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77 miles of ridgeline adventure through the Boise Mountains. Mountain biking, motorbiking, and stunning panoramic views from Bogus Basin to Idaho City.
Starting from Bogus Basin Road, this section traverses west along the ridge with excellent Boise Valley views. Well-maintained section.
Technical section with rocky terrain and steep grades. Amazing views of both Treasure Valley and wilderness to the east.
Remote ridgeline riding through alpine meadows. Less traveled section with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
Long descent from the ridge down to historic Idaho City. Multiple route options for the final approach.
The Ridge Road is a bucket-list ride for endurance mountain bikers. Most riders complete it in 1-3 days with camping. Gravel/adventure bikes work well.
Popular with adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists. The road is generally passable by ADV bikes though some sections are rough.
High-clearance 4x4 vehicles can traverse most of the ridge. Some sections are tight for full-size vehicles.
Excellent day hiking from various access points. The entire ridge can be thru-hiked in 4-6 days.
| Location | Mile Marker | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bogus Basin Road | Mile 0 (West End) | Easy access from Boise, parking available |
| Mores Creek Summit | Mile 12 | Highway 21 access |
| 8th Street Extension | Mile 20 | Popular starting point from Boise |
| Shaw Mountain Road | Mile 35 | Mid-point access |
| Rocky Canyon Road | Mile 60 | Northeast access |
| Idaho City | Mile 77 (East End) | Historic town with services |
Boise Ridge Road (Forest Road 268) is a 77-mile dirt and gravel road that traverses the crest of the Boise Mountains from near Bogus Basin to Idaho City. It offers spectacular views of the Boise Valley and beyond, and is popular for mountain biking, motorbiking, 4x4 driving, and hiking.
The best time is July through September when the road is typically clear of snow and dry. June and October can be good but may have lingering snow or early snowfall at higher elevations. The road is generally impassable from November through May.
A regular car is not recommended for most of the ridge. The road is rough dirt and gravel with rocky sections, washouts, and steep grades. High-clearance vehicles (trucks, SUVs, 4x4) are strongly recommended. AWD is helpful but ground clearance is the bigger factor.
For mountain bikers, plan 1-3 days depending on fitness and whether you're bikepacking. Motorcyclists can complete it in a long day or a relaxed two-day trip. 4x4 vehicles should allow a full day with stops for views and exploration.