Trail Overview

Wilson Creek is an engaging 18.2-mile loop trail designed for intermediate off-roaders seeking a mix of technical challenges and scenic high-desert views in the Owyhee Front. This Bureau of Land Management route starts near the Marsing-Murphy area and quickly climbs into undulating terrain, offering off-road enthusiasts a great opportunity to test their vehicle's capabilities. With a technical rating of 5, the loop features rutted dirt paths, off-camber switchbacks, and elevation changes that range from 2,478 feet up to 4,908 feet. Drivers will experience a total elevation gain of over 3,200 feet, showcasing stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks, including nearby Wilson Peak, as well as a summit radio tower. To safely navigate the technical rock crawling sections and steep gradients, a highly capable four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance, front and rear lockers, and a spotter is highly recommended. The undulating terrain demands careful tire placement, particularly on the rocky climbs and off-camber descents where traction can become limited. This trail is ideal for modified high-clearance rigs, Jeeps, and SxSs prepared for rugged unpaved surfaces. Because the clay-heavy soils can become extremely slick and rutted when wet, this route is best traveled during dry seasons, making late spring through autumn the optimal time to tackle the loop.

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Difficulty

Rocks, Undulated Terrain, Off Camber Switchbacks, Elevation. 3500 altitude elevation and above.

Technical Rating

Martin Vejar

Dec 14, 2025

2021 Ford F-Series

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Trail to the lookout point (cell towers) was unobstructed. There was a sign for washed out terrain on the back side as you finish out the trail. After putting eyes on it we decided to turn back, although we probably could have made it down just fine (we would have needed help coming back up if we had to turn around past that). I was running a stock 2021 F-150 extended cab 4x4 on 30” tires. Other than that I highly recommend! Beautiful view.

Ricky RM Garage YT

Dec 06, 2025

1993 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

Muddy/Wet

Overall trail conditions pretty good. Some muddy areas but mostly dry. A couple sections where the dirt was soft/waterlogged but solid enough to drive over without issues.

Wade Ginn

Nov 04, 2025

2008 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

DJ Jones

Oct 04, 2025

Open

Alex Ewing

Jun 28, 2025

2019 Toyota Tacoma

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

Awesome trail that meanders through some unique terrain. Incase people are wondering if you take “Wilson Road” it’s a graded road from the trail system staging area and goes up the hill. If you look closely at the map and take “Pigeon Road” that’s where I rated this loop a 5. My buddy and I started Pigeon Road from the bottom. Once we got to the top we made a right and took Wilson road back down, which I think worked great since we hit most of the difficult parts going up hill. My Taco has a 1 inch lift, skinny 32s and a rear locker. My truck handled the trail proudly but there are a few spots having rock sliders would have made me feel more comfortable. I probably wouldn’t take the trail if you’re new to wheeling or unfamiliar with your rig, but its doable. There is another post with a 3rg Gen 4Runner climbing rocks and moguls at the end of the trail, yes that obstacle is about as bad as it looks. It really was no problem but I definitely wouldn’t want to get crossed up there.

Matthew Bargeron

Jun 04, 2025

Open

NormalDustyRough/DeterioratedWashboard

The first half of the trail a is flat wide washboard road. when you hit the turnoff onto the other part of this trail is when it gets technical. The trail turns into a tighter rutted road. Once you get to the top there is a side road on the left that will take you up to the tower. If you continue on straight you come to a sign that says the trial gets harder. This is when the rock obstacles come in and steep grades with large off camber ruts and switch backs. I wouldn’t suggest a stock 4x4 unless you’re okay with some body damage. I also would come early in the day. If you try it at night it would definitely be more difficult to see.

J Michael

May 15, 2025

1991 Suzuki Sidekick

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

We went up the north side down the south side of the trail. Exposed rocks were pretty dug out, several 18”+ drops. Had to choose lines carefully in the sidekick but made it down without issues. We probably wouldn’t have made it up the other direction without at minimum a rear locker. I’d say 5 is a pretty true rating compared to other similar trails.

Evan Yip

Mar 15, 2025

Open

NormalDustyRough/Deteriorated

Perfect soil conditions, no snow or mud, slightly tacky surface crust. Hit a couple bonus lines this round which are fun but require at least one locker. Take a second vehicle, use a spotter, and watch your tire placement, that is key on this trail. Bad tire placement could land you on your lid very easily. Extremely windy at summit, 30mph+ constant wind velocity.

Tyler franssen

Jan 18, 2025

Open

NormalRough/Deteriorated

super fun trail, some very steep, rocky, deeply rutted climbs, a few very off camber sections where a spotter would be nice, really pay attention or you could end up on your side. 35" tires or larger and dual lockers strongly recommend. ran the trail clockwise, went left before the cattle yard.

Owen Bartholomew

Jan 01, 2025

Open

Muddy/WetSnow/Ice

Little snowy and muddy

Erric oman

Nov 10, 2024

Open

Normal

The obstacles are pretty washed out, but other than that the trail's pretty nice right now

Evan Yip

Oct 26, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Awesome technical trail, ran it clockwise from trailhead (Left out of main staging area) so I hit the front difficult side going uphill first, then down the easier back side. Extremely washed out and eroded, multiple rock gardens with Very steep climbs with boulder walking and deep dugouts, high off-camber maneuvers that can easily land you a flopped rig. Ran it with 15psi, in 35” tires, switching between 4hi and lo, mostly rear locker, two major sections requiring 4lo and double locked. Walk the sections ahead of time or use a spotter, do not go alone, bring spare parts and tires. Super fun afternoon. 🤙

Jason Sevy

Oct 01, 2024

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Be careful choosing this trail. Went down it after dark and was plenty challenging. I would not do it again in the dark or light.

Richie Morris

Aug 30, 2024

1999 Jeep Cherokee xj

Open

Steve Glover

Jun 26, 2024

Open

Normal

My first ride with a new Honda Pioneer and by myself, so very conservative on the trail. It was a very enjoyable ride and started at the Wilson Creek Trailhead and went counter-clockwise. However, I turned around prior to the climb to Wilson Peak because of a posted sign which recommended NO motorized vehicles due to washed out trail. I probably could have easily made it to the summit, but since I was by myself, with no spare tire, I turned around.

Wilson Creek Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
60 Inch
High Clearance
Full Width

Access Description

The trail is located on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There are no fees or permits required for recreation, but vehicles must be registered according to Idaho off-highway vehicle (OHV) regulations. The area may be subject to seasonal closures or wet-weather travel restrictions to prevent trail damage.