Guides/Overland routes/Idaho
Overland route131 midifficulty: easy

Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

RegionIdahoAgencyIdaho Transportation Department, U.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway — overland route near Idaho City, Idaho, Idaho
J. Crane (Public Domain)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
131mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Any street-legal vehicle. The byway is paved, with switchbacks and steep grades over Banner Summit.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty between Lowman and Stanley; service in Boise, Idaho City, and Stanley.
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The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway covers Idaho Highway 21 from Boise to Stanley, 131 miles of two-lane pavement through the Boise National Forest. The route climbs from sage-and-grass foothills past Lucky Peak Reservoir into ponderosa pine, crosses Mores Creek Summit at 6,117 feet, drops to the South Fork of the Payette at Lowman, then climbs Banner Summit at 7,056 feet before descending into the Sawtooth Valley.

The Idaho Transportation Department maintains the highway; the Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Recreation Area manage the surrounding land. Upper elevations of the byway often close in winter due to avalanche danger between Lowman and Stanley.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter avalanche closures. The Lowman-to-Stanley segment closes at times December through April. Idaho 511 has current status.
  • Steep grades and switchbacks. Mores Creek Summit and Banner Summit have steep, curvy descents. Use lower gears.
  • Wildlife. Deer, elk, and the occasional bear cross the highway, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Log trucks. Active timber operations on the Boise NF mean weekday log truck traffic. Use marked pullouts.

Location

131 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 44.063, -115.517

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyIdaho Transportation Department, U.S. Forest Service
Nearest townIdaho City, Idaho
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r04/boise
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb
Approx. location44.063, -115.517

Getting there

Directions

From Boise (southern terminus). Take Idaho 21 north out of Boise. The byway begins at the city limit and climbs into the foothills past Lucky Peak.

From Stanley (northern terminus). At the junction of Idaho 75 and Idaho 21 in Stanley, turn west on Idaho 21.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway runs from Boise's eastern suburbs north through Idaho City and Lowman, over Banner Summit, and into Stanley at the northern edge of the Sawtooth NRA. Along the way it crosses three ranger districts of the Boise National Forest and ends at the boundary of the Sawtooth NF. Idaho City sits at 3,986 feet; Banner Summit, the byway's highest point, sits at 7,056 feet.

Trail Overview

One hundred and thirty-one miles of two-lane pavement, point-to-point. The lower 30 miles from Boise to Idaho City stay open year-round. The upper segment between Lowman and Stanley closes seasonally to manage avalanche risk; check Idaho 511 before driving in winter or shoulder seasons. Drive time end to end is about three hours without stops.

Points of Interest

  • Lucky Peak Reservoir and State Park. Boating, swimming, and the Boise River below the dam.
  • Idaho City. Idaho's largest city in 1864 during the Boise Basin gold rush. National Register historic district with a museum and several preserved 1860s buildings.
  • Mores Creek Summit (6,117 ft). First major pass; ponderosa to lodgepole transition.
  • Lowman. Small Boise NF community on the South Fork of the Payette. Ranger station and several hot springs nearby (Kirkham, Pine Flats).
  • Banner Summit (7,056 ft). The byway's highest point, between Lowman and Stanley.
  • Stanley. Northern terminus, at the head of the Sawtooth Valley with views of the Sawtooth Range.

Where to Camp

Multiple Boise NF campgrounds line the corridor: Mountain View near Idaho City, Park Creek and Pine Flats near Lowman, Helende and Bonneville near the South Fork. Sawtooth NRA campgrounds open in Stanley at the northern terminus. Dispersed camping is allowed on national forest land off the highway.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • The Lowman-to-Stanley segment closes at times in winter due to avalanche. Check Idaho 511 before traveling December through April.
  • Hot springs along the Lowman segment are popular and busy on weekends. Kirkham Hot Springs charges a day-use fee; Pine Flats is free.
  • The byway carries log trucks weekday mornings. Pull off at marked turnouts to let them pass.
  • Carry chains November through April even on the lower segment.
  • Combine with the Sawtooth Scenic Byway out of Stanley for an Idaho byways loop.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway?
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is rated easy. The route runs 131 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway?
Any street-legal vehicle. The byway is paved, with switchbacks and steep grades over Banner Summit.
When is the best time to visit Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb.
Is there cell service at Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway?
Spotty between Lowman and Stanley; service in Boise, Idaho City, and Stanley.