The drive
Highway 75 from Stanley to Challis is the Salmon River Scenic Byway. After Highway 21 joins at Stanley, the road follows the Salmon River, passes through Clayton, and runs north to Challis, where it meets US 93. The drive is 54.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min.
Visit Idaho's byway guide says many hot springs lie beside the river between Stanley and Challis. Sunbeam Hot Springs is on the river bank below the highway, and Boat Box is a small spring in a cauldron-like pool at a pullout with room for a few cars. Near Challis, Land of the Yankee Fork State Park has a visitor center and a mining-history museum. The guide also lists the ghost towns of Bonanza, Bayhorse and Custer, mining towns from 1877 to 1911.
Along the way
- Stanley
- Sunbeam
- Challis (US-93)
Good to know
- The pullout at Boat Box holds only a few cars, and the pool fits a couple of people.
- The drive ends just before US 93 near Challis.
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 Highway 75 from Stanley to Challis take?
The Salmon River Scenic Byway drive from Stanley to Challis is 54.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 10 min.
Are there hot springs on Highway 75 between Stanley and Challis?
Yes. Visit Idaho says many hot springs lie between Challis and Stanley, including Sunbeam Hot Springs on the river bank below the highway.
What is there to see near Challis on Highway 75?
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, near Challis, has a visitor center and mining-history museum, and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is in Custer.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.