MotorcycleJazz - Tour of Idaho Route Description

The Tour of Idaho

Note: This description will be modified for the 2012 Tour which will include some 100+ miles of new single track and primitive trail. We will have everything updated sometime before Summer. Stay tuned.

500K Map. 100K Maps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6 Map color code: white = smooth surface (easiest), green = gravel/improved dirt, blue = primitive surface (requiring moderate attention), yellow = rough jeep or ATV trail (easy technical), red = extremely rough trail (harder technical), purple = variant of the preferred route.

For National Geographic TOPO users the complete .tpo map file, our waypoint file and our exported 2011 T1 gpx file Please read this and this before you email us about gps files or maps.

You will find the TID FAQ useful. Also check out the Tour of Idaho Challenge and our Tour of Idaho Manifesto. We have an extensive collection of Tour of Idaho videos on our YouTube page. The Idaho SNOTEL page provides valuable information about the nature of snow levels on many passes along the Tour. The Idaho Digital Atlas contains a wealth of useful information about the Tour route. We also highly recommend the Roadside Geology of Idaho, an indispensable pre-ride winter read.

A trail is much more than a line on a map - it's the sum of of the efforts of all who worked to make it a reality. We owe a great debt of gratitude to several individuals who helped us wrestle this epic off of our laptops and into the great outdoors.

Tracy J. Gravelle, the trails coordinator for the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, spent hours with us on the phone and in exchanges of email planning the route through the St. Joe. Stacy Baker of the Challis District provided much useful assistance. The Challis district, btw, has the best trail crew in the state.

Many thanks to Donn Dennis who provided information on northern Idaho.

Thanks to our friends at Pocatello Power Sports for keeping us in bikes, tires and accessories.

And thanks to the staff of Mocha Madness where much of this epic was plotted.

Note: Many of the small towns along the Tour route have at least one establishment with free WiFi. A WiFi enabled cell phone will generally be the only inexpensive way of checking in with family and friends at the end of each day.

The following route description breaks the Tour into six segments connecting larger towns along the route. Based on our experience competent, well-equipped parties traveling at reasonable speeds will have little trouble knocking off the entire Tour in six or seven days. Slower parties will require over a week to complete the Tour while those riding at a Baja 1000 pace will require just a few days. The advantages of the suggested schedule are that accommodations are not a problem and the riding difficulties are well-distributed so that one day is not significantly more difficult than the next. Based on both our own experience and our informal survey of those who've completed the Tour we'd recommend the following: 1 - Utah to Pocatello, 2 - Pocatello to Arco, 3 - Arco to Challis, 4 - Challis to Elk City, 5 - Elk City to Powell RS, 6 - Powell RS to Wallace, 7 - Wallace to Upper Priest Lake.

Please bear in mind that though we have covered every inch of the recommended route and believe our descriptions to be accurate conditions can change, in some instances very rapidly, due to weather, fire, human activities, road closures, etc. Also understand that the route description and GPS files provided here are no substitute for the ability to pull out a map and discern the lay of the land. Those attempting to substitute a GPS unit for the ability to read a map and reconnoiter the lay of the land will doubtless spend a lot of time lost.

The Tour of Idaho is not a casual undertaking. Completing the Tour without incident requires reasonably high degrees of riding skill, outdoor acumen, physical conditioning, route finding ability, mechanical skill, knowledge of emergency first aid and a healthy dollop of good luck. The information on this website is not meant as a substitute for any of the above. A trail that we describe as flat and fast, for instance, may change overnight as the result of a storm. You ride the Tour at your own risk. Any attempt to replace eyes on the spot judgment with something you read here will likely result in calamity. You may want to check out the FAQ for answers to specific questions we've gotten (or wish we had).

Jenkins Hollow to Pocatello (125 miles)

Utah to Pocatello

The first day of the Tour, though the shortest in terms of miles, holds the most continuous technical challenge. Roughly half of the route consists of rugged jeep and atv trail. Most will find this to be a full day (8+ hours). Gas, food and water are not a problem with the longest distance between services being about 50 miles.

The Tour begins in Jenkins Hollow just north of the Idaho-Utah border. Take the Deep Creek Road exit (#17) off I-15 then travel east and south on ID 36 approximately 20 miles to Black Canyon road on the south (right) side of the road. Black Canyon road is a dirt farm road that winds through fields and around farm houses to Black Canyon in the hills a few miles from the highway. Proceed 5 miles down Black Canyon road to a grassy parking area in the middle of a large U turn at the base of a hill. Unload bikes here.

You'll encounter a farm gate after about a mile just beyond the top of the hill and around a few corners. Proceed through the gate and down the hill into Jenkins Hollow. Follow the route south to Steel Canyon where the trail turns north at the Utah border (purists may turn left here and ride 50 feet to the actual Utah border which is marked with a sign).

Head north 6 miles along a series of roads and ATV trails to Dry Creek Campground. Follow the dirt road east out of Dry Creek to ID 36, some 5 miles from the campground. Cross the highway and follow the route along a series of roads north 7.5 miles toward Weston Peak. The last mile below Weston Peak consists of a steep ATV trail that will, in average conditions, provide a challenge for large or heavily loaded bikes. Consult a topographic map for alternative routing. We recommend county road D1 as a the bail out alternative to the Weston Peak/Oxford Ridge section of the Tour for all large bikes though this is not considered a legitimate variation of the Tour since it avoids one of the major challenges.

You'll emerge from the woods just below the top of the ridge between Old Baldy and Weston Peaks to a spectacular view of Clifton Creek and the Cache Valley. The trail descends a few miles through open terrain to a corral where it begins a new climb up a road that goes North toward Buck Peak. The road eventually crosses a divide and descends about a mile into Davis Basin where it turns into an ATV trail. A one mile climb leads to Oxford Ridge where the real fun begins. In the next two miles the trail ascends the steep spine of Oxford Ridge gaining about 2000'. Bikes with low-altitude jetting may suffer from a lack of power on a few of the steeper climbs near the top of the ridge (8281').

After a couple of miles the ridge levels off and heads northwest toward the summit of Oxford Peak. After about a mile along the ridge crest the Tour route leaves the ridge east near Pine Corral Spring (just before the next long steep climb) and descends a rocky and rugged ATV trail steeply into Oxford Basin. The detour from the ridge is not obvious and a look at the GPS track (video) will prove extremely useful. (NOTE: there is no obvious way out of Oxford Basin that doesn't involve a steep and technical climb. If the ascent of Oxford Ridge seemed challenging go no further (see why). Turn around and descend Oxford Ridge back to Clifton Basin and from there ride east down to the town of Clifton, then take D1 north to Red Rocks Pass.)

After a long descent the trail climbs out of Oxford basin. A series of short climbs leads to a dirt road that goes east (right). Take the first left (less than 1/4 of a mile) and head steeply uphill to a series of roads and ATV trails leading some 4 miles to Aspen Hollow. A wide farm road (Cedar Knoll Road) descends straight down into Marsh Valley. Follow this road about 4 miles to an intersection with Back Downata Road and turn right. Follow Back Downata Road east a few miles past Downata Hot Springs to US 91. Though it shouldn't be an issue at this point gas is available a few miles north on Highway 91 in Downey or south at Swan Lake.

After crossing US 91 the Tour jogs south about a mile to Calvin Road (Red Rocks Back) on the east (left), east along Pratt Road, Lone Pine Creek Road and up Swan Creek to the Cottonwood Valley. The route then follows a series of logging roads and ATV trails that ascend to the summit of Sedgwick Peak (9167'). A series of roads follows the crest of the Portneuf Range northwest from Sedgwick Peak some 10 miles eventually descending to Lava Hot Springs - a resort community that is an excellent place to stop for food and gas before the final sprint to Pocatello.

The Tour heads west out of Lava Hot Springs on US 30 and turns north (right) on Sunnyside Road after about a mile. Head north 3 miles up Beach Hollow to an intersection with the Boundary Trail. One may follow the Boundary Trail either east or west around the Portneuf range. Either route leads to Inkom Pass (7232') some 30 trail miles north of Lava. The preferred route heads west over the Portneuf Range crest down into Bob Smith Creek.

After crossing Bob Smith Creek the trail climbs steeply two miles to a spectacular view of the cliffs above Harkness Creek. Follow the rugged and rocky trail west then north down into Harkness Creek, then north along the western flanks of the Portneuf range about 10 miles to an intersection with Upper Rock Creek Road. Follow this west then north to Bonneville road, then continue north 8 miles to Inkom.

Follow old highway 30 north out of Inkom 5 miles (pavement) to Blackrock Canyon. Turn north (right) onto Blackrock Canyon road. A short distance later, just after going under the interstate overpass, one may turn left onto a dirt road that ascends steeply via a series of switchbacks to a spectacular ridge above. This road is a jeep trail but is quite steep and, in places, rocky. One may follow the ridge north to the summit of Chinese Peak (6700'). The preferred route may be found by riding up Blackrock Canyon Road 1.5 miles past a parking area on the left to a point where the road splits into three roads. Take the center road that follows Blackrock Creek north 3 miles to a series of whoops that lead to a jeep trail on a ridge. Turn left and follow an ATV trail 3.75 miles west as it winds it's way spectacularly to a ridge near the summit of Chinese Peak.

From the summit of Chinese Peak the town of Pocatello lies in the valley to the west before you, and any road off the top of Chinese Peak that goes west or north leads to town. The recommended path is the wide, improved well-traveled gravel road that descends to the west. If you take this route you'll encounter the TID flagpole on the left about 100 yards after reaching pavement at the top of Barton Road.

Pocatello is a full-service community of 50,000 with three motorcycle shops: Pocatello Power Sports (Honda/KTM) and Sport Motors (Kawasaki) along with numerous hotels, motels and restaurants. We recommend Mocha Madness for coffee; The Sand Trap, Mama Inez, Remos or the Sandpiper for lunch and dinner; and Hooligans or the Green T for local ambiance after dark. Best bets for provisions and services are Pocatello Power Sports for motorcycle related needs, Barrie's Ski & Sports for general outdoor equipment, and Fred Meyer for food and general supplies.

While in Pocatello please be sure to patronize these supporters of the Tour of Idaho.

Pocatello to Arco (258 miles)

Day two starts out with a few technical challenges right out of the chute., mellows, gets downright interesting out of American Falls, then mellows again. Nine hours ought to suffice at any reasonable clip. The longest stretch between fuel stops is 145 miles (between American Falls and Arco). Begin by heading west out of Pocatello, following Benton Street to Johnson to Whitman to Lincoln and ultimately City Creek Road. Follow City Creek Road about 10 miles southwest to the top of Kinport Peak (7179'). Turn right at the "T" intersection near the top of Kinport Peak and continue southwest along the ridge. After a mile or so, just after a pond (Horse Lake), the road descends left into Midnight Creek. Take the ATV trail which heads downhill at Dead Cow Spring and follow it along the banks of the creek. The trail is rocky and has some steep (albeit very short) sections but it's downhill and there are no major impediments for any but the largest bikes. After a couple of miles the trail turns abruptly left and climbs steeply 1/4 of a mile up Pole Canyon leaving the creek. This climb has several sharp turns and some tree roots across the trail but, again, not anything that should provide a challenge for any but the largest bikes. At the top of the gulch the trail winds it's way slightly downhill for about a mile to an intersection with the Elk Meadows Loop Trail. Turn left (north) and follow the loop clockwise some 4.5 miles to Elk Meadows. Turn left (south) and take a dirt road south about 5 miles to Crystal Summit and Mink Creek Road.

Head south on Mink Creek Road about 1.5 miles to Myler Road on the left. Proceed down Myler Road a few miles to another intersection with Mink Creek Road, then follow Mink Creek south several miles to an intersection with Lusk Loop on the left. Follow Lusk Loop south then west several miles to an intersection with Arbon Valley Road. Cross Arbon Valley Road and go another 1/2 mile to an intersection with Bailey Road. Turn left (south) and follow Bailey Road a mile or so to Knox Canyon Road. Turn right (west) and follow Knox Canyon Road several miles west and south to a pass just north of Deep Creek Peak. Continue west, descending into Big Canyon toward ID 37 in the Rockland Valley. At the intersection of Big Canyon Road and ID 37 continue west, crossing ID 37, to Flint Canyon Road.

Follow Flint Canyon Road southwest about 9 miles to an intersection with NFD 579. Turn right (north) and follow this road to an intersection with NFD 569 at the top of a pass. Turn left (south) and continue along NFD 579 as it descends Sheep Canyon for a few miles to an intersection with NFD 577 on the right. Head steeply uphill on NFD 577 to a pass and descend into Houtz Canyon. Follow NFD 577 down Houtz Canyon about 4.5 miles to an intersection with a road on the left that leads to Dairy Canyon. Follow this road uphill a mile or so to a pass and then descend another 3/4 of a mile into Dairy Canyon proper.

Follow the road right at the first intersection and left at the second (indistinct) a short distance later. After the second intersection head uphill (west) to a pass just east of Badger Peak (6500'). There is a faint road that leaves the pass west and can be ridden a half mile or so to the top of Badger Peak that should not be missed.

From the pass descend 1.5 miles to a four-way intersection at the base of the hill. Proceed straight through this intersection and continue north 5 miles along Fall Creek to an intersection with Benson Spring Road. Turn right (continuing on Fall Creek Road) and head steeply up then downhill about a 1.5 miles to an intersection with Register Road (paved).

Turn right and head east on Register road to the Register Rock roadside park - a historic point on the Oregon Trail. Head east another couple of miles to Deeg Road on the right. Head east on Deeg Road (yeehaa!) 3.25 miles to an intersection with Rock Creek Road (paved). Head north 3.5 miles to the I-86 overpass and continue along Eagle Rock Road, which runs east along the north side of the Interstate, another 3.25 miles to an intersection with South Frontage Road that leads 2 miles into American Falls.

The route out of American Falls proceeds west along ID 39 across the American Falls Dam. Just across the dam turn left (west) onto Lamb Weston Road. Jog around a few corners and turn south (left) on Borah Road a short distance later. Follow Borah Road south and west about a mile to a railroad crossing. From here follow Lake Channel Road 3.75 miles southwest and begin looking for a large, obvious sandy bowl on the right. The next 30 miles of deep sandy trail is one of the technical highlights of the Tour. If you aren't good at deep sand or deep sandy whoops don't worry - you will be by the time you finish this section.

Bear off Lake Channel Road into the bowl and follow a trail west then north that winds through sand dunes, sandy whoops and lava rock some 10 miles to Bonanza Lake. There are a myriad of trails criss-crossing this area and you'll end up riding around in very tiring circles without paying close attention to the GPS track. At times the sand is quite deep and the dunes high and steep. Though exciting, these trails are well-ridden and mostly avoid serious hazards. Beware of large lava rocks, often hidden in the sand, that you may assume are bolted directly to the center of the earth in terms of their ability to move upon impact. You'll need to keep up your speed to climb the omnipresent dunes but at a level below reckless abandon.

About 10 miles beyond the dune complex at Bonanza Lake the road turns north at Wapi and crosses the railroad tracks. From here the route skirts the east edge of the Wapi Lava Flow some 35 miles to the Great Rift - an area of lava tubes and deep chasms in the lava. Several lava caves are right along the route and may be safely explored in a few minutes with a flashlight.

From Crystal Ice Cave head north and east about 25 miles to S2800W N Powerline Road. Turn left (north). Follow this road north 2 miles to West 300 South (faint). Turn right (east) and proceed along the north side of a field to a road that crosses the desert some 4 miles to an intersection with Big Butte-Springfield Road.

Big Southern Butte-Springfield Road was once the Goodale Cutoff variation of the Oregon Trail and the road follows the original wagon ruts northwest to Big Southern Butte. Follow Big Butte Springfield road 20 miles northwest to an intersection with Well No. 2 Road. Cross Well No. 2 Road and continue northwest another 11 miles on Big Butte-Springfield Road to an intersection with French Glen Road at the base of Big Southern Butte. The Big Southern Butte-Springfield Road goes around the south side of the Butte (left) and French Glen Road goes around the north side (right). The Big Southern Butte-Springfield Road is faster but a little longer.

Either route around the Butte leads to Frenchman's Cabin on its northwest side. The 6-mile trek to the top of the Butte, which begins at Frenchman's Cabin, is not to be missed. On a clear day the view from the top (7560') includes a dozen mountain ranges, 1/3 of the T1, most of T2 and parts of Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho's Snake River Valley from the Tetons all the way to Boise.

From Frenchman's Cabin the Tour proceeds west along Quaking Aspen-Frenchman Road some 10 miles around the southern boundary of the Idaho National Laboratory toward Quaking Aspen Butte and an intersection with the Arco-Minidoka road. Head north along the Arco-Minidoka road 14 miles to an intersection with US 20/26/93. Turn north (right) and proceed about a mile into Arco.

Arco is a small community with a motorcycle shop (Lost River Honda), a variety of eateries and several motels. It's a dirt bike friendly town and anything short of wheelies down main street will probably pass without notice.

While in Arco please be sure to patronize these supporters of the Tour of Idaho.

Arco to Challis (140 - 220 miles)

Day three is one of the Tour highlights. You'll travel around and over the highest points in Idaho. The 218 miles of riding is tremendous and the scenery spectacular. There is little gas between Arco and Challis 140+ miles to the north (depending on the route taken) so you'll want to load up with as much as you can carry. For those following the preferred route (up to Chinese Wall) gas may be found at Old Sawmill Station after 170 miles. For those taking the older route over Grouse Peak it's 140+ miles to Challis with no gas. Most will find the recommended route to be a full day (9+ hours).

Either way the route out of Arco may be found off US 20/26 near the southeast edge of town. Look for the large submarine parked on the east side of the highway (we kid you not). Turn east (left) at the sub onto HiWay Drive which parallels US 20/26 southeast for a 0.3 miles to a fork in the road. Take the east (left) fork 1 mile to an intersection with Arco Pass Road on the north (left). After about 7 miles the Arco Pass Road intersects Sheep Camp Road near the base of King Mountain. Two variations of the Tour are possible from this point.

The more scenic heads west (left) on Sheep Camp Road past a large natural arch then up and over Beverland Pass (7416') and down King Canyon into the Big Lost River Valley. A few miles of mixed gravel and paved farm roads lead north to Pass Creek Canyon with it's majestic 400' cliffs flanking the climb up the east side of the Lost River Range to Pass Creek Summit (7722'). From the summit of Pass Creek descend 8.25 miles to an intersection with Dry Creek Road (NFD 119) on the northwest (left) side of Pass Creek Road.

The other (all dirt) variant follows Arco Pass Road north 3.5 miles to Arco Pass (7144') then descends into the Little Lost River Valley on the east side of the Lost River Range. The route proceeds northwest along a series of dirt roads 20 miles to Deer Creek and an intersection with NFD 277 road. Turn west (left) on NFD 277 and go for about 1 mile up the canyon. Take the first major right (NFD 527) up to a spectacular pass that descends to NFD 278.

Either variation leads to the same intersection of Pass Creek Road and Dry Creek Road - your entrance into the heart of the Lost River Range.

Proceed west along Dry Creek Road approximately 6 miles to an intersection with a road at the bottom of a small hill on the north (right) that descends steeply into a gulch. This road leads to the way north. A major challenge of the Tour continues west (left) up Dry Creek 2 miles to Long Lost Creek. It's here that you'll find the Massacre Mountain Loop, a rugged 16.5 mile loop trail consisting of spectacular scenery and wild riding. The Massacre Mountain Loop is among the worst nightmares that bad dreams are capable of conjuring for those on large or heavily loaded bikes but for everyone else it is not to be missed. Allot 2 hours to complete the loop.

From the intersection with Long Lost Creek head down the valley and follow a series of roads northeast 2 miles toward Taylor Mountain and a prominent intersection with a road on the northwest (left). Turn left onto Donkey Hills Road and proceed 2.5 miles to a pass (7600'). Continue west into the Pahsimeroi Valley about 9 miles to a bridge crossing over the Pahsimeroi River. Very close to the river crossing you'll encounter a road on the south (left) side of Donkey Hills Road that follows the Pahsimeroi River south toward the Lost River Crest.

Proceed along this road 3 miles to an intersection with NFD 118 and continue south (left) another 2 miles to an intersection with NFD 117 on the west (right). NFD 117 leads to Horsehaven Pass and the way north but a very worthwhile 16 mile round trip to the headwaters of the Pahsimeroi River lies straight ahead if time and fuel permit. Note: from this intersection 50 miles remain to Challis via the shortest route. Take NFD 117 west 2.5 miles to Horsehaven Pass (8100'). From the pass it's a 3.5 mile descent to an intersection with Doublesprings Pass Road.

At Doublesprings Pass Road you have a choice of two routes north to Challis. The longer, preferred route heads east, across the Lost River Range and into the White Clouds. The shorter route heads north up the Pahsimeroi valley to Grouse Peak. It is described first.

Take Doublesprings Pass road north (right) and follow the GPS track 14 miles to an intersection with the Pahsimeroi Valley Road. From here a series of trails parallels the main road trending generally north. Follow these trails north another 8 miles until they merge with the Pahsimeroi Valley Road (note - following the main road is OK as well since there is no difference in the scenery).

Go north about a mile to White Hills/Trail Creek road (NFD 109) on the southwest (left) side of the road. Follow this road 9 miles southwest to the top of Trail Creek on the Pahsimeroi crest. Head north 2 miles along the ridge (NFD 110) toward Grouse Peak (8307') and an intersection with NFD 111 on the southwest (left). Descend 4 very steep miles down Leaton Gulch to Round Valley. Follow the GPS track south 4 miles to US 93. Head north (right) along US 93 about 3 miles into Challis.

The preferred route from Horsehaven to Challis proceeds over the Lost River Range crest via Doublesprings Pass road. Go southeast (left) along Doublesprings Pass road some 8 miles to a roadside park on the right. From here a series of roads heads north up the east side of Thousand Springs Valley roughly parallel to US 93 until they intersect 93 near Willow Creek Summit. Jump on US 93 for a quick 5.5 mile jaunt north to Road Creek Road on the west (left).

Follow Road Creek Road west some 22 miles to the East Fork of the Salmon River. Turn south (left) and roll 11 miles to an intersection with Boulder Creek Road on the west (right). Proceed west 4.5 miles to the abandoned mining town of Livingston. The next 5 miles climb steeply to the highest point of the Tour at 10,400' atop Railroad Ridge where you'll want to stop for a while to enjoy a vista that includes virtually all of the highest parts of Idaho and the spectacular Chinese Wall.

Proceed north 11 miles to French Creek where the trail narrows from dirt road, to jeep trail to single track as it descends down to the Salmon River.

From the intersection with Hwy 75 head east about a mile to Old Sawmill Station where 24 x 7 gas is available along with supplies, camping and absolutely some of the best grub along the entire Tour. From Sawmill Station it's a little over 40 miles to Challis.

From Old Sawmill Station head east along 75 1/4 of a mile to a concrete bridge on the north (left). Cross this bridge and proceed north along Squaw Creek Road around 9 miles to an intersection with Trealor Creek Road on the east (right). Follow Trealor Creek road a mile or so to an intersection with a jeep trail that heads north. Follow this trail as it climbs steeply (if you end up in a dead end wood clearing turn around and head back 1/4 of a mile to another jeep trail heading north). This jeep trail narrows to an atv trail and finally to single track near the summit of Buffalo Ridge. Follow this single track a few miles to Buster Lake.

It is possible to continue north along Squaw Creek from the Trealor Creek intersection a few more miles to the Squaw Creek trailhead, then north along a single track trail (041) a few miles to Big Meadow. From there it's 3 miles east on trail 152 to Buster Lake. About 95% of this all single track variant is mellow and fun but the 5% that is not is way not. This will probably be more adventure than many are up for near the end of a long day.

From Buster Lake follow Garden Creek Road which descends steeply some 6 miles to an intersection with Bayhorse Road on the south (right). Though it is possible to follow Garden Creek road 6 miles to Challis the recommended route ascends Keystone Gulch and follows the spectacular Beardsley Gulch to the old Bayhorse Mining site.

From Bayhorse head east down Bayhorse Road toward Hwy 75, but turn left at the bottom of the hill following the old river road (dirt) that parallels the Salmon on it's north bank. After a few miles this road intersects Hwy 75. From here it's about 6 miles to Challis.

Challis (5000') is about the same size as Arco (population 1200) and has about the same level of services. There are several motels, half a dozen or so eateries and plenty of choices for gas and supplies (the Phillips 66 station on U.S. 93 is particularly well-equipped for your TID needs: straps, gas jugs, tools, outdoor equipment - we even found 4 stroke motorcycle oil there). It's a very nice place to spend the night after a long day on the Tour. If time permits the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center (south of town at the intersection of US 93 and ID 75) is well worth taking the time to visit.

While in the Challis area please be sure to patronize these supporters of the Tour of Idaho.

Challis to Elk City (288 miles)

Note: After leaving Challis there is no cell phone coverage anywhere along the Tour route for the next 575 miles (Wallace).

Day four is easy and fast but long and begins in the middle of downtown Challis. Day four includes the second highest point of the Tour (Twin Peaks Lookout - 10,330') and what some feel is the scenic high point, the Magruder Road. Most will take 12+ hours to complete this day.

To begin head west up Main Street a few blocks to 7th Street/Challis Creek Road on the north (right). Proceed north out of town five or so miles to NFD 138 - the Darling Creek Road. From here it is a 28-mile round trip to the summit of Twin Peaks Lookout which is not to be missed.

About 16 miles north of Challis you'll cross the scenic divide between Darling Creek and Morgan Creek (7291'). Descend some 4 miles to an intersection with Morgan Creek Road (NFD 055). Turn left and proceed north 14 miles along NFD 055 to Morgan Summit (7865'). Continue north another 23 miles on NFD 055 (now Panther Creek Road) to Cobalt. Proceed another 21 miles down NFD 055 to the Salmon River and an intersection with NFD 030.

Turn east (right) and head up the road on the south side of the Salmon River 6.5 miles to the Pine Creek Bridge. Travel another 1.5 miles along the north side of the Salmon River to the Shoup Store.

The Shoup Store is the last chance for gas and grub before Elk City - many miles into the future (call ahead to find out which days the Shoup Store is open). You'll want to load up with as much gas as you can carry at Shoup as there is little chance of finding as much as a drop for much of the next 165 miles (note - should the Shoup store be closed gas is available about 20 miles to the east at North Fork). Many miles of bitter experience have taught us that dirt bikes make particularly poor wheelbarrows when employed along the Darby-Elk City Road.

Head east out of Shoup along NFD 030 about 1.5 miles to an intersection with NFD 038 on the north (left). Proceed north along NFD 038 which ascends 4000' over 16 spectacular miles to NFD 044 Road near Beartrap Ridge (8303'). Follow NFD 044 north 5.5 miles to Horse Creek Pass (7400') on the Idaho-Montana border. At the Pass NFD 044 heads west (left) along the state line. Continue straight ahead (north) on West Fork Road. After about a mile the road veers east and heads steeply downhill and for the next 20 or so miles you are in Montana. Continue generally north 10 miles to an intersection with Route 473. Turn east (right) onto the paved road and follow it generally north several miles, past the community of Alta, to mile marker 26 just south of Painted Rocks Reservoir. Turn left (west) onto NFD 5660 (Coal Creek Road) and follow it past some homes (please respect the privacy of these homeowners and take it easy while riding the right of way through their properties) for about a mile to an intersection with NFD 5658 on the right. Turn right at this and each successive each intersection for the next several miles as Upper Coal Creek Road skirts the south and west shores of Painted Rocks Reservoir on a scenic ridge high above the waters. Eventually the road descends into a valley and intersects with NFD 362. Turn left on NFD 362 and follow it a short distance to the first road that veers off to the right. Follow a series of well-marked roads 6 miles up to Tough Creek Saddle. From Tough Creek Saddle follow the road the goes north then west descending steeply down to the Nez Perce Road.

You are beginning a trek through the heart of the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states - the Frank Church. Head west on Nez Perce (also know as the Darby-Elk City Road) to Nez Perce Pass (6597'). Go west 15 miles downhill to the Selway River, then another 5 miles to the Magruder Crossing Campground and an intersection with NFD 6223 on the north (right). Go left (south) continuing along the Nez Perce Road and the Magruder Corridor. The road climbs a long grade 5 miles to Kim Creek Saddle (6000'). Continue a few more miles to the Salmon Mountain overlook (8228'). This overlook marks the halfway point of the Tour of Idaho.

Continue along the Nez Perce/Magruder Corridor/Darby-Elk City Road 45 miles, generally west, to an intersection with Dixie Road. About a mile short of Dixie Road you'll encounter a "T" intersection at the end of the Nez Perce Trail. Turn east (right) and head uphill. Follow FS1172 east then north 9 miles to Hot Springs Road. Cross Hot Springs road and continue north on FS 423 some 6.5 miles to FS 1182 on the left (west). Head west and north about 9 miles to NFD 1818 (Mother Lode Road). Follow this road a few miles as it winds it way through the hills above Elk City emerging on the northeast end of town at Main Street.

Elk City is a small logging/mining town with a motel, a bar, two general stores and a Ranger Station. Elk City has basic services but little else. Everything closes early. For accommodations we highly recommend the Elk City Hotel/Motel and Gift Shop. The Post Office and one of the diners have WiFi. Avoid using the pay phone in front of the Elk City Hotel unless the need is dire as it is run through a private company that charges an average of $14.00 per phone call.

While in Elk City please be sure to patronize these supporters of the Tour of Idaho.

Elk City to Wallace (300 miles)

You'll want to get an early start on day five as there are nearly 300 miles to cover. Many elect to ride just the first 130 miles from Elk City to Powell Ranger Station and take the rest of the day off. For the entire distance to Wallace expect to spend about 14 hours in the saddle.

The route out of Elk City is via American River Road. Go 1.5 miles to an intersection with Falls Point Road on the north (left). Proceed north along Falls Point Road 2 miles to an intersection with Elk Creek Road on the west (left). Continue north on NFD 443 about 12 miles to an intersection with NFD 464 on the west (left). Turn east (right) and continue along NFD 443 another 6 miles until the road narrows to an ATV trail near Falls Point. Here, 23 miles north of Elk City, the trail takes an amazing 3800' plunge in 7 miles to Selway Falls. Once in the valley follow the Selway River downstream a mile or so to a bridge crossing. On the other side of the bridge turn northeast (left) and follow the Selway Road 19 miles downstream to an intersection with US 12. Turn east (right) and proceed 1/4 of a mile to Lowell.

Lowell is a small resort community with a resort, a motel, a restaurant, and a general store/gas station. The resort is a great place to spend the night if you are making a short day of it. Lowell is the lowest elevation of the Tour at 1450'.

Upon leaving Lowell you'll want to carry as much gas as possible as it is 246 miles to the next easy opportunity for fuel (you can purchase inexpensive plastic gas jugs at the general store/gas station. There are two routes out of Lowell. The preferred route goes north along US 12 a little less than 2 miles to an intersection with Pete King Road on the north (left). Head north up the Pete King Trail a little over 6 miles to a clearing with a dirt road leading out of it to the west. Follow this road (NFD 5513) a mile to NFD 101. Alternatively one may continue along Pete King Trail which itself intersects NFD 101 a little farther north.

The Pete King Trail is steep and narrow and might present a problem for large or heavily loaded bikes. The alternative route out of Lowell is to head west on US 12 about 6 miles to the town of Syringa. Just west of Syringa NFD 101 intersects US 12. Turn right (north) and follow 101 to the intersection with NFD 5513. The Pete King Trail is sometimes closed at odd times to motorcycles. If time is of the essence and you need to make a choice at Lowell the alternative route, though slightly longer, is just as quick.

Continue along 101 as it winds it way northward 14 miles to Canyon Junction where you'll encounter the entrance to the Lolo Motorway. The Lolo Motorway follows the route of a historic trail followed by Native Americans and traders for hundreds of years and consists of a series of connecting ridges that afford spectacular views. Follow the Lolo Motorway northeast 50 miles to Cayuse Junction where the Tour route veers north along NFD 581. At this point it is possible to follow NFD 500 about 18 miles (one way) down to US 12 and the Powell Ranger Station where there is a general store, a gas station and lodging. For those wishing to avoid the rigorous pace of a 300+ mile Elk City to Wallace sprint Elk City to Powell RS is an incredibly pleasant 130 mile day which is then followed by another equally pleasant 170 mile Powell RS to Wallace day in which fuel capacity is not an issue. Note: Unless you are able to scrounge some gas along the way you'll need to be capable of making it another 150 miles with whatever you have without dropping down to Powell RS for gas.

From Cayuse Junction head north along NFD 581 some 22 miles along Toboggan Ridge eventually descending into Cayuse Creek. From the Cayuse landing strip continue north another 7 miles along NFD 581 to Kelly Creek. Continue north along NFD 255 some 7 miles to Deception Saddle (4462') then another 4 miles north to the North Fork of the Clearwater River and an intersection with NFD 250. Turn east (right) on NFD 250 and proceed 4 miles east then north to Cedars and an intersection with NFD 720 on the west (left) just beyond the beginning of the pavement.

NFD 720 climbs out of the Clearwater River and heads west 10 miles to Fly Hill and an intersection with NFD 715. Follow NFD 715 another 10 miles north to Gospel Hill (6457'). Continue north another 6 miles on NFD 715 to an intersection with NFD 320. Turn west (left) and follow NFD 320 along the St. Joe River 4 miles to Heller Creek Campground. Follow 320 west out of Heller Creek as it climbs steeply some 5 miles toward Red Ives Peak. Over the next 5 or so miles the road gradually descends again to the St. Joe River at Red Ives. Turn north (right) onto the St. Joe River Road (NFD 218) and follow the single lane paved road past several campgrounds lining the banks of the St. Joe.

After 9 miles you'll encounter an intersection with NFD 50 (Gold Creek Road) which is paved. Turn east (right) and head up the hill 1.5 miles to an intersection with NFD 1222 on the south (right). Follow this uphill 7 miles to an intersection with NFD 391, the State Line Trail. on the left (north) Follow NFD 391 4 miles back to NFD 50. Note: it is also possible (and perhaps wise if fuel or time are in short supply) to proceed east along NFD 50 which goes essentially to the same spot.

From NFD 50 continue on State Line Trail another 30 miles northeast past Quarles Peak, Crittenden Peak, Dominion Peak to St. Paul Pass. Turn south (left) on Cliff Creek Road and follow it a few miles south to NFD 326. Follow 326, an old railroad grade, west a few miles to an intersection with NFD 456 (Moon Pass Road). Turn north (right) on NFD 456 and follow it over Moon Pass (4826') about 20 miles to Wallace.

Wallace is a historic mining town with a current population of slightly less than 1000. It's located just off I -90 and is generally brimming with tourists. There are a variety of restaurants, hotels, motels and shops. It's the best town along the entire Tour route in which to spend some time. We recommend the Stardust Motel for accommodations.


While in Wallace please be sure to patronize these supporters of the Tour of Idaho.

Wallace to Upper Priest Lake (230 miles)

Gas, food and water are not a problem on the last day of the Tour as there are frequent highway crossings and small towns all along the way. It's a relatively long day but most of the riding is easy. Most will find this to be another full day (8+ hours). From downtown Wallace take 6th street north under I-90 to 9-mile Road/NFD 456 and follow it north. After three miles 456 (which is paved) heads uphill through a series of curves while 9-mile Road veers left and becomes dirt. Continue along 9-mile Road a short distance as it ascends through a series of switchbacks to an intersection with NFD 424. Turn west (left) on NFD 424 and follow it 16 miles as it winds northwest to Moon Saddle. The GPS track will prove invaluable in keeping you on route through the maze of logging roads that criss-cross this area. From Moon Saddle (4669') head west (left) a short distance and find NFD 620 which heads north (right). Follow NFD 620 about 9 miles as it descends to the Coeur D'Alene River Road (NFD 9). Note: we've experienced consistent problems with a variety of GPS units in this area getting a good fix. The hillsides are steep, the trees large and clear views of the sky sometimes difficult to obtain. We suggest extra map study for this section of the Tour.

Proceed east (right) on NFD 9 for 1.5 miles to a river crossing. Immediately on the north side of the bridge you'll encounter NFD 503 (Old River Road - County 1 C) on the left. Head west along this road which follows the north bank of the CDA River to an intersection with NFD 400 (Steamboat Creek Road) after 8 miles on the north (right). Go north and west 5 miles on NFD 400 to an intersection with West Fork Road (NFD 409). Continue to head north to Grizzly Ridge Road (NFD265) to Spyglass Peak Lookout. The road then heads west a few miles to Big Meadows and the Magee Historic Site. Follow NFD 534 west a few miles to Hamilton Mountain Road then follow this to Crooked Ridge Road. Proceed north along Crooked Ridge a few miles to Bunco Road (NFD 332).

Turn west (left) and follow NFD 332 across Prospect Peak then 7.5 miles steeply downhill to Bunco Corners. Turn north (right) on Goodhopper Road and proceed 0.5 miles to Belmont Road. Turn west (left) on Belmont and proceed 4 miles to an intersection with US 95. Proceed across 95 and continue 0.5 miles west then 0.5 miles north to Old Highway 95. Follow Old Highway 95 north 1 mile to the town of Athol.

Head west out of Athol on Watkins Ave./Highway 54. Go 1.5 miles to an intersection with North Clagstone Road on the north (right). Take Clagstone Road north and east 10 miles to an intersection with Spirit Lake Cutoff. Head west (straight) through this intersection and continue along Clagstone Road another 1.5 miles to an intersection with Blanchard Cutoff Road. Turn west (right) and follow this road a little less than a mile to NFD 2550 Road on the north (right). This is the second dirt road on the right and is marked with a sign that has an anvil on it. This is the heart of "Ruby Ridge" country and it would be best if you didn't get lost. That tune that keeps running through your head, the one that you can't quite place - it's Dueling Banjos.

Follow NFD 2550 as it winds it's way 7.5 miles up to the summit of Hoodoo Mountain (4665'). You'll have to backtrack about 1 mile from the summit to find the continuation of NFD 2550 that descends the north side of the mountain to Priest River. Follow NFD 2550 down some 15 miles to an intersection with Dufort Road on the south side of the Pend Oreille River. Follow this road west 3 miles along the southern bank of the Pend Oreille to a bridge that crosses the river north to the town of Priest River.

Take US 2 east out of the town of Priest River (note: Priest River is currently the last chance for gas before the final sprint into the heart of the Selkirks. The Eagle's Nest Motel is also the best lodging anywhere near the end of the Tour) about a mile across the Priest River proper to an intersection with East Side Road (W43) on the north (left) side of the highway. Proceed north 12 miles to an intersection with W39 (East River Road). Turn north (right) and proceed 11 miles to Coolin. Go east around Priest Lake following a series of paved and dirt roads 21 miles to Lionhead Park (the best place to have your trailer waiting). From Lionhead Park you have two options. The original Tour followed NFD 655 north 18 miles around Upper Priest Lake to an intersection with NFD 1013 where it turned north and headed 15 miles to a point where the road ends in a gate. This options gets one as close to Canada as possible but isn't very satisfying. An alternative end to the Tour is to ride up Lionhead road east to a spectacular ridge that provides views of the Selkirks and both lakes. Either way, congratulations! You've made it.

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