Wild Rivers

Wild Rivers is in north-central New Mexico about 25 miles north of Taos and 17 miles south of the Colorado state line. The scenic byway begins in Cerro and travels south alongside the Rio Grande River through the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. It is 13 miles long and follows Wild Rivers Road, which is also known as NM 378. The road is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles. Wild Rivers is not maintained during winter; heavy snow may restrict access.

Wild Rivers Back Country Byway is a pleasant drive along the Rio Grande River around the Guadalupe Mountains. The byway crosses a landscape covered with sagebrush and stands of pinyon and juniper. The byway takes you to a point overlooking the confluence of the Rio Grande River and Red River, some 800 feet beneath you. The Guadalupe Mountains rise above the desert floor to the east. A hiking trail can be accessed from the byway that will take you into these rugged mountains. Several scenic overlooks are also provided along the byway that give you the chance to gaze at the river flowing way down below.

There are trails along the byway that will take you down the gorge to the river’s edge. Here you may wish to cast a line in hopes of finding a brown trout attached to the other end. There are campgrounds located along the river’s edge if you discover that you need to spend some more time trying to pull the fish from the water.

Those not interested in fishing can spend the day looking for wildlife. There are plenty of species inhabiting the area. Mule deer can often be seen along the roadside foraging among the grass. Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures may be spotted flying over the canyon rims, almost effortlessly floating upon the wind currents. Cold winter snow forces the beautiful elk from higher elevations to the lower in search of food.

Travelers of the byway will find plenty of opportunities for pitching a tent or parking your RV. Some campgrounds are situated on the rim of the gorge, while others are along the river’s edge. Campfire programs are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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Chain of Craters

Chain of Craters is in west-central New Mexico about 25 miles southwest of Grants. It follows CR 42 south for 36 miles to the junction of NM 117. County Road 42 is a dirt road that requires a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended during wet weather. The byway usually remains open year-round but can become impassable during and after periods of inclement weather.

The Chain of Craters Back Country Byway travels through portions of the El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area. The byway crosses a brush-covered landscape with views of sandstone bluffs rising above the desert floor. This rugged and desolate area was once inhabited by Indians, and crossed by Spanish and American explorers who carved their names in the sandstone. Inscription Rock can be seen to the west in El Morro National Monument. The earliest inscription dates to 1605 by Juan de Onate, a Spanish governor and colonizer of New Mexico. Native American symbols and pictures are also carved in the rock.

The 40,000-acre West Malpais Wilderness offers opportunities for exploring. Hiking on the lava rocks in this area is very rugged and not re-commended for the inexperienced hiker. Numerous side roads provide easier hiking for those interested in exploring the area on foot. These side roads are also used by mountain bikers. Four-wheel vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited from the wilderness area. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows a portion of the byway along the northern area.

There are no developed public campgrounds along the byway, however, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land. Be sure to bring your own water as none is available.

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Hells Canyon

Located in northeast Oregon, the byway forms an open loop drive east of I-84 with access points in Baker City and La Grande. Hells Canyon is 314 miles long and follows a series of state highways and national forest roads. The main loop follows OR 82, OR 86, and FSR 39, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. The spur roads are OR 350, FSR 454, FSR 3955, FSR 3965, and FSR 4240. These roads vary from two-lane paved roads to gravel roads. They are suitable for passenger vehicles but large RVs and vehicles pulling trailers may experience difficulty in turning around. Portions of the byway close temporarily during winter, otherwise Hells Canyon remains open all year.

Hells Canyon scenic byway takes travelers through the forested mountains and valleys of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to the scenic splendor of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. This 652,488-acre recreation area protects the free-flowing Snake River in Hells Canyon and its surrounding landscape.

The byway offers access to numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nearly a thousand miles of trails can be found in the National Recreation Area alone. Some trails are easy to travel providing quiet walks while others are difficult to find and a challenge to the experienced hiker.

In addition to the Snake River, the byway provides access to other rivers, lakes, and streams, all offering excellent boating and fishing. Wallowa Lake is situated in a forest of pine and fir and offers boating, swimming, skiing, and fishing opportunities. The state park here has 210 campsites, 121 with full hookups and 89 for tent campers. Hiking trails provide access to the 200,416-acre Eagle Cap Wilderness.

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Sawtooth

Sawtooth begins in Shoshone, which is 25 miles north of Twin Falls in central Idaho. It heads north through national forest land and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and ends in Stanley. The 116-mile route follows ID 75, a two-lane paved road safe for travel by all types of vehicles. Five to six percent grades are encountered from Galena Summit to Stanley. The byway remains open year-round but extra caution should be used during winter. Sixty-one miles are officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway.

Beginning in Idaho’s high desert region, the byway climbs north along the scenic Wood River, passes through the forested landscape of Sawtooth National Forest, crosses Galena Summit at 8,701 feet, and then descends to Stanley. The overlook near Galena Summit provides panoramic views into the Sawtooth Mountains and wilderness area.

The Shoshone Ice Caves are natural lava tubes in which air currents have formed striking ice sculptures. The caves are located 90 feet below the earth’s surface and maintain a year-round temperature below freezing. Guided tours of the ice caves are offered during the summer.

A visitor center for the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area is located north of Ketchum and is open year-round. Visitors will find information and exhibits here. This vast recreation area offers numerous opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, fishing, and bicycling.

The Sawtooth National Forest also offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, and hiking. Several public campgrounds have been developed along the byway as well as within the national forest.

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Seminoe to Alcova

Seminoe to Alcova is 32 miles southwest of Casper in south-central Wyoming. The byway is 64 miles long and follows CR 351 and CR 407. The gravel roads vary from single-lane to two lanes and are suitable for most vehicles. Motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers are discouraged from traveling the portion from Semino State Park to Miracle Mile. Seminoe to Alcova is usually open May to early December.

Seminoe to Alcova Back Country Byway takes travelers across a desert landscape between the Seminoe Mountains in the west and Shirley Mountains rising in the east. Portions of the byway travel along the banks of the North Platte River, which has brought life to the Seminoe and Pathfinder Reservoirs. Byway travelers will cross the river in an area known as Miracle Mile. This stretch of the North Platte River is renowned as a blue-ribbon trout stream.

Travelers are most likely to see pronghorn antelope and mule deer grazing along the roadside. Hawks and eagles can be seen surfing the wind currents above. Elk and bighorn sheep also inhabit the area but prefer not being seen by tourists. Other wildlife preferring to keep to themselves is mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.

Those wishing to camp among stars in the natural surroundings will find some campgrounds maintained by the BLM. The first encountered when driving south to north is Dugway Camp-ground. There are seven sites situated on the banks of North Platte River with picnic tables and fire rings. A boat ramp provides access to the river. To the east of the byway is Pryor Flat Campground, which has five campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. A more developed campground is found in Seminoe State Park. There are nearly 100 RV and tent sites; some with hookups. The park also offers a swimming beach and boat access to the lake.

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