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Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, Boise Mountains, Idaho
Photo: Katja Schulz · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Idaho Boise and Central Idaho

Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway

ID 21 · Boise → Stanley

Sweeping122 mi2 hr 35 min9,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 7,000 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 21 runs about 131 miles from Boise to Stanley, mostly as a two-lane road. It follows the Boise River past Lucky Peak Dam, then leaves sagebrush for ponderosa pine at Idaho City, which was founded in 1862 as Bannock during the Boise Basin gold rush.

Past Idaho City the road climbs to Mores Creek Summit at 6,117 feet. Lowman, a village at 3,801 feet, is reached by switchbacks. Along that stretch, seven pullouts have interpretive signs about the 1989 Lowman fire, which burned 72 square miles. From Lowman the road follows the South Fork Payette up to Banner Summit at 7,056 feet, the route's high point, and ends in Stanley at the edge of the Sawtooths. The Wildlife Canyon byway joins at Lowman.

Along the way

  1. Boise (Warm Springs Avenue)
  2. Idaho City
  3. Lowman
  4. Banner Summit
  5. Stanley
Elevation
9,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 7,000 ft
BoiseStanley
Curves
Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches
BoiseStanley
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The upper part of Highway 21 is often closed in winter. ITD has closed it for avalanche danger between Idaho City and Lowman, and from Grandjean to Banner Summit.
  • Gas, food and lodging are in Boise, Idaho City, Lowman and Stanley, so plan fuel around those towns.
  • Kirkham Hot Springs is a popular stop with a per-vehicle daily parking fee, and the guide says midweek is quieter.

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 21 from Boise to Stanley take?

The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway drive from Boise to Stanley is 122.4 miles and takes about 2 hr 35 min.

Is Highway 21 open in winter?

Wikipedia says the upper elevations of Highway 21 are often closed during the winter months. ITD has closed sections for avalanche danger, between Idaho City and Lowman and from Grandjean to Banner Summit.

What is the highest point on Highway 21?

Banner Summit, at 7,056 feet, is the highest point on Highway 21.

Where is gas on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway?

Visit Southwest Idaho lists gas, food and lodging in Boise, Idaho City, Lowman and Stanley.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, from Boise to Stanley