Long Gulch

Long Gulch, also known as Slide Gulch Road, is an effortless and pretty drive between the town of Prairie and the Arrowrock Reservoir, which follows along the Middle Fork Boise River. It does have a seasonal closure depending on snow levels as it reaches nearly 5000 feet in elevation and is not maintained in the winter. The trail may be closed periodically between November and early March. There a...

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.

Southwest Idaho context

Southwest Idaho splits across the Snake River. South of the river is Owyhee high desert — sage flats, slickrock canyons, and a million-plus acres of BLM. North is the Boise National Forest, with mining-era roads, ponderosa, and quick out-of-Boise access. Most weekend trips work off Boise, Mountain Home, Marsing, or McCall.

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