Trail Overview
King Hill is an easy, scenic route ideal for beginners, family outings, and drivers in stock four-wheel-drive vehicles or SxSs looking to transition from the river valley into the scenic foothills. Spanning approximately 6.2 miles of primarily smooth gravel, this well-traveled trail climbs from the lowlands near the Snake River up to an elevation of 3,518 feet. The road is generally wide enough to allow oncoming vehicles to pass safely, though drivers should remain alert for a few blind turns along the way. With a mild technical rating of 2, this trail is accessible to almost any high-clearance vehicle, offering a relaxed and enjoyable drive through the rolling desert landscape.
Along the route, travelers will experience a steady elevation gain of around 799 feet, winding past open rangeland where active cattle grazing is common. Drivers must stay cautious of cattle on the road, and lucky visitors may even spot cowboys working in the area. The trail culminates near the massive Blair Trail Reservoir, and visitors can explore the nearby Emigrant Reservoir dispersed campsite and recreation area. This scenic spot offers numerous primitive camping sites with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it an excellent basecamp or resting point. Cell service is limited to one or two bars of Verizon LTE, so downloading maps ahead of time is recommended.