Bosie National Forrest Road Question

[Charles Elms]

The map shows a Banks Lowman Road (NF-24) that connects Idaho 21 to Idaho 55.

 

Is this a paved road, and what is the chance that it will be open in Mid-May? I would like to see the Sawtooths and also get over to Hells Canyon without too much backtracking.

This looks like a good option. I'm concerned that this road is not paved or might be snowed in at Grimes Pass in in mid-May.

 

Can someone provide local information on this road?

 

Thanks.

[Deadboy]

http://pacwestgs.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Peaks-of-America-Tour/1545150_LRDnE#84524999_StyqP

 

Looks paved to me, weather is a different issue....

[gottabmw]

Yes, the Banks/Lowman Road is fantastic, and paved! If you have the chance, ride it! Also, don't forget ID21 Lowman to Idaho City, one of the best stretches of asphalt in the NW. At 5333 ft elevation in Lowman, questionable if it will be open.

[farmerp]

Yes, the Banks/Lowman Road is fantastic, and paved! If you have the chance, ride it! Also, don't forget ID21 Lowman to Idaho City, one of the best stretches of asphalt in the NW. At 5333 ft elevation in Lowman, questionable if it will be open. +1

Mid May should not be a problem, however every year is different. Hwy 21 will get you to Stanley and the heart of the sawtooths. If you are in Stanley and hungry The Bakery and Casino Club are wonderful. Smiley Creek at the south end of the sawtooth valley is also great.You will be in very beautiful country all the way. On the west side of Hells Canyon just south of Oxbow is a FS road (I don’t know the #) that goes over the Wallowa Mts into Joseph, OR that is awesome. Mid May might be early for that one however.

 

[bobmorris]

It is a paved road and should bre good by mid may with most of the rocks swept off. It, as well a s HY21 are open all year for cages but can be snow packed in the depths of winter. This year so far I would venture that there is little or no snow on the road. We have had an open winter so far.

 

Contact me before you leave and I can let you know the conditions as the "Lowman Loop" is my first long ride in the spring. 190 miles and 641 curves!

 

Bob

[roadscholar]

The map shows a Banks Lowman Road (NF-24) that connects Idaho 21 to Idaho 55.

 

Nice road, the part between Lowman and Garden Valley is super.

[Huzband]

The map shows a Banks Lowman Road (NF-24) that connects Idaho 21 to Idaho 55.

 

Nice road, the part between Lowman and Garden Valley is super.

 

Jeez, Bill...

[gottabmw]

I would like to see the Sawtooths

 

Be sure to ride the stretch from Stanley south to Galena Pass. The ride up and over the pass is worth it for the corners. If you keep going south Ketchum and Sun Valley is very nice.

[MikeRC]

I got a picture of my bike on one of the pullouts somewhere in one of my old web caches (circa 2003).

 

Anyway, a great source of information is the Idaho Scenic Byways site - the Old Banks-Lowman highway is called the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. I do remember a very large forest fire area near the junction of Hwy 21, and there are a couple of natural hotsprings close by.

 

Mike Cassidy

[roadscholar]

The map shows a Banks Lowman Road (NF-24) that connects Idaho 21 to Idaho 55.

 

Nice road, the part between Lowman and Garden Valley is super.

 

Jeez, Bill...

 

What?....

 

 

[hopz]

I want to pass along kudos to the Idaho Highway department.

 

I had the very same question year before last and called them to see if it was paved. Of course the answer was- "Yes", but the lady on the phone was very happy to help, understood the motorcycle connection and I was impressed with her.

 

Thanks again Idaho.