Sawtooth Scenic Byway (Highway 75)

Highway 75 cuts a dramatic line through the heart of Idaho’s Sawtooth Range, where jagged granite peaks rise straight from the valley floor like broken teeth. This scenic byway runs 115 miles from Shoshone north to Stanley, passing through Sun Valley and climbing over 8,700-foot Galena Summit. The route opens up dozens of backcountry spurs including Fourth of July Creek Road, which leads to high alpine lakes beneath towering Castle Peak.

The main highway is paved and accessible to all vehicles, but the real adventure lies in the forest service roads that branch into the wilderness. High clearance is recommended for side routes, especially after snowmelt when creek crossings can be dicey. Summer through early fall offers the best conditions, though Galena Summit can see snow into June. You’ll find dispersed camping throughout the Sawtooth National Forest and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Lower 48.