If you’re planning a trip to Challis, Idaho, you have several airport options to choose from. The nearest major airports are Boise Airport (BOI) in Idaho, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah, Missoula International Airport (MSO) in Montana, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in Montana. Each airport offers multiple scenic routes to Challis, allowing travelers to experience different landscapes and attractions along the way.
Traveling from Boise Airport (BOI) to Challis
There are four main routes from Boise to Challis:
Route 1 – I-84 East to Highway 20/26, then Highway 75
- Take I-84 east to Mountain Home.
- Leave the freeway and travel on State HW 20/26 to the junction of Highway 75.
- Follow Highway 75 through Ketchum/Sun Valley and Stanley to Challis.
Distance: 190 miles, approximately 4 hours.
Highlights: The Wood River Valley (Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum/Sun Valley) offers great food and a vibrant atmosphere. Trail Creek Summit is a breathtaking detour. Stanley is home to the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, with great dining at Papa Brunee’s and the Rod and Gun Club.
Route 2 – Highway 55 North, then Banks-Lowman Highway
- Take Highway 55 north to Banks.
- Follow the Banks/Lowman Highway to Stanley, then take Highway 75 to Challis.
Distance: 170 miles, approximately 3.5 hours.
Highlights: This scenic route follows the Payette and Salmon Rivers, with several hot springs and charming small towns along the way. Lowman Inn is a great stop for pizza and a cold drink.
Route 3 – Highway 21 to Idaho City, then Highway 75
- Take Highway 21 through Idaho City and Lowman to Stanley.
- Continue on Highway 75 north to Challis.
Distance: 180 miles, approximately 4 hours.
Highlights: Similar to Route 2 but more winding. Idaho City is a well-preserved historic mining town. Avoid if prone to car sickness.
Route 4 – I-84 East to Highway 20/26, then Highway 93
- Take I-84 east to Mountain Home.
- Travel on State HW 20/26 to the junction of Highway 93.
- Follow Highway 93 through Craters of the Moon, Arco, and Mackay to Challis.
Distance: 200 miles, approximately 4.5 hours.
Highlights: This route offers high desert views, with a key attraction being Craters of the Moon National Monument, celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Traveling from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Challis
There are three main routes from Salt Lake City to Challis:
Route 1 – I-15 North to Highway 93
- Take I-15 north from Salt Lake City through Idaho Falls.
- In Idaho Falls, take Exit 119 and follow US-20 W/US-26 W for about 6 miles.
- Turn right onto Highway 93 North and follow it all the way to Challis.
Distance: 290 miles, approximately 5.5 hours.
Highlights: This is the most direct route, offering great views of the Snake River Plain and the Lost River Range. Stop in Idaho Falls or explore Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.
Route 2 – I-15 North to Highway 28 through Leadore
- Take I-15 north to Exit 143 in Dubois, Idaho.
- Take Highway 22 west to connect with Highway 28 North.
- Follow Highway 28 through Leadore until it meets Highway 93.
- Turn right onto Highway 93 and continue to Challis.
Distance: 310 miles, approximately 6 hours.
Highlights: This route goes through remote and historic areas, including the Lemhi Valley and Sacajawea’s birthplace. Visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center in Salmon.
Route 3 – I-15 North to Pocatello, then Highway 20 and Highway 75
- Take I-15 north to Pocatello.
- Follow I-86 west and then merge onto I-84 west.
- Take Exit 173 to Highway 93 North and continue through Sun Valley and Stanley.
- Take Highway 75 North to Challis.
Distance: 350 miles, approximately 7 hours.
Highlights: A longer but scenic drive through Sun Valley, Stanley, and the Sawtooth Mountains. Great food and views along the way.
Traveling from Missoula International Airport (MSO) to Challis
Missoula offers a couple of scenic routes to reach Challis:
Route 1 – Highway 93 South through Salmon, Idaho
- Take Highway 93 South from Missoula through the Bitterroot Valley.
- Continue south past Hamilton and Darby, crossing Lost Trail Pass into Idaho.
- Stay on Highway 93 through Salmon and continue south to Challis.
Distance: 220 miles, approximately 4.5 hours.
Highlights: Breathtaking views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Salmon River. Stop in Salmon for the Sacajawea Interpretive Center or a local meal.
Route 2 – Highway 200 and Highway 75 through Stanley
- Take Highway 200 East from Missoula to Highway 93 South.
- Follow Highway 93 through Hamilton and Darby to Challis.
- Alternatively, continue on Highway 93 and take Highway 75 South through Stanley before reaching Challis.
Distance: 260 miles, approximately 5.5 hours.
Highlights: Rugged scenery, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and stunning Sawtooth Mountain views. Stanley is a great stop for dining and relaxation.
Traveling from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) to Challis
Bozeman provides a couple of excellent routes to Challis:
Route 1 – I-90 West to Highway 93 South
- Take I-90 west from Bozeman to Missoula.
- In Missoula, take Highway 93 South through the Bitterroot Valley.
- Continue south through Salmon, Idaho, and follow Highway 93 to Challis.
Distance: 320 miles, approximately 6 hours.
Highlights: A mix of interstate and scenic highways, featuring Montana’s mountain landscapes and the beautiful Salmon River corridor.
Route 2 – Highway 287 South to Highway 20 and Highway 93
- Take Highway 287 South from Bozeman toward West Yellowstone.
- Connect to Highway 20 West in Idaho, traveling through Island Park to Idaho Falls.
- Follow Highway 93 North from Idaho Falls to Challis.
Distance: 290 miles, approximately 5.5 hours.
Highlights: Pass through Yellowstone’s gateway, enjoy views of the Teton Range, and explore scenic Island Park.
No matter which route you take, the drive to Challis is filled with scenic beauty, history, and adventure. Be sure to check road conditions, especially during winter months, and enjoy the journey!
