Dry Creek

Hidden within the wide-open reaches of Butte County, Dry Gulch Road, also known as the Mulkey Bar route, is a remote, unpaved byway that quietly meanders through central Idaho’s raw and untamed landscape. Acting as a connector between Summit Creek/Pahsimeroi Road and Pass Creek Road, this route skirts near the historic Mulkey Bar site, which was once a small but active mining or ranching hub. Now long abandoned, its presence is marked only on aging USGS maps and faded terrain.

As you travel, the road opens to sweeping views of Butte County’s arid basin and the distant silhouettes of the Lost River Range. Though mostly flat, the drive is lightly traveled and remains unimproved. Expect gravel stretches with washboard ruts, patches of loose rock, and the occasional washout. It's well-suited for those seeking a slower-paced, off-grid alternative to the region’s more trafficked routes.

No established campsites were visible along the route. Still, the solitude and sense of quiet exploration make it a rewarding passage for overlanders and backroad explorers connecting the region’s scenic byways. This is a place where you pack in what you need, drive with intention, and let the landscape do the talking.