Oakley Rogerson Road

The Oakley Rogerson Road completely crosses the south unit of the Sawtooth National Forest, often called the South Hills, primarily on FS 500 but with short sections on FS 533 and 538. It is the primary east-west access across. The road starts outside the Forest near Oakley and continues outside the Forest near Rogerson. Near the middle of the trip is the Rock Creek Recreation Area, which includes the Magic Mountain Ski and Diamond Field Jack Snowmobile Areas. Due to heavy traffic, a short section between Magic Mountain and Diamond Field Jack is paved. The rest of the road is good gravel, easy to drive, and suitable for any vehicle.

Except for a short section near the Rock Creek Recreation Area, dispersed camping is allowed, and there are many available sites. Several campgrounds are along the road, with tables, fire rings, and pit toilets available. One of the more exciting and unique areas near the west end of the road is the Home of the Hummingbirds, where local volunteers hang hundreds of hummingbird feeders, and there are often several hundred hummingbirds in the area feeding on the provided nectar!

As one climbs into the National Forest, the flora changes to aspen, pine, and fir stands interspersed with the sagebrush desert. Much of the road is at a relatively high elevation, which provides spectacular panoramic views. There are a few areas of private property inholdings that must be respected.