This scenic byway is located in southeast Idaho about 55 miles east of Pocatello. It begins in Freedom and travels southwest to the Utah state line. The byway is 115 miles long and follows ID 34, US 30, and US 89, all of which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Heavy snowfall may temporarily close portions of the byway, otherwise it remains open all year.
Bear Lake – Caribou scenic byway travels along the shores of Bear Lake, across rolling farm lands, open livestock ranges, and through forested canyons. The northern portion runs through Caribou National Forest with scenic vistas of the Caribou Mountains to the north.
Bear Lake is a large, eight-mile wide lake that stretches 20 miles from north to south across Idaho and Utah. The lake offers excellent rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing in addition to swimming and sailing. Bear Lake State Park offers 40 campsites suitable for tents and recreational vehicles.
To the west of the byway near its southern terminus is Minnetonka Cave. The cave was accidentally discovered by a grouse hunter more than 50 years ago. The cave is a half-mile long cavern with nine chambers. Tours operate from mid-June through Labor Day. The national forest has developed three campgrounds near the cave.
The northern portion of the byway crosses Caribou National Forest, alongside Blackfoot Reservoir and Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Blackfoot Reservoir is popular for fishing and boating. Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to see the largest concentration of sandhill cranes in the United States during summer.