Pinyon Peak Loop

Nestled in the Salmon–Challis National Forest, the Pinyon Peak Loop (also known as Beaver Loon Creek) is a remote, rugged drive with sweeping views into the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. The route rides airy ridgelines to 9,942-foot Pinyon Peak, where a historic fire lookout crowns a p...

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.

Central Mountains context

Central Idaho holds the largest contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48. Roads here are committing — long, slow, and often a full day from any pavement. The Magruder Corridor, the Lolo Motorway, and the Yankee Fork loops are the named drives. Stanley, McCall, Salmon, and Elk City are the staging towns.

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