Trail Overview

This in-and-out trail is around 8 miles round trip. Don't let the length discourage you from exploring this trail. The road is packed sand and dirt with rocky stretches. There are narrow spots, so watch for other vehicles, especially around the blind corners. When completing this ride in mid-June, there were still small snow drifts in areas that covered or partially covered the road, as well as ruts from snow melt and rain runoff. There are spectacular views of valleys, rock formations, and even the Sawtooth Mountains. Scott Mountain Lookout is still a functioning lookout during fire season. The gate below the lookout was closed at this time. There wasn't cell service with T-Mobile.

Photos of Forest Service Road 555BC - Scott Mtn. Lookout

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Difficulty

Shortly after turning onto FSR 555BC (Scott Mtn Lookout), the road narrows and is one vehicle wide. There are some steep inclines with unlevel and rocky stretches.

Technical Rating

Westy Pacific N/W

Nov 15, 2025

Open

Very fun trail with epic views and a variety of conditions ranging from snow to mud to dust to slushy. All-terrain tires and stock clearance is perfect for this trail to the top. Some shelf road is rutted and slushy, so pay close attention to tire placement. We aired down to about 18 psi for better traction. Beautiful cliffs and landscapes and boulders, etc. Have fun and pack a lunch.

Brandon Benz

Sep 08, 2025

Open

The spur road to the lookout is tighter and more technical than the main trail, with steep cliffs and limited turnouts. While 4x4 isn’t strictly required, it was appreciated in a few spots for extra control. Stock vehicles with good clearance can make it without issue, and the payoff is incredible with sweeping views from the lookout that make the climb more than worth it.