AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Pioneer Historic Byway

Idaho
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Bridge Guards and Water · Public Domain. Photo taken by Tony Varilone · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

Begin at Franklin, Idaho s first city, and then travel up the Bear River to northern Mormon settlements, military campaigns, and the first Yellowstone route. Relive the byway s pioneer saga and walk Oregon Trail ruts in emigrant footsteps. See major geologic and natural sites, massacre sites and Chesterfield, a Mormon ghost town.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
A railing beside the highway seems to hold in the water that surrounds the mountain base.
Bridge Guards and Water
Public Domain. Photo taken by Tony Varilone · Photo credits
The long valley of the Bear River stretches east toward the mountains, as seen from the upper parking area of the Bear River Massacre National Historic Site.
Bear River Valley East from National Historic Site
Public Domain. Photo by A. E. Crane · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.