Idaho Trails
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5/5 (4 reviews)
Updated: 05/01/2024
Nip and Tuck Road
Open
/
Stanley, Idaho/
4.89 miles/
About 30 minutes
This is a wonderful little dirt trail that takes you off of Highway 21, bypasses the summer crowds in the town of Stanley, and offers amazing, expansive views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Nip and Tuck is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area that is managed as part of the Sawtooth National Forest and covers over 730,864 acres. This trail is a popular spot for dry-camping, hikers, and bikers. You feel you have just enough space to get away from the crowds and traffic of town and highway. On one side, you see rolling grassland hills with blooming wildflowers in the summer, and on the opposite side, you can see the Sawtooths peaking in and out of views. This trail is proof that your next adventure might just be one road away that is less traveled.
4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 09/24/2023
Magruder Corridor
The Magruder Corridor Trail is a very accessible trail for most vehicles that takes you into the scenic and remote wilderness. It is on many people’s bucket list due to the fact that this is the only place in the lower 48 where you can be in the middle of 5 million acres of wilderness. There is history at every corner with plenty of information along the way and available from the ranger districts at each end. You can see first hand how a forest regrows after a burn, there have been many big forest fires over the past few decades that have swept through the area, and you get the chance to drive directly through that area. Most of the areas have a healthy regrowth already and the burnt trees offer a beautiful contrast to the greenery and wildflowers when they are blooming.
5/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 07/07/2024
Sawtelle Peak
Anyone in the area, whether having been there for a lifetime or for the first time, should check out the views from Sawtelle Peak. The views from the top of this mountain are the closest you'll be to having a birds-eye view without being in a plane. On clear days, one can easily see the distinct features of the jagged Grand Tetons in Wyoming to the south 60 miles away. Folks are often amazed at how large Henry's Fork River and Island Park Reservoir are. You never get a feel for their size amongst all the trees! One can look down onto Henry's Lake with a glimpse of Hebgen Lake over the next ridge. The Red Rock Lakes are hidden behind Red Rock and Nemesis Mountains, but the Red Rock River can be seen snaking through the green grassy fields off in the distance.
This trail is located in Island Park, Idaho, 30 minutes from West Yellowstone and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. If traveling through this area in the dry summer months, check out this trail. The views here may even rival your trip through Yellowstone and a whole lot less traffic.
4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Updated: 07/13/2024
Continental Divide Road
This is a beautiful backcountry road that runs on in some spots and along the iconic Continental Divide Trail and bounces back and forth between Idaho and Montana. The incredible views along this dirt road will take you through fields of tall grass and wildflowers, up the mountains through Aspen Groves, and over the hill through stands of Pine and Spruce trees with breathtaking views of all the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes. This trail follows and crosses the borders of the Targhee National Forest in Idaho and the Beaverhead National Forest in Montana and is also the only way to access Henry's Lake Overlook which offers 360-degree stunning views as far south as the Teton Mountain Range 80 miles south. On a clear day, the Grand Tetons are very distinct on the horizon. This is a great trail for anyone that wants to explore some of the few sections of the Continental Divide Trail with vehicular access.
5/5 (6 reviews)
Updated: 07/15/2023
Cave Falls
Formed by lava flows from the Yellowstone caldera thousands of years ago, the Fall River is appropriately named after its many waterfalls. What is unique about these falls is not their height, but rather their width. Cave Falls, located within Yellowstone National Park, spans 140 feet of the river and offers breathtaking views of the upper and lower falls. And, if two waterfalls aren't enough, there is a hiking trail to Bechler Falls upstream on Bechler River. This trail offers numerous campsites, fantastic views of the Grand Tetons, and access to an isolated and less-traveled section of Yellowstone National Park.
4/5 (6 reviews)
Updated: 07/15/2023
Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a popular off-road destination for camping and fishing on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout as soon as the snow melts. The lake bottom tapers off very slowly, making it a perfect spot to take the kids. The lake is deep enough for swimming and non-motorized boats. Dispersed camping is allowed right along the lakeshore, along with hiking trails into Yellowstone National Park from the camping area at the end of the trail. This area offers views of the Gand Tetons to the south and easy access to Cave Falls and the Fall River.
As the name implies, this lake is in the shape of a horseshoe. It is located near Ashton, Idaho at the edge of the Targhee National Forest, just outside of Yellowstone National Park.
5/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 05/01/2024
Basin Butte Road
Located just minutes away from Stanley, Basin Butte Road is a stunning scenic trail that presents a myriad of captivating sights. Along the route, adventurers can find a historic fire lookout and an enchanting alpine lake perched at an impressive elevation exceeding 8,000 feet. The trail treats visitors to awe-inspiring vistas of the Sawtooth Mountains, with glimpses of Stanley Lake in the distance and the vast expanse of the Valley Creek plains. Once you arrive at the Historic Basin Butte Lookout, unobstructed panoramic views stretch for miles in all directions.
Continuing along the trail, Hindman Lake, an expansive 8-acre alpine lake, offers fishing, remote camping, and hiking amidst the pristine surroundings. Basin Butte Road truly showcases nature's beauty at its finest, making it a perfect choice for first-time offroaders seeking an experience beyond a flat forest service road. The blend of breathtaking scenery and various recreational options makes this trail an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 04/21/2024
Boise Ridge
Bogus Basin Road ends a short way past the Boise Ridge Trailhead at the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, noted as a popular, local ski area. The trail itself is in the beautiful Boise National Forest just 30 minutes from Boise. The forest is over 2 million acres of spectacular beauty that you have to experience for yourself. The trail meanders southward along the main ridge east of Boise, providing panoramic 360-degree views. With the many spurs off of this trail, you can make your dispersed camping experience as remote as you like. The trail is open year-round, the only limitations would be you and your rigs ability in snow.
5/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 06/21/2024
Middle Fork Road
Middle Fork Road can be enjoyed year-round and is full of diverse scenery and natural hot springs. Plus, a gorgeous river, rushing waterfalls, beautiful rock formations, historic mining remnants, and an appealing lake make this a great trip. It ends at the historic mining town of Atlanta, which sits at the edge of the Sawtooth Wilderness and the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. The town of Atlanta is one of the most remote towns left in the Western US. You will be following water the entire time, starting with Arrowrock Reservoir and then the Middle Fork Boise River, which flows out of the Sawtooth Wilderness. It is said that there are over 80 natural hot springs along the Middle Fork River if you take the time to count them. For those who love hot springs, camping, bird watching, swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hiking, there are many places along this trail to do just that!
4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 07/12/2024
Sehewoki'i Newenee'an Katete Butte
Formally known as Squaw Butte, Sehewoki'i Newenee'an Katete is a prominent feature of the Emmett Valley landscape. You can watch for quail, pheasant, and the greater sage-grouse, also known as a sagehen, while you travel through the lower elevations of this beautiful mountain with seasonal streams from the winter snows at the peak. There is a beautiful, steep-walled canyon where you gain 1100 feet in only 1.5 miles, where you might see deer, elk, and even bighorn sheep. Near the summit, there are quaking alders on either side of the more shallow canyon you are now in where black bears have been spotted. The views of the valley below are amazing from the summit, and even more so if you drive to the Lookout Tower.
5/5 (4 reviews)
Updated: 05/24/2024
Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway
Nestled within the remote and captivating landscapes of southern Idaho and southeastern Oregon lies the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, an extraordinary route that promises a journey through pristine beauty. Stretching approximately 103 miles, this offroad trail embarks on an enchanting path rarely explored by many, guiding travelers through the picturesque Owyhee County in Idaho.
Commencing at Jordan Valley, Oregon, the trailhead beckons adventurers on a mesmerizing voyage, where vast open ranges and scenic vistas unfold before their eyes. Along this captivating route, the region's geological formations, wildlife, and rich historical significance come to life, painting a fascinating picture of the area's past. The trail shows evidence of Native American cultures and early exploration, adding depth and context to the journey.
As explorers venture deeper into the backcountry, they encounter dramatic elevations inviting challenging and exhilarating descents. Amidst this untamed beauty, the vast open plains and the majestic rugged terrain create an awe-inspiring and emotionally profound connection with nature, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.
A prominent feature of this trail is the breathtaking views of the North Fork Owyhee River Rim, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of trees, rock formations, and awe-inspiring vistas. This idyllic spot offers a perfect haven for reflection amid nature's serene embrace, inviting travelers to pause and savor the moment's tranquility.
Moreover, the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway provides access to five wilderness areas: Owyhee River, North Fork Owyhee River, Pole Creek, Little Jacks Creek, and Big Jacks Creek Wildernesses. Each of these areas offers its unique blend of natural wonders, contributing to the allure and diversity of this extraordinary trail.
For adventurers seeking a truly immersive experience in the wild and unspoiled beauty of the Owyhee Uplands, the Backcountry Byway awaits, promising an unforgettable expedition through a land of remarkable grandeur and timeless allure.
5/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 06/05/2022
Sagehen Spur 626AA
Sagehen Spur 626AA is in the Boise National Forest, less than 2 hours north of Boise. The main road, Sagehen Reservoir Road, has lots of spur trails like this one where you will find dozens of dispersed camping sites. This trail has Tripod Meadow opposite the trailhead which has the Tripod Creek running through it. The meadow is a beautiful location to watch for the wildlife that calls this area home. Besides deer and elk, be aware of bear and mountain lion as well. Watch yourself, your children, and your pets accordingly.
5/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 06/05/2022
Scriver Creek Road
Scriver Creek Road is in the Boise National Forest, just north of the quaint and very rural town of Crouch, Idaho. The area offers snowmobiling, kayaking on the Payette River, hiking, hunting, camping, and of course, 4 wheeling. This trail specifically is the Mother of several Scriver Trails, many of them listed in this guide. Trails with spurs of their own and ending in additional routes to explore for miles of 4x4 fun. When you include the 8 fantastic dispersed campsites to choose from, 6 of which are creekside, you have a trail that deserves a visit, an hour, a day, or 2 weeks. You'll leave knowing you've experienced the beauty of the Boise National Forest.
4/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 07/16/2024
Sunset Mountain Lookout
Sunset Mountain Lookout 316 is a jeep trail located in the southeastern part of the Boise National Forest, an hour and a half from Boise, and less than 30 minutes from the historic mining town of Idaho City. The Boise National Forest covers a vast 2.5 million acres ranging from forest to grassland.
Sunset Mountain Lookout leads to an unmanned fire lookout built in 1958 with impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and ridges within the Boise National Forest. Sunset Mountain Lookout was registered in October 2011 on the National Historic Lookout Register and is at an elevation of 7,869 ft. Visitors can walk up to the 10-foot concrete base and around the catwalk to take in the views from all directions.
This trail has various options for dispersed camping as pullovers or off the road. For those who enjoy combining hiking, equestrian, or hiking with off-roading, there are a few trailheads along the road with room for parking.
5/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 10/23/2023
Timber Flat 666A1/A2
Timber Flat 666A1/A2 is in the Boise National Forest and south of the area known as Sagehen Reservoir. A1 and A2 are actually spur trails from the main Timber Flat. It was decided to combine these two shorter trails into a nice 1.2-mile trail since it loops onto itself at the trail's end. This area is less than 2 hours from Boise, making it the perfect getaway spot for a few hours of offroad wheeling, camping in one of the dozens of dispersed campsites you can find on these trails, or being a bit more comfortable in one of four improved campsites at the lake. The rainbow trout fishing will be fantastic in 2021 since the campgrounds have been closed all of 2020 because of logging activities for fire management. Beautiful bull elk can be spotted along this trail, as well as much other wildlife.
5/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 06/05/2022
Wash Creek
690 Wash Creek is in the Boise National Forest, east of Garden Valley. The trail is only an hours drive from the busier Boise area, so it's an ideal destination for some quick 4-wheeling fun. The trail is just a few hundred feet south of the beautiful South Fork Payette River, which is world renowned for its whitewater rafting and kayaking competitions. The scenery along the trail and creek is spectacular, especially in the spring and fall. Your dogs will be welcome on this trail but keep them close at hand.
4.3/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 07/23/2023
West Blacks Creek Road
If you are looking for an easy, leisurely, scenic drive not far from Boise, then this is the perfect road for you! West Blacks Creek Road is located in the Boise National Forest, has wonderful views of volcanic canyons winding along the South Fork Boise River, and hidden waterfalls come from streams out of the snowcapped mountains flowing into the river. It can take less than 30 minutes to hit the trailhead from Boise. It is an excellent trail for birdwatching as raptors such as hawks, and eagles like to nest along the rocky canyons, surf the wind streams and hunt along the South Fork River. There are also numerous hiking, camping, and has trailhead accesses to the Danskin Mountain OHV Trail System. It ends in the small town of Prairie.
4/5 (3 reviews)
Updated: 07/23/2023
West Fork Alder Creek
The west fork of Alder Creek is in the beautiful Boise National Forest. It is mid-way between Placerville to the south and Garden Valley to the north. Placerville is a border-line ghost town from the 1800s and it's by-gone mining and logging prosperity. Garden Valley, with the south fork of the Payette River running through it, is internationally known for its white-water kayaking. The foliage and forest canopy of this trail has to be experienced to fully appreciate the beauty you will see from this trail. It is also a major ranging area for thousands of elk. The trail itself is well known to campers and hunters alike. This trail is in hunter unit #33 for those needing to research seasons and game.
5/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 08/28/2023
Archie Creek Road
Archie Creek Road, FR-542, is a mountain ridge road located in the central part of the Boise National Forest. The Boise National Forest covers a vast 2.5 million acres ranging from forest and grassland. This trail is approximately 2 hours from Boise and an hour from the historic mining town of Idaho City. This is a great option if you want to avoid the crowds on Idaho-21 or just want to look at mountains and feel like you are on top of the world as this road winds down off of the Banner Ridge offering impressive views of the surrounding mountains and ridges within the Boise National Forest. There is a great overlook that offers an amazing view of the Idaho -21/Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route and the Payette River. The trail then descends down, crosses the Payette River, and passes through the small community of Kirkham. There is one dispersed campsite on this trail in a great open area with 360 panoramic views of the nearby mountain peaks and ridges.
5/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 08/28/2023
Banner Creek Road
Banner Creek Road, FR-385, is a mountain ridge road offering knockout views of the Kirkham Ridge, Lowman Valley, and leads to an abandoned mining ghost town located in the central part of the Boise National Forest. WesternMiningHistory.com has a great article about the lifespan of the mining town of Banner. The Boise National Forest covers a vast 2.5 million acres ranging from forest and grassland. This trail is approximately an hour and a half from Boise and 35 minutes from the historic mining town of Idaho City. The trail descends down along Banner Creek and should connect with Pikes Fork 312, but currently ends just past the ghost town of Banner due to road conditions and washouts. There are a few dispersed campsite options on this trail as pullovers or off the road.
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