Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the scenery and varied landscape of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
- If on a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Antelope Canyon Area
This is the area in and around Antelope Canyon, and can be accessed by Road #137.
Arco Pass Area
This area encompasses the King Mountain Launch Site and the Natural Arch.
Asher Knapp Transfer Camp Trailhead
Trailhead for the Knapp-Loon Creek Trail #4036 in the Cape Horn area.
Basin - Valley Cr. Area
This area encompasses trails and trailheads in the Basin Creek, Basin Butte, and Valley Creek area that are on the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District. Joe's Gulch and Kelly creek area are also…
Bayhorse - Paasasikwana Naokwaide Creek Area
This area is a popular destination for a variety of recreation uses. Paasasikwana Naokwaide was formerly called Squaw Creek. A partnership with the State Park at the historic Bayhorse Townsite…
Bear Valley Trailhead/Upper Campground
This campground is along a scenic meadow near a babbling creek where hiking along the Bear Valley National Recreation Trail is a delightful side trip. The dispersed camping area has 6 picnic tables…
Beaver Creek Campground
Beautiful setting along Beaver Creek, this campground is close to access for the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Fishing for trout in Beaver Creek, in nearby Cape Horn lakes, and in the…
Beaver Creek Transfer Camp Trailhead
Beaver Creek Trailhead provides access to Wilderness trails in the Cape Horn area. Trail #4021 South Fork of Fall Creek is accessed from this trailhead (this trail is also referred to as Halstead…
Bench Creek Campground
A nice small campground in the trees along Bench Creek near Highway 21. Fishing in the stream and nearby Bull Trout Lake. Trail adjacent to the campground, heading southeast to Stanley Lake. Each of…
Bighorn Crags Campground
14 campsites with picnic tables and fire grates near the main trailhead for the Bighorn Crags in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Separate area for horse camping with corrals and water…