Challis to Spar Canyon via Lone Pine Peak

Trail Overview

There are shorter ways to get to Spar Canyon on dirt from Challis, but this is, by far, the most beautiful way to get there. This 20-mile route takes you to just over 8000 feet of elevation on Lone Pine Peak. The trail is very steep in places, a bit off-camber in areas, and while it's wide enough for a full-size SXS (72" and 80"), it seems narrow in places because the drop-off on the side is so steep. But as you ascend the Peak, the views are phenomenal. From the top, they are majestic. You can see the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, the Lost River Range, and the Pahsimeroi Range near Challis. The art of the trail crosses the high mountains here with few trees, and in other places, you're going through the pines. The trail at times is rocky, and in places it's dirt. The flowers are blooming in early June, and the forest is healthy. Wildlife is plentiful in this area of Idaho, including antelope, elk, and deer. This area also has wild horses, and ranchers graze cattle herds. Be sure to leave all gates as you find them.

Photos of Challis to Spar Canyon via Lone Pine Peak

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Difficulty

There is nothing technical on this trail, but climbing the peak includes some very steep inclines, some off-camber areas and some narrow sections of trail that require focus. The Forest Service map says it's a full-size trail, and we rode it in SXSs that were 72" and 80" wide. But the steepness of it might be a problem for a 4X4.

Technical Rating

Challis to Spar Canyon via Lone Pine Peak can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike