Looking over the water at Carey Lake Wildlife Management Area — Carey Lake Wildlife Management Area, Carey. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

the night sky above Craters of the Moon National Monument — Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and child fishing together at Silver Creek Preserve — Silver Creek Preserve, near Bellevue. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Car driving down Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway — Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway, in between Carey and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and child high five in the Lava Flow Campground — Lava Flow Campground in Craters of the Moon National Monument. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and child in Arco — Arco, Idaho. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Scenic shot of the North Crater Trail in Craters of the Moon National Monument — North Crater Trail, Craters of the Moon National Monument. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and child running up to the Inferno Cone Lookout — Inferno Cone Lookout, Craters of the Moon National Monument. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A pair looking up in the Indian Tunnel — Indian Tunnel, Craters of the Moon National Monument. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A ranger shows the Craters of the Moon map at the visitors center — Craters of the Moon National Monument Visitors Center. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and a child walking along the Caves Trail together on a clear, blue day.. — Caves Trail, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Big horn sheep wander together in Challis — Big Horn Sheep, Challis. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

starry night sky in Craters of the Moon — Starry skies at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

Two visitors walk up stairs outside in Land of the Yankee Fork State Park — Land of the Yankee Fork State Park Visitor Center, Challis. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A wooden sign sharing facts and a map of Mount Borah, with Mount Borah during a clear, blue day in the background. — Mount Borah Signage, near Mackay. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Borah Peak as seen from the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway — Borah Peak, The Lost River Mountains, along the Peaks To Craters Scenic Byway. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A hiker taking in the views at Mount Borah. — Mount Borah is Idaho’s tallest peak. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

The Lost River Mountains as seen from the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway — The Lost River Mountains, along the Peaks To Craters Scenic Byway. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A car drives down Highway 26 just outside of Carey — Outside of Carey, along Highway 26. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

A father and child walking through Silver Creek Preserve — Silver Creek Preserve, near Bellevue. Photo credit: Idaho Tourism.

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

This extraordinary byway is said to be the most diverse stretch of road in the Gem State—boasting everything from sky-piercing peaks to captivating craters. Hike around a vast ocean of lava flows at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, visit the tallest mountain in Idaho at Mount Borah or learn the history of the first city lit by atomic energy in Arco.

Length

143 miles
229 km

Time

2 hours,
27 minutes

Region

Central Idaho

When to Visit

Year-round

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: Junction of Idaho 75 and U.S. 20 to Carey. U.S. 93 to Arco, continuing on U.S. 93 to junction of U.S. 93 and Idaho 75.

Full services in: Carey, Arco, Mackay and Challis

Full services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

Nearby Adventures

Explore a ghost town, discover wildlife, or get hooked on Silver Creek—a world-class trout fishery.

A river lined with fencing with green and yellow trees and the Land of the Yankee Fork Visitor Center in the background.

Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

Gear up for adventure as hiking, mountain biking, ATVing, and wildlife viewing…

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with…

Mount Borah

Mount Borah

Custer County, Idaho

Mount Borah, the state’s highest peak at 12,662 feet, beckons hikers and…

EBR-I Atomic Museum

Butte County, Idaho

Have you ever seen a nuclear reactor? Learn how electricity is produced…

Download Before You Hit the Road

Start planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications.

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

Idaho Roadsider

State Highway Map

Travel Tips

Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? Check out these travel tips and start planning your adventure.

woman overlooking lava field at craters of the moon

A Road Tripper’s Guide to the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

starry night sky in Craters of the Moon

36 Hours at Craters of the Moon

Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway

Ready to Explore More Scenic Byways?