{
  "name": "Payette River Scenic Byway",
  "slug": "payette-river-scenic-byway-id55",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/payette-river-scenic-byway-id55/",
  "summary": "ID 55 follows the Payette River north from Horseshoe Bend through Banks and Smiths Ferry, climbs out of the canyon to Cascade and Lake Cascade, then runs through the Long Valley to the shore of Payette Lake at McCall.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "ID 55"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "United States",
    "region": "Idaho",
    "start": {
      "name": "Horseshoe Bend",
      "lat": 43.915289,
      "lon": -116.197938
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "McCall",
      "lat": 44.911112,
      "lon": -116.098449
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 79.2,
    "lengthKm": 127.5,
    "driveMinutes": 158,
    "corners": 35,
    "hairpins": 0,
    "maxGradientPercent": 6,
    "summitMetres": 1590,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "moderate",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 5
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "summer",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "Rockfall in the canyon near Smiths Ferry has closed the highway before",
    "Wildfire can close the road in summer, as the Milepost 81 Fire did in August 2026",
    "Traffic delays on holiday weekends, with RVs, motorcyclists and the occasional deer",
    "Sharp curves onto the Rainbow Bridge that fall below current highway standards"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "valley",
    "forest",
    "gorge",
    "lakes"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Banks Store & Cafe",
    "Smiths Ferry",
    "Rainbow Bridge",
    "Kelly's Whitewater Park",
    "McCall Brewing Company"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 524
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-11"
}