How far is Caldwell, ID from Challis, ID?
The driving distance from Caldwell, ID to Challis, ID is about 203.3 miles (327.1 km), with a travel time of about 04h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 135 miles (217.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 56m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 58m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Custer County, Idaho, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Caldwell and Challis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Caldwell and Challis.
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1
Start on the route
28 m · 12 sec
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2
Turn left onto Cleveland Boulevard
1.3 km · 2 min · Cleveland Boulevard
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3
Turn left onto South 21st Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · South 21st Avenue
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4
Continue on Franklin Road
1.1 km · 1 min · Franklin Road
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5
Continue on Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
7 mi · 10 min · Idaho Medal of Honor Highway
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6
Continue on West Chinden Boulevard
2.1 mi · 3 min · West Chinden Boulevard
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7
Turn left onto Central Valley Expressway
2.1 mi · 2 min · Central Valley Expressway
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8
Turn right onto West State Street
7.2 mi · 10 min · West State Street
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9
Turn left onto North Horseshoe Bend Road
8.9 mi · 12 min · North Horseshoe Bend Road
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10
Continue on Payette River Scenic Byway
5.9 mi · 7 min · Payette River Scenic Byway
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11
Continue on Highway 55
2.4 mi · 3 min · Highway 55
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12
Continue on Horseshoe Bend Road
2105 ft · 30 sec · Horseshoe Bend Road
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13
Continue on Highway 55
16 mi · 24 min · Highway 55
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14
Continue on Horseshoe Bend Road
109 m · 8 sec · Horseshoe Bend Road
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15
Turn right onto Banks Lowman Road
33.3 mi · 59 min · Banks Lowman Road
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16
Turn left onto Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route
32.8 mi · 45 min · Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route
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17
Continue on State Highway 21
24.4 mi · 28 min · State Highway 21
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18
Continue on Eva Falls Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Eva Falls Avenue
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19
At the end of the road, turn left onto Salmon River Scenic Byway
54.9 mi · 1 hr 22 min · Salmon River Scenic Byway
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20
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Salmon River Scenic Byway
2.1 mi · 3 min · South Salmon River Scenic Byway
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21
Turn left onto East Valley Avenue
2264 ft · 2 min · East Valley Avenue
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22
Turn right onto South 7th Street
101 m · 16 sec · South 7th Street
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23
Turn right
41 m · 10 sec
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Caldwell and Challis.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Salmon River Scenic Byway
At the end of the road, turn left onto Salmon River Scenic Byway
54.9 mi · 01h 22m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Partly Sunny leaving Caldwell and Mostly Sunny near Challis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Caldwell to Challis?
The road trip is about 203.3 miles (327.1 km) and usually takes 04h 58m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Stanley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 101.5 miles from Caldwell and 101.8 miles from Challis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 135 miles (217.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 68.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:04 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $27.91 one way or $55.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 63.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Caldwell and Mostly Sunny near Challis.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Caldwell and Challis. Straight-line distance: 135.03 mi (217.31 km).
#1 Caldwell
The most populous city in Canyon County, Idaho.
| Population | 58,481 |
| Coordinates | 43.6629400, -116.6873600 |
| Altitude | 724 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Challis
City in Custer County, Idaho, United States
| Population | 1,091 |
| Coordinates | 44.5046400, -114.2317300 |
| Altitude | 1601 |
| Country | United States |
End: Challis (-114.23173, 44.50464)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 327 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 46m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 04m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $27.91 | $55.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $30.34 | $60.67 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $32.62 | $65.23 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $38.80 | $77.61 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Idaho · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.