Amazing to see the high valley at Horseshoe bend and watch the fauna begin to change just past that town from high dessert toward the start of trees. We turned off toward Lowman so can’t comment beyond that.

Drove to the scenic byway and took it all the way up to Riggins, although I may have lost it at some point see all the pretty pictures. This is a must do easy drive. I would start early as the sun is coming up because the lighting is excellent. Special drive with some nice stops along the way. Can’t say for sure but I think it was about 100 to 120 miles.

The Payette River Scenic Byway shows on maps as a hundred- and seventeen-mile route in Idaho.I am writing of one thirty-seven mile stretch of this route where Hwy 55 runs right beside the river offering stunning view after stunning view of one of the nation’s premier white-water rivers!This stretch of Hwy 55 runs from Horseshoe Bend in the south to Rainbow Bridge in the north. I am not saying that the portions of the Byway both north and south of this stretch are not very worth seeing. I know that they are. But if you can only see a portion of this spectacular Byway, I urge you to see these thirty-five miles.It is, indeed, something rare in this country - An Absolute MUST SEE!

Absolutely gorgeous area with tree lined canyons and the Payette River winding its way beside the road.

We have seen elk, deer, eagles, and even heard a mountain lion on this breathtaking scenic drive! The drive begins justs 30 minutes outside Boise and continues for as long as you want to go! Look for the old white steeple church, elk are often crossing there.