Continental Divide Road

5/5 (4 reviews)
Island Park, Idaho (Fremont County)
Last Updated: 09/18/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

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.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (4)
Official Crew
27800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/04/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The snow was still high on the mountain peaks, white clouds scattered on a deep blue sky, green grass, wildflowers, and a cool breeze in July. What a great way to spend the day.
Official Crew
27800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/14/2021

We made a loop around the Goose Fire, hoping to watch the air tankers or helicopters working the fire, but were unable to find a clear vantage point. The north side of this trail was beautiful with tall green grass and wildflowers, quite different than the Red Rock Lakes side. However, it was still a fun drive and nice to sit and look over Henrys Lake for a while. Then we headed the rest of the way south to Red Rock Pass and over to Elk Lake Road to North Valley Road and Gravely Range Drive before dropping back into the Madison River Valley by way of Johnny Ridge. It was a great trip. In total, we saw three does, a buck, a moose and calf, a few small groups of pronghorn antelope, and a flock of sheep. The grass is still nice and green high on the mountains, with butterflies, wildflowers... and deer flies. Unfortunately, our lunch spot was short-lived.
Official Crew
27800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/26/2020

Love the views and wildflowers. This is a fun trail that we travel a few times a year.
Official Crew
27800
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/14/2019

I really like this trail, the scenery is great and the road is in pretty good shape in comparison to a lot of the others around here. Henrys Lake Overlook is a must. Today was a pretty clear day all the way to Red Rock Lakes and still a lot of wildflowers.

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