Idaho Off-Road Trails

Nestled between river canyons, Indian Hot Springs is a hidden desert oasis with stunning views in every direction. Leaving the stark Inside Desert, the excitement peaks as you see the Bruneau River’s flowing waters, topped with steam from the hot springs, plunging 2,300 feet into Bruneau Canyon. This ancient route, once traversed by the indigenous Paiute-Shoshone for trade and relaxation, later attracted prospectors in search of the prized Bruneau Jasper, whose remnants still dot the landscape. This trail is a must-explore when visiting the Bruneau-Jarbidge area.

Harris Creek connects the historic mining town of Placerville and Horseshoe Bend. Combine Harris Creek with

Centerville Road

to make a nice easy scenic loop to Idaho City. In 1863, at the height of the gold rush, Placerville had a population of 3,200, mainly consisting of miners and townspeople who worked the Basin. Later, logging and ranching became the predominant occupations. Since World War II, outdoor recreation, second homeowners, and tourism have become important to Central Idaho and the Boise Basin. This road also goes by the historic Star Ranch homestead located across a picturesque meadow with mountains in the background. There are various dispersed campsites along this trail from creekside to mountain ridge.

Two Headed Dragon is a short, 1/2 mile rock trail that might take all day, depending on how your rig is equipped. Two lockers and 35" tires are recommended minimums for this trail. It's called Two-Headed Dragon because, after the first waterfall, the trail splits into a right-hand side and a left-hand side. Two Headed Dragon is a true rock crawling trail, so expect loose, rolling rocks and vertical climbs for most of the trail. Make sure your hubs are locked as you start the entrance to Two Headed Dragon. There is a bit of a gatekeeper, but it is mild. After, you will wind up the trail to the first Waterfall. The first Waterfall is the hardest part of the trail if you are completing the left-hand side of the Dragon. The Waterfall is a four-foot vertical climb. Four-door Jeeps and longer rigs have break over issues on this climb and get hung up on their skid plates. Depending on your rig and tire height, there are a couple of lines on this waterfall. However, a lot of rigs have to winch over this point. After the Waterfall, it is decision time: left and easy, or do you try the right-hand side of the dragon? The right-hand side has loose, rolling rocks-from basketball size to ottoman size at the bottom of the climb. Rigs have to do a three-point turn to get lined up in the bottom, so these rocks can catch a diff or a driveline easily before even starting up the right-hand side. The line tends to be farther to passenger than people want to believe because it feels like a rollover waiting to happen. Once the climb starts, there are several stair steps of rock and a squeeze chute to navigate. At the exit to the right-hand side, there is an optional V-notch at the top that has climbed multiple shades of paint from sheet metal. If that is your choice, the left-hand side is still not a giveaway. Drivers have to navigate a three-foot step with lots of loose shale. Then, the trail turns back to the right in a vertical rock climb that threatens to hang up diffs on solid rock and as you have to slowly crawl to the top. Once up on top, the two sides come back together. There is one more tough spot on the trail. The last obstacle is another four-foot waterfall that rock buggies have a hard time pulling. There is an optional route to the left and driving around the large rock that makes the waterfall. Drivers must put their rock sliders on the rock and pivot around to complete the last waterfall. This can be really tough on longer, four-door rigs. After the last obstacle, climb over the top of the hill and down to the sand wash below where Two Headed Dragon joins into Lost Trail. Camping is dispersed with no formal camp spots on this trail. To get to the Two Headed Dragon from Nampa, head south on Highway 78 towards Murphy. About three miles before Murphy, there is a large, gravel parking lot on the right-hand side of the road on a sweeping right-hand curve. This is the beginning of Road H216. Take H216 and turn left on H100. Turn right on H170, which leads to the entrance to Two Headed Dragon, labeled H171 on the maps.

Winding through the rugged beauty of Idaho’s backcountry, Moon Pass, also known as North Fork St. Joe Road, is a scenic gateway that connects the historic town of Wallace with the quiet community of Avery along the St. Joe River. This 30-mile route is more than just a drive; it's a journey through time and terrain, following the path of the decommissioned Milwaukee Road railroad that once carried electrified trains from 1909 until 1980.

A large portion of the road rides atop the original rail grade, offering travelers a steady, well-maintained track that transitions from pavement just outside Avery to gravel, and eventually dirt and rock as you climb toward the summit of Moon Pass. Along the way, you’ll pass through seven narrow, one-lane train tunnels and cross over remnants of old trestles, with sweeping views of the North Fork of the St. Joe River unfolding around every bend. Thanks to seasonal maintenance by Shoshone County. It usually opens to vehicles in late May or early June, depending on snowmelt and tunnel upkeep. During winter, the route is closed to cars and may be groomed for snowmobiling instead. There are no visible campsites available off this trail.

One of the most captivating elements of this drive is its history. The route was once part of an electrified rail line designed to mitigate wildfire risk following the devastating 1910 fire. Today, relics of that era remain, like the railcar on display next to the historic depot in Avery, where you can dive deeper into the Milwaukee Road's legacy.

Despite its mountainous surroundings, this is an easy and accessible drive. The road is full-width and generally in good condition.

Keep an eye out for shuttle buses traveling to and from the nearby Route of the Hiawatha bike trail. Whether you're in it for the views, the tunnels, or the history, Moon Pass is a must-do for anyone looking to explore a scenic and storied slice of Idaho’s 4x4-friendly wilderness.

Forest Service Development Road 227 runs from Featherville to Ketchum. Different maps have different names for the road, but FS227 is consistent across map packages for the entire road length. It is the perfect road for viewing wildflowers.

FS227 is an easy road to drive, but due to washouts, potholes, and rocks, a vehicle with reasonable ground clearance and good tires is recommended. Dust and blind curves are general hazards.

There are several designated campgrounds on the Featherville end of the road and designated and numbered individual campsites on the Ketchum end. Dispersed camping is also allowed along most of the road, but, particularly on the Ketchum end, care should be taken to avoid private property.

Thompsons Hole, FR 363, is a fun, rocky trail leading to the Fall River and Sheep Falls. Photos don't do the waterfall justice. It doesn't show the mist you feel that the gentle breeze lays upon you as the water violently tumbles into this 3-sided hole to the Fall River below, along with the loud rumbling sound from the multiple falls making conversation complicated along with that somewhat overwhelming feeling at the crest of the falls. Aspens, pine, and spruce line the trail with tall green grass. The occasional clearing with colorful wildflowers makes for a pleasant drive. There are rocky sections requiring decent ground clearance and 4-wheel drive. There's only one campsite along this trail, but it's gorgeous along the river a half mile upstream from the waterfall with easy access to a much calmer section of the Fall River.

A few steep vertical traverses and relatively narrow shelf roads keep this track from qualifying as a beginner track, but it's otherwise an easy, relaxing, and impeccably beautiful trail from McCall into Idaho's famous backcountry fishing areas.

The first part of the trail features the beautiful Little Payette Lake and a handful of dispersed campsites tucked into the surrounding trees. The path then climbs up the mountain pass revealing stunning views of rock faces, peaks, and green valleys. While easily navigable, the first half of the route does feature a few bumps and potholes, along with patches of rock that can be rough on driver and passengers alike.

Once across the high pass and down into the river valley below, there are multiple dispersed camping areas with easy access to top-tier fly fishing spots along Lick Creek and connecting with the South Fork of the Salmon River. Along the route are also a few small formal campgrounds.

Are you looking for an overlander's paradise camping spot? This is it if you are looking for your own private fishing and camping spot on public land. Follow Beaver Creek, FR 8, to Josephus Lake and Josephus Lake Campground. The lakeside campground is almost 20 miles in. The campground is all primitive camping. The trail also has several dispersed camping spots along the way. The road is rocky gravel with embedded rock. There are several steep switchbacks with an overall elevation gain of 2400 feet. The entrance to the campground has a deep water crossing. The crossing has a hard bottom but could challenge low-clearance vehicles.

Sunset Peak Road, often referred to locally as simply "8th Street" (the road name of the very last portion of the trail before it joins the ridge), is a well-maintained track providing incredible views of the city of Boise and connects you to the Boise Ridge. This trail is passable by any vehicle with moderate clearance. It's common to find a sedan parked along the trail in one of the turnoffs. The most challenging part of the trail is a small rutted hill, but it is still passable in 2WD. This trail is fantastic for sightseers looking to get an elevated view of Boise and is particularly stunning at night. Camping is not allowed anywhere on the trail.

When turning onto Trinity Ridge Road from the south, one should note the sign that says passenger cars and trailers are not recommended. The first few miles are the typical low-maintenance dirt and gravel forest road. As the climb up to the pass on the shoulder of Trinity Mountain starts, the road degrades with washouts, ruts, rocks, and switchbacks. The Hardest Part photo does not do that section justice. It’s not long, but it is steep with large rocks. A true 4WD is needed. All-terrain tires are recommended. Other than the few miles climbing the south side of the pass, the rest of the road is easy. If driving up from the Rocky Bar/Featherville end of Ridge Road, a passenger vehicle should be adequate to get as far as Trinity Lakes. Just above the lakes is the pass.

Trinity Ridge has spectacular views on both sides. Alas, a large portion of the Ridge was burned in 2012, so the view is sometimes obstructed (enhanced?) by standing dead trees. But the view of the nearby valleys and distant mountains is awe-inspiring!

Although there are plenty of opportunities for dispersed camping, the gem of the Ridge is the Trinity Lakes area with clear blue waters, well-developed campgrounds, and many hiking trails.  

If you want a trail with a view, this is the one! Shortly after starting Relay Ridge, you're treated to a beautiful view of the lower valley, but the best is absolutely yet to come. The trail steadily climbs up Packsaddle Basin headed for Ryan Peak with 2 or 3 noticeable campsites, but it's not a camping goldmine like other trails in the area. The real treat is the last mile and a half, where the pines open up to alpine meadows as you're nearing the top of the ridge and the radio towers. At the top, you look directly across the Teton Valley, where the town of Driggs sits, and see the entire Teton range, including Grand Teton.