Scenic Drives in Idaho

Routes

Avg Distance

541 mi

Avg Drive

9h 30m

Destinations

Idaho offers a diverse range of scenic drives, with 60 routes averaging 541 miles and nearly 10 hours. These trips often feature high-altitude sections and notable climbs, with max elevations reaching over 6,600 ft. Drive scores typically range from 7 to 8, highlighting the state's varied landscapes.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$3.96/gal

Diesel: $4.80/gal

Typical trip cost

$72–$177

One-way, ~541 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~189 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13

Climate through the year: Idaho

Idaho peaks at around 93°F in Jul and cools to 39°F / 26°F in Jan. Wettest month is Dec at ~1.5 in of rain.

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	39	26	1.4	5.3
Feb	46	29	1	3.3
Mar	56	35	1.3	1.2
Apr	62	40	1.2	0.1
May	72	48	1.5	—
Jun	81	54	0.8	—
Jul	93	62	0.2	—
Aug	91	61	0.2	—
Sep	80	53	0.4	—
Oct	65	42	0.8	0.1
Nov	49	32	1.2	2
Dec	39	25	1.5	5.6

Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for ID — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.

Planning Tips

Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 60 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.

Current regular gas averages $3.96/gallon in Idaho (week of 2026-07-13). Diesel: $4.80/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $72 and $177. Source: US Energy Information Administration.

Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Top Scenic Routes

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Idaho Trips

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	39	26	1.4	5.3
Feb	46	29	1	3.3
Mar	56	35	1.3	1.2
Apr	62	40	1.2	0.1
May	72	48	1.5	—
Jun	81	54	0.8	—
Jul	93	62	0.2	—
Aug	91	61	0.2	—
Sep	80	53	0.4	—
Oct	65	42	0.8	0.1
Nov	49	32	1.2	2
Dec	39	25	1.5	5.6

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	39	26	1.4	5.3
Feb	46	29	1	3.3
Mar	56	35	1.3	1.2
Apr	62	40	1.2	0.1
May	72	48	1.5	—
Jun	81	54	0.8	—
Jul	93	62	0.2	—
Aug	91	61	0.2	—
Sep	80	53	0.4	—
Oct	65	42	0.8	0.1
Nov	49	32	1.2	2
Dec	39	25	1.5	5.6

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	39	26	1.4	5.3
Feb	46	29	1	3.3
Mar	56	35	1.3	1.2
Apr	62	40	1.2	0.1
May	72	48	1.5	—
Jun	81	54	0.8	—
Jul	93	62	0.2	—
Aug	91	61	0.2	—
Sep	80	53	0.4	—
Oct	65	42	0.8	0.1
Nov	49	32	1.2	2
Dec	39	25	1.5	5.6