Idaho’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – And How to Survive Them
By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist
I’ve spent the better part of three decades navigating the world’s toughest terrains, from the Andes to the Australian Outback. But I’ll tell you what—Idaho can be just as brutal when things go south. Between its mountainous topography, narrow two-lanes that snake through canyons, and high desert dust bowls, the Gem State becomes downright hostile in a disaster. If you’re unprepared, these roads won’t just delay you—they’ll swallow you whole.
In a natural disaster—whether it’s a wildfire roaring through the Sawtooths, a sudden snowstorm dumping three feet overnight, or a 6.5-magnitude earthquake cracking the highways—the road becomes your greatest adversary. Knowing which roads to avoid and how to survive the drive out can make all the difference.
The Five Worst Roads in Idaho During a Disaster
1. Highway 75 (Sawtooth Scenic Byway)
This picturesque road turns deadly fast. Rockslides, falling trees, and limited escape routes through Stanley and over Galena Summit make this a nightmare in a wildfire or earthquake.
2. U.S. Route 95 through the Salmon River Canyon
This stretch north of Riggins hugs cliffs, with only a guardrail between you and a sheer drop to the river below. In winter or during a landslide, it’s impassable.
3. Idaho State Highway 21 (Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway)
Beautiful? Yes. Reliable? Never. Known for avalanches and being cut off by snowstorms. In a disaster, this road becomes a one-way ticket to isolation.
4. Lolo Pass (U.S. 12)
Twisting through the Bitterroots, this route can be snowed in or blocked by fallen trees for days. Poor cell reception and little traffic means if you’re stranded, you’re on your own.
5. Interstate 84 near the Snake River Canyon
You’d think an interstate would be safe, but I-84 floods, suffers from black ice, and backs up quickly near Twin Falls. Gridlock here during a mass evacuation is guaranteed.
15 Survival Driving Skills That Can Save Your Life
Now, if you’re caught out on one of these hellish stretches when disaster strikes, you need more than just a full tank and good intentions. You need driving skills that’ll get you out alive.
1. Situational Awareness
Scan constantly—rearview, sides, road conditions, skies. Don’t focus on what’s directly in front of you alone.
2. Low-Visibility Driving
Dust storm? Blizzard? Learn to follow road edge lines, use fog lights (not high beams), and drive by feel—not speed.
3. Reverse Navigation
Sometimes, going backward is safer. Learn to backtrack efficiently through narrow paths or trails using your mirrors.
4. Braking Without Skidding
Practice controlled braking on loose gravel, snow, or wet pavement. ABS helps, but know how to pump manually if it fails.
5. Off-Road Handling
Get off the pavement and know how to drive through mud, sand, and rocky terrain without getting stuck or damaging your undercarriage.
6. Steep Incline Control
Climbing a mountain pass in bad weather requires gear control and throttle modulation. Don’t burn out your engine—or your nerves.
7. Controlled Descent
Descending steep grades with cargo or passengers? Use engine braking, low gears, and avoid riding your brakes.
8. Escape Turn Maneuvers
Practice J-turns, three-point turns in tight spaces, and u-turns on steep inclines. Sometimes the road ahead isn’t worth taking.
9. Tire Repair Under Pressure
Know how to plug a tire, swap a flat, or re-inflate using a portable air compressor. Keep a can of Fix-a-Flat for emergencies.
10. Engine Cooling Tricks
In a jam, turn on your heater to siphon heat from your engine. Puddle nearby? Splash water on the radiator grill.
11. Fuel Conservation Driving
Ease off the pedal. Use the highest gear possible at the lowest RPM to extend mileage. Coast downhill when safe.
12. Battery Smart Starts
If your car’s battery dies, know how to bump start a manual, or use solar chargers or power banks on an automatic.
13. Makeshift Winching
Strap + tree + physics. If stuck, use tow straps, tree trunks, and basic pulleys (even a jack) to free your ride.
14. Urban Evac Driving
Navigate traffic jams, shoulder lanes, sidewalks—whatever gets you out. Practice map reading when GPS fails.
15. Situational Vehicle Abandonment
Know when to walk. If your vehicle becomes a liability, stash gear, mark your location, and hoof it out.
3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas
Even seasoned preppers get caught empty. If you run out of gas miles from nowhere, here are three hacks that might just save your hide.
1. Alcohol-Based Fuel Substitute
If you’re carrying high-proof liquor or hand sanitizer (must be at least 70% alcohol), some small engines can be coaxed to run off diluted ethanol. It’s not good for your engine long-term, but in a disaster? It’ll get you a few miles.
2. Fuel Scavenging from Abandoned Vehicles
Always carry a siphon hose. Pop the gas cap off any disabled car or truck—especially older ones without anti-siphon mesh. Be discreet, and remember: desperation isn’t theft during collapse.
3. Solar-Powered Vehicle Charging
For hybrids and EVs, a solar panel array (foldable mats or a rooftop rig) paired with a battery bank can recharge you just enough for short-range escapes. Keep this in your bug-out kit if you’re relying on electric.
Final Thoughts
Disaster doesn’t come with a warning label. It sneaks in on ash clouds, hidden fault lines, and sudden cloudbursts. And Idaho’s geography doesn’t care if you’ve got kids in the back or groceries in the trunk.
Survival on the road starts long before you turn the key. It begins with understanding the terrain, mastering your vehicle, and preparing for failure. Your ride can be a lifeline—or a coffin—depending on your mindset.
Pack like it’s the last time you’ll see a gas station. Drive like every second counts. And for the love of grit, respect the road. Because out here, nature always plays for keeps.
TheDailyChristian 