Trail Overview
Summit Canyon is a scenic and technical 16-mile loop winding through the rugged Bannock Range of southern Idaho, tailored specifically for dirt bike and ATV riders seeking a challenging mountain adventure. Skirting the slopes of Elkhorn Peak within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this route is strictly limited to vehicles 50 inches or less in width, making it entirely unsuitable for larger SxSs or full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles. The trail climbs from an elevation of 5,925 feet up to a peak of 8,280 feet, rewarding riders with panoramic vistas that stretch across southern Idaho and into northern Utah.
Navigating the route requires handling a technical rating of 6, featuring steep climbs with gradients reaching up to 30 degrees and cumulative elevation gains of over 4,500 feet. The terrain is primarily unpaved, consisting of dirt trails with sections of loose rock, narrow off-camber tracks, and tight switchbacks. The trail is best suited for a half-day to full-day ride, with the prime season spanning from late spring to late autumn once the high-altitude snowpack clears. Because of the remote mountain environment and technical difficulty, riders should be prepared with proper safety gear, spark arrestors, and up-to-date off-highway vehicle permits.
Access Description
This route has strict width regulations and is restricted to vehicles 50 inches or less in width. Larger side-by-sides (SxSs) and full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles are not permitted. A valid Idaho OHV registration sticker is required for off-highway vehicles, and all riders must have a functional spark arrestor.
