Challis Creek Lakes

Challis Creek Lakes 4268 is a jeep trail located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, an hour from Challis. The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers a vast 4.3 million acres of east-central Idaho which includes the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness,...

When to go: Summer and Fall typically offer the best window.

Vehicles: Jeep/Truck, SUV. Standard offroad prep applies: appropriate tires, ground clearance, and a basic recovery kit.

Salmon Region context

The Salmon region is high, dry, and exposed. Mining-basin roads climb above 9,000 feet; valley roads thread the Lemhi and Lost River Ranges. Salmon, Challis, and Mackay are the only meaningful supply towns — and overlanders here most often underestimate distance between fuel.

Best for drivers who understand their vehicle and the cost of a mistake in remote country.