• Elk River
• Gold Rush
• Lake Coeur d'Alene
• Northwest Passage
• Panhandle Rivers
• Pend Oreille
• St Joe
• White Pine
• Wild Horse

• City of Rocks
• Hells Canyon
• Oregon Trail Back Country
• Owyhee Uplands
• Payette River
• Ponderosa Pine
• Salmon River
• Sawtooth
• Snake River Canyon
• Thousand Springs
• Western Heritage
• Wildlife Canyon

• Fort Henry
• Lewis and Clark
• Lost Gold
• Mesa Falls
• Oregon Trail-Bear Lake
• Peaks To Craters
• Pioneer
• Sacajawea
• Teton

• Staircase Rapids
• Area Information and Map
• Historic City of Crouch
• Pioneer Cemetery
• Alder Creek Bridge
• Grimes Pass Dam
• Danskin River Access and Rest Area
• Gallagher Flat Wildlife Viewpoint
• Big Falls Viewpoint
• Pine Flats Campground and Hot Springs
• Deadwood Campground

Herds of elk numbering near one hundred are not an unusual sight along the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, especially near the Danskin river access. Along with elk are mule deer, whitetail deer, chukars, wild turkeys, eagles, ospreys, cougars, bears, and wolves. Several campgrounds along the byway have natural hot springs for visitors to enjoy, as well as several trails for hiking and biking. Fishing and rafting are also enjoyable activities afforded along the route. In winter months, summer hiking trails provide miles of snowmobile and skiing adventure. You will also find motels, bed and breakfasts, a musical theatre, and even a golf course.

Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway joins two other scenic byways, forming a one-day drive from Boise. It can be accessed either by the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway on Idaho 21 or by the Payette River Scenic Byway on Idaho 55. Either route connects with this 33-mile trip through some of the most powerful canyon scenery offered in the state. A one day trip from Boise affords visitors a glimpse of the pioneering spirit of early Idaho and the awesome beauty of Idaho’s wildlife and whitewater.

• Location

  The route travels along the Banks-Lowman road. It can be accessed either at Banks along Idaho 55 or at Lowman along Idaho 21. Either point of access brings the traveler back to a route leading to Boise.

• Length

  33 miles. Allow one hour. Allow 3 hours for the loop from Boise and back.

• Roadway

  This is a two-lane roadway with no passing lanes, but there are several turnouts for scenic viewing. The paved roadway is maintained year around, but often has a snow floor during winter months.

• When to see it

  There are year-round opportunities for wildlife viewing with exceptional elk viewing in winter and spring. In summer months this stretch of river is world renowned for rafting and kayaking.

• Special attractions

  The winter range for elk is located within a five-mile section in the middle of the route near the Danskin river-access point. Visitors are treated to large herds along this area during winter and spring months. The migratory and nesting route for Canada Geese is located here also. The South Fork of the Payette River offers world-class rafting and kayaking. Visitors are treated to the acrobatics of kayakers in class IV conditions along several points of the river. Commercial rafting companies offer trips down the river.

• Camping

  Hot Springs Campground, Pine Flats Campground, RV parks in Crouch and Garden Valley.

• Whom to call

  Boise National Forest Garden Valley Ranger Station
  (208) 462-3241
  Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce
  (208) 462-5003
  www.gvchamber.org
  gvchamber@gvchamber.org
  www.swita.org