If you are an off road enthusiast looking for some of the best places to go off roading in Idaho, you’ll find them right here. You’re sure to get a lot of different terrain – Idaho’s lowest elevation is 738 feet, and the highest elevation is 12,662 feet. Yes, there is more to Idaho than potatoes! It is full of mountains, including the western side of the continental divide. The state has two time zones, rivers, farmland, and tons of mountains.
You’ll find plenty of lakes, streams, rivers, mountain views and more when you take these trails. Many trails continue on to other trails, and some have camping. You can also score elderberries and huckleberries when they are in season. They make great jelly, so bring something you can carry them in.
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Minnetonka Cave
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 0.2 mi
Elevation: 6 ft
Seasonality: May through September
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
While this isn’t an off road trail, but a hiking trail, we included this because it is so neat. This half-mile hike near Fish Haven, Idaho gives you a chance to check out the wildlife. Inside the cave, you’ll find formations, bones and more. You need a tour guide to go through the cave. While the trail is only a half-mile with an elevation of 6 feet, the elevation on the trail inside the cave is over 110 feet over steep stairs.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts at the end of Minnetonka Cave Road.
Obstacles on the Trail
Steep steps once inside the cave.
Jump Creek Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 5.0 mi
Elevation: 1,489 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This 5-mile trail is an out and back trail near Marsing, Idaho. You’ll see a waterfall, long-distance views, a canyon, game trails and lots of rolling hills. There is poison ivy in the area, so watch out for it. If you are allergic, bring something for the itch. While you can drive your off road vehicle on this trail, a lot of hikers use it. This is a pet-friendly trail.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail map shows the starting and ending points at the end of Jump Creek Road.
Obstacles on the Trail
Steep hills, parts of the trail might be one track.
Magruder Corridor
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 122.5 mi
Elevation: 13,152 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
While this popular trail is accessible year-round, it is best from July through October. This point-to-point trail starts near Elk City and has many features. Ninety-five miles of the trail goes through a mostly undeveloped area with pristine views, including the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains.
As one of the best off roading trails in Idaho, it runs between the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The landscape hasn’t changed much since the Nez Perce Indians were in the area.
Many miles of trail are unimproved road that is a single lane. It is a winding, steep road with rocky places. The road is not suitable for anything towing a trailer, motorhomes, or vehicles with low clearance. Because the road goes through an undeveloped area, make sure you have plenty of gas, food and water. And, make sure your vehicle is in good condition! There is no cell phone service. It is an 8 to 10-hour trip if you drive straight through.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts at the Ranger Station in Elk City. It is the closest place to get gas. Going east, it ends in Connor, Montana. The state line is at Waypoint 33.
Obstacles
None listed.
Packsaddle Lake
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 5.2 mi
Elevation: 1,072 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
One of the shorter and easier off roading trails is the trail to Packsaddle Lake. It is heavily trafficked with four-wheelers, UTVs and hikers. You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to make it up the trail. Some cars are able to make it almost to the top but have to stop about 2 miles from the lake and hike the rest of the way if you don’t have four-wheel drive.
You’ll see wildlife, wildflowers and scenic views of mountains on this out and back trail.
Starting and Ending Points
The start and exit for this out and back trail are on Hoopers Road near Driggs, Idaho.
Obstacles on the Trail
The trail can have huge ruts and lots of small stone that makes it difficult footing.
China Ditch Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 7.2 mi
Elevation: 754 ft
Seasonality: Year-round, but March to October is best.
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
A popular place to go off roading in Idaho is the moderately trafficked China Ditch Trail. This looped trail starts near Melba and features wildflowers, mountain views, gorge views, streams and wildlife.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts and ends on Wilson Creek Road near Melba, Idaho.
Obstacles on the Trail
Some of the trail is one track, but if you want to drive over rocks, you could fit an ATV or UTV. The trail is also steep in places.
Sidewinder Trail to Stinking Springs
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 4.6 mi
Elevation: 793 ft
Seasonality: Year-round, less for seasonal closures due to weather conditions.
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out and back trail covers 4.6 miles. You’ll see wildlife, wildflowers, mountain views, Idaho Falls and the Snake River. The trail ends on Kelly Peak – the other side of Kelley Canyon Ski Resort. There is also a second trail just for hikers – it ends up in the same place. It just takes a different route.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts on E. Heise Road near Ririe, Idaho. The is out and back actually ends in the middle of nowhere and could lead into other trails.
Obstacles on the Trail
Steep hills. The trail is also narrow and might not be the best place to take horses unless you are an experienced rider.
Trail 8, Penn, and Cave Trail Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 3.8 mi
Elevation: 941 ft
Seasonality: Year-round but best from April through October.
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This moderately trafficked loop starts near Coeur d’Alene and is open to dogs, bikers, hikers, and off road vehicles. You can go clockwise or counterclockwise. If you go clockwise, you’ll start going uphill. Despite the name, you won’t see a cave on the trail. Located in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, you’ll see a large miner hole, mountain views, wildflowers, and a view of a lake in the distance.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts and ends on North Nettleton Gulch Road.
Obstacles on the Trail
None.
Skein Lake and Raft Lake Trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 3.0 mi
Elevation: 787 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out and back trail is moderately trafficked and features two lakes. You can bring your dog, but you must keep it leashed. You will need a high clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive to make it up the trail. The trail is well-maintained. You can also camp at Skein Lake.
You’ll see elderberries, huckleberries and wildflowers. There is also an old log cabin where the trail splits to go to Raft Lake.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts on Forest Route 438 near Cascade, Idaho. You will need to get there via W. Mountain Road. Google might give you directions that go over private property.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed.
Canfield Mountain Trails
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: 5.3 mi
Elevation: 1,541 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This loop encompasses three trails: Trail 1562, D, and 3 Loop. You’ll see moderate traffic, mountain views, lake views (the lake is in the distance), and a view of the city. You’ll also see wildflowers all the way up to the top of Canfield Mountain. Be sure to bring extra water and food. Some say that the trails are poorly marked, and you could end up going over 8 miles instead of the 5.3 miles if you take the wrong trail.
Starting and Ending Points
This trail starts and ends on North Nettleton Gulch Road near Cour d’Alene.
Obstacles on the Trail
Steep hills.
Louie Lake Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 5.1 mi
Elevation: 2,158 ft
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out and back trail sees moderate traffic and goes up to Louie Lake. While you can access it year-round, it is best from May through November. Dogs are allowed, but you must keep them leashed. You will need four-wheel drive. Enjoy mountain views and panoramic views of the surrounding area, wildflowers, and wildlife. You can stop at the lake or take the trail past the lake, where it intersects with other trails.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts and ends on Boulder Lake Road near McCall, Idaho.
Obstacles on the Trail
None listed, but you will need four-wheel drive.