Bighorn Crags Lollipop, Bighorn Crags Trailhead
- 28 miles, 7,100 ft climbing
- Salmon-Challis Nat'l Forest, Frank Church-RONR Wilderness, North Fork Ranger District, 208-865-2383
- Bighorn Crags Trail #6021, Ship Island Trail #6030, off trail, Puddin Mountain Trail #6147, Waterfall Trail #6045, Bighorn Crags Trail
- Trailhead requires high ground clearance. A Subaru or similar type vehicle could make it. From Salmon, the road is more washboard and winding and takes about 2.5 hrs total. From Challis, the road is much smoother and takes about 2 hrs total. The last 11 miles takes almost an hour.
"This route has 2 off trail passes. First one is a class three scramble with the second one just being a walk-up. You will pass at least 9 lakes, but many more could easily be visited. The last 11 miles of the road to the trailhead are pretty rough, but I promise it is worth every rock and divot. This area has the well-deserved reputation of being the most scenic spot in the Frank Church Wilderness, so despite its remoteness, it does get a fair number of visitors. This loop is unbelievably scenic from beginning to end, and this was my favorite route that I completed in 2020."
Register
- GaiaGPS Link
- 28 miles, 7,100 ft climbing
- Salmon-Challis Nat'l Forest, Frank Church-RONR Wilderness, North Fork Ranger District, 208-865-2383
- Bighorn Crags Trail #6021, Ship Island Trail #6030, off trail, Puddin Mountain Trail #6147, Waterfall Trail #6045, Bighorn Crags Trail
- Trailhead requires high ground clearance. A Subaru or similar type vehicle could make it. From Salmon, the road is more washboard and winding and takes about 2.5 hrs total. From Challis, the road is much smoother and takes about 2 hrs total. The last 11 miles takes almost an hour.
"This route has 2 off trail passes. First one is a class three scramble with the second one just being a walk-up. You will pass at least 9 lakes, but many more could easily be visited. The last 11 miles of the road to the trailhead are pretty rough, but I promise it is worth every rock and divot. This area has the well-deserved reputation of being the most scenic spot in the Frank Church Wilderness, so despite its remoteness, it does get a fair number of visitors. This loop is unbelievably scenic from beginning to end, and this was my favorite route that I completed in 2020."
Register
- GaiaGPS Link
| bighorn_crags.gpx |
