Drives Idaho Boise and Central Idaho
Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway
South Fork Payette, Idaho · Banks → Lowman
The drive
The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, signed as Highway 17, runs about 35 miles from Banks on Highway 55 to Lowman on Highway 21, following the South Fork of the Payette River. Visit Southwest Idaho calls it a well-maintained road with non-stop views.
Crouch, in Garden Valley, is about 10 miles in. At Grimes Pass, large pullouts with telescopes let you watch elk, turkeys and other wildlife, and the guide suggests starting early or ending late for the best chances. The drive is 33 miles and takes about 1 hr. From Boise it makes a loop: Highway 55 to Banks, this road to Lowman, then Highway 21 south.
Along the way
- Banks (Highway 55)
- Garden Valley
- Lowman (Highway 21)
Good to know
- Most services, including gas, are in Crouch and Lowman.
- The byway is open year-round, but conditions in the mountains change quickly from late fall to early spring.
- Pine Flats and Deadwood campgrounds are along the route.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Idaho 511.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway take?
The Wildlife Canyon drive from Banks to Lowman is 33 miles and takes about 1 hr.
Is there gas on the Banks-Lowman Road?
Visit Southwest Idaho says most services, including gas, are in Crouch and Lowman.
Can you see wildlife on the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway?
Yes. Pullouts with telescopes at Grimes Pass are set up for watching elk, turkeys and other wildlife, and early or late in the day is better.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.