Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Minidoka, Idaho

The road to Bear Trap Cave follows the Minidoka-Arco Road. The road changes conditions frequently depending on weather and the amount of traffic. It is an easy road but can be muddy and washboarded at…
Learn more about Bear Trap Cave

From the old highway, you will start on an excellent gravel road lined with sagebrush and basalt rock, which will turn into a dirt two-track with some basalt rock. As you make your way along…
Learn more about Ride to the Dam

A very well-maintained gravel road leads right to the lake through the bird refuge. Although this is a short trip off the main road, it gives you access to the lake, which is very limited…
Learn more about Lake View

Although this road is easy, a few small sections with some larger rocks require 4WD to get over and high clearance; it's doable with AWD and a skilled driver. Parts of the road are very…
Learn more about Cotterel Mountain Road

This dirt road follows the route from Bear Trap Cave to Crystal Ice Caves and King's Bowl. The route can be traveled in either direction, as it is accessed by various BLM roads and trails.…
Learn more about Bear Trap/Crystal Ice Cave Trail

Bear Trap Cave is one of many lave caves located in southeast Idaho. This trail begins from Coffee Point and winds southwest across the desert to the Bear Trap cave. It is a relatively easy-going…
Learn more about Bear Trap Cave North

Travel along the California Historical Trail and pass by the Parting of the Ways. Turning off Yale Road and onto the two-track dirt road with some basalt outcrops, you can't help but imagine a wagon…
Learn more about Oregon/California Parting of the Ways

Starting From the Raft River Side, you will pass by dry farms on a well-maintained gravel road as you make your way up the Sawtooth National Forest. As you make your way from the high…
Learn more about North Heglar

Starting from the Raft River Side, you will pass by dry farms on a well-maintained gravel road as you make your way up the Sawtooth National Forest. It quickly transitions from sagebrush into Aspens and…
Learn more about South Heglar Canyon

Looking for a good bypass instead of taking the freeway? Well, this road is for you! Wake yourself up with a short drive through farmland, enjoy open views of the valley, and pass through cow…
Learn more about Railroad Grade

Houtz Canyon from the Rockland side is a great off-road adventure for all vehicles, but it can become narrow due to brush. The BLM provides plenty of parking at the start of the trail. The…
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If you're looking for an easy, scenic drive through the Sawtooth National Forest, then this trail is for you. As you drive through the little valley, beautiful views of the hills and ridges surround you.…
Learn more about Lake Fork

This section of trail is one continuous, long hill climb/descent depending which direction you're going. (West to East is uphill). There are some loose rocky patches scattered throughout and a few small mud ruts here…
Learn more about Sheep Canyon 1

This trail from Rockland, Idaho, via Green Canyon to Sheep Canyon, will take you from the high desert landscape and dry farms of southern Idaho up into the trees of the Sawtooth National Forest. The…
Learn more about Green Canyon

This curvy and windy section of Sheep's Canyon hugs alongside the slope of the mountainside, offering beautiful views of the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest. There are loose rocky patches, especially around some of the corners.…
Learn more about Sheep Canyon 2

This easy dirt road starts at Sublett Reservoir, taking you around the Northern section of the lake, and leads to Sublett Campground. Other trails continue past that point. Beautiful views overlooking the reservoir. There are…
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This section of trail connects to a handful of other trails in the area. The northern half is more mountainous terrain as it winds its way up/down. There are mud ruts, erosion spots, and rocky…
Learn more about Heglar Canyon

From the frontage road, you head up into the Sawtooth National Forest on a well-maintained gravel road. The road will become narrower and a little more washed out, but it is still very passable with…
Learn more about Indian Springs

Tour the City of Rock National Reserve. This road takes you through the heart of the City of Rocks and through The Twin Sisters rocks, a landmark used by the emigrants while on The California…
Learn more about City of Rocks/Twin Sisters

This trail starts from the highway. It is a short loop trail, but it takes you to some beautiful river access spots. The trail crosses an old highway that was previously paved and fun to…
Learn more about River Access Tall Grass Loop

This is a beautiful valley and a hidden gem. The trail leads down to the water's edge at the fish creek reservoir. The area is generally privately owned, but access has been granted through ranchland…
Learn more about Fish Creek Reservoir Access

Expect a fairly easy trail here in the southern Idaho desert. This trail opens up with a few options to discover. As you head out, the road is fairly level, packed dirt and pretty dusty.…
Learn more about Wilson Butte

This road is easy and can be done by any AWD or 4WD vehicle, even 2WD in dry seasons; high clearance is not needed. The road can become muddy when wet, so be advised if…
Learn more about Pole Canyon Road

This is an amazing ride. It is intermittently covered with decomposing granite for traction and can be fairly rough. It is well maintained as it still has a working tower. Sheer drop-offs are not for…
Learn more about Big Southern Butte

Although short, this road is not short of great views. Enjoy the mountains in the distance and wide-open views as you twist and turn around the canyon road. This road is very easy and can…
Learn more about East Dry Pole Canyon

This route follows War Eagle, then branches off to the south. It goes down a little bit of an incline, and then follows a spring through the valley and eventually meets back up with Black…
Learn more about Black Pine Spring

This road is just beautiful. You can see incredible views from the desert, high mountains, thick forests, and open valleys. As for difficulty, this road can be done by pretty much any AWD or 4WD,…
Learn more about Black Pine Canyon

The route takes you from Springfield, Idaho to Big Southern Butte via part of Goodale's Cutoff. For a brief history of the cutoff see below. This trail is best ridden in the spring when the…
Learn more about Springfield to Big Southern Butte

This is a cutoff road from Cedar Butte to Big Southern Southside. You can access the old Goodale's Cutoff trail (Webb Springs trail), Big Southern Springfield Road headed south, or Atom Cox Well Road headed…
Learn more about Cedar Butte Road to Big Southern Southside

This route will take you from the main highway to Big Southern Butte. If you have not been to Big Southern Butte, it is worth the trip. The butte is one of the largest volcanic…
Learn more about Atomic City to Frenchman's Cabin