, and whatever else you could imagine. Never is it a bad time to fuel up and explore one of the Gem State's beautiful backcountry highways, but we'd argue that the fall season may be the best time. During this transition from summer to winter, our state takes on some amazing landscapes as the foliage shifts colors. See the best of them with these seven fall scenic drives near you in Idaho that are bound to impress!

1. City of Rocks Scenic Byway

Boasting nearly 50 miles of epic, pristine scenery, the City of Rocks Scenic Byway takes you through the rural landscape that surrounds the Albion Mountain Range in southern Idaho. Traversing past glorious natural attractions like the City of Rocks National Reserve and the Pomerelle Ski Area, you'll be in awe for the entirety of this scenic highway.

2. Sawtooth Scenic Byway

It doesn't get much better than autumn in central Idaho! The Sawtooth Scenic Byway stretches for 116 miles along the jagged Sawtooth Mountains, rolling through charming resort towns like Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. In between Sun Valley and Stanley is where you'll witness the outstanding landscape of Galena Summit.

3. Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway

The Snake River Canyon makes for a spectacular sight all year long, but you'll especially love seeing it during the fall season. Hop on the Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway which covers more than 50 miles of pristine landscape. Stretching from Walters Ferry to Nyssa, Oregon, you'll be treated to incredible views and plenty of fantastic pit stops along the way.

4. Auto Tour Road at Kootenai Wildlife Refuge

Located in Bonners Ferry, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is a sight to be seen in fall. Although you can certainly explore the refuge on foot, the Auto Tour Road gives you the opportunity to enjoy the area's beauty from your car. Traverse the gravel roads to various wildlife viewpoints and enjoy this serene landscape up close.

5. Teton Scenic Byway

Meandering along the western slopes of eastern Idaho's Teton Range, the Teton Scenic Byway never disappoints when it comes to showing off the area's grandiose beauty. Consisting of 70 miles, the highway takes you to dreamy vistas, historic sites, quaint towns, and the Grand Targhee Resort.

6. Payette River Scenic Byway

The Payette River Scenic Byway starts west of Boise and stretches north on Idaho 55. It takes you past the most magnificent forest scenery including both the Boise and Payette National Forests. Some of the highway's most prominent destinations include Smiths Ferry, Roseberry, Ponderosa State Park, and Cascade Reservoir.

7. Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway

Winding approximately 50 miles along the Idaho-Utah border, this scenic drive in Idaho most famously takes you past the turquoise blue waters of Bear Lake and into Oregon Trail country. Lush and green during summer, the area becomes swathed in shades of red, orange, and bright yellow as the fall season settles in.

Are you ready for fall's beauty? These scenic drives in Idaho are the perfect way to explore Idaho's autumn scenery! What are your favorite things to do in the fall in Idaho? Let us know in the comments. And if you have a nice drive near you, tell us all about it.

If you plan to spend a lot of time in the car as you explore some of the best fall drives in the state, make sure you are prepared. Check out our ultimate road trip packing list so you are always ready for any journey, particularly those that involve the fall colors in Idaho!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/road-trip-essentials-packing-list/

Check out more of America's best fall foliage destinations in this quick video: