A huge thank-you to Swensen Butte Ranch and Hyndman Beef Cattle Co for graciously hosting the Range to Ranch Retreat on their stunning property. Their commitment to land stewardship and western heritage makes this event feel truly rooted in place. We're especially grateful for their partnership in helping bring our culinary vision to life working alongside our event chef to provide flame-cooked, ranch-raised, real food during cooking demos and for our Sunday brunch It's not just a meal it’s a celebration of the land, the animals, and the people who make it all possible
Please go to the Hyndman Beef website to shop for Highland and American Wagyu beef and follow them on socials!
We’re proud to welcome Mission Overland Trailers as the Title Sponsor of Range to Ranch Retreat 2025 and even prouder to work alongside a brand that embodies adventure, craftsmanship, and community in equal measure
Mission’s lineup of lightweight, rugged, and thoughtfully designed trailers is built for those who venture off the beaten path with purpose Their newest model, the Mission Approach, has already won hearts (and trail miles), especially in the capable hands of ambassadors Chris and Jill from @1941 Adventures These two aren’t just passionate travelers they’re incredible communitybuilders and friends of Northology
Chris and Jill will be helping Mission trailer owners feel right at home all weekend long, helping host a Mission Owners Meet & Greet on Thursday to kick off the good vibes and a Mission Owners Trail Ride on Saturday Whether you’re already part of the Mission family or just trailer-curious, stop by and say hi these two love nothing more than swapping stories and showing off what their trailer can do (and where it’s taken them) They will also be giving a talk about Mission Overland Trailers and tow life during the educational hours so you can learn more about Mission, trailer adventures and towing in general
When they’re not helping us host events or test out backroads, Chris and Jill are usually somewhere scenic with their two wiener dogs in tow living the dream, one campsite at a time We're so grateful to have them (and Mission Overland) along for this journey Here's to shared trails, great gear, and unforgettable weekends like this one
WHO ARE WE?
“Mission Overland has modest roots as a 'garage start-up' Created by two family men who wanted to continue their adventures after having kids Once the Summit hit the road, people took notice and the rest is history.
At Mission Overland, we operate on the principle that bigger isn’t better We focus on thoughtful design and create products with the features we believe will enhance your camping experience and allow you to further connect with nature and those you adventure with Whether you're camping in a state park or pushing the boundaries in the backcountry, our trailers are designed to ensure you can get there safely and comfortably
Why Mission Overland over another RV? Because Mission Overland trailers are unlike any other RV Our unique designs challenge traditional RV standards and connect adventurers with the outdoors Our trailers include only the very best in performance, safety, and comfort Every single Mission Overland travel trailer is crafted by hand in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada by a dedicated team of adventurers We pride ourselves on working with a community of local companies to bring you our trailers When you purchase a Mission Overland trailer you are not only supporting our small business, you are supporting dozens of locally owner small businesses who take pride in their work
And when you join the Mission Overland family, you join a community of people who hold a life of adventure as their top priority We feel privileged to manufacture adventure trailers for our customers and see it as our responsibility to ensure every trailer delivered is one we would want to own”
Tent, rooftop tent, camper, or sleeping setup in your rig
Sleeping bag or bedding (it can get chilly at night!)
Camp chair and personal table if you want one
Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Water & containers (potable water is NOT available on site)
Cooler/fridge and food for the weekend
Cook stove or camp kitchen setup
Trash bags – Pack it in, pack it out
Clothing for all weather – Layers are your friend!
Toiletries & camp towel – There are no showers, so wet wipes may be your best friend
�� Optional but Great to Have:
Camp table, shade awning
Trail-ready gear (air compressor, recovery gear, comms if you’re hitting the trails)
Notebook or journal for workshops and downtime
Camera or binoculars – the scenery is wild out here!
�� Most Important of All:
Bring a sense of curiosity, community spirit, and willingness to unplug This event is about connection to the land, the trails, and each other No pressure to have all the latest gear just come prepared to learn and enjoy
Looking east from Copper Basin area to the Lost River Range.
Views of the Lost River Range from our basecamp area at Swensen Butte Ranch
FOUNDERS’ STORIES
“The
vision was clear: create a special, intimate gathering that felt authentic and true to the spirit of overlanding...”
-Noah Botnick
Inspired by the idea of creating a smaller, boutique overlanding retreat that focused on culture, exploration, and community, I reached out to Koar Overlanding Retreat as I kept seeing that event pop up on my feed and I was intrigued
Cindy and I spoke and immediately felt the connection to create something great, it was like a calling that we were meant to do great things
Together with Cindy, I co-founded Range to Ranch Retreat a unique event that brings together overlanding enthusiasts, vendors, and like-minded individuals who share a passion for the outdoors.
Co-Founder, Range to Ranch Retreat | Spokane Creative
Hi I’m Noah Botnick, and my life has been a journey of passion, adventure, and connection to the natural world. Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, I spent my formative years exploring the woods and the serene beauty of Twin Lakes Even after moving to Spokane, Washington, I never lost my deep-rooted love for the outdoors, often retreating to our family’s cabin on Twin Lakes to reconnect with nature
From a young age, I found solace and excitement in camping and exploring the mountains As I grew older, this passion evolved into a love for overlanding a modern-day adventure that combines exploration, travel, and a deep connection to the land Whether it was driving up into the mountains with friends, throwing pillows and food into the car, or embarking on solo adventures, my spirit has always been guided by a desire to explore and experience the world around me
After completing school, I took a winding path through various careers, from autobody repair to working at Papa Murphy’s Pizza However, it wasn’t until I discovered my knack for event management, marketing, and sales that I truly found my calling In the early 2000s, I ran a music venue called the Knitting Factory, where I hosted events and met some incredible artists and people One memorable moment was meeting Bob Marley and the Wailers (of course Bob was not there) but an experience that left a lasting impression on me
In addition to my adventures in overlanding and creating Range to Ranch Retreat (RRR), I am also the proud owner of a digital marketing company Called Spokane Creative, over the past 13 years, I have developed a deep passion for videography and storytelling, crafting narratives that connect and inspire
This professional focus complements my work with RRR, allowing me to bring a unique perspective and creativity to both endeavors
When I'm not immersed in planning and growing the RRR event, this is where I channel my energy and skills, continuing to explore and share the stories that matter.
Fast forward to last summer, my life took another exciting turn when I met the owners of Swenson Butte Ranch On my way to the Overland Expo Mount West, I stopped by the ranch and instantly fell in love with its stunning views of the Lost River Range, serene atmosphere, and excellent trail access The property’s layout and potential for hosting events struck a chord with me, and I knew it was the perfect place to bring my vision to life
The vision was clear: create a special, intimate gathering that felt authentic and true to the spirit of overlanding, something that was missing from the larger expos
Today, I’m dedicated to building Range to Ranch Retreat into something truly special My goal is to create a space where people can connect, share their love for the outdoors, and experience the beauty of Idaho’s rugged landscape For me, it’s not just about the destination it’s about the journey, the connections, and the memories made along the way
Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or just discovering the world of adventure, I invite you to join us on this incredible journey as we continue to explore, connect, and create something truly extraordinary year after year!
“...we wanted to create an experience rooted in place, Swenson Butte Ranch in Idaho’s Lost River country felt like the perfect backdrop: wild, welcoming, and full of potential.”
-Cindy Pope
Co-Founder, Range to Ranch Retreat | Northology Adventures
I’m Cindy event wrangler, publisher, writer, overland route scout, and the creative force behind Northology Adventures If it involves remote campsites, great coffee, good people, and dark night skies, I’m probably there boots dusty, clipboard in hand, trying to make something awesome happen
For years, I’ve worked to build a community around vehicle-based adventure travel in the Midwest and beyond I’ve hosted events, published a digital magazine, and helped bring together folks who care deeply about public lands, self-reliance, and sharing stories around a campfire I am so grateful for those who came out of the woodwork to support these events and causes- it truly does take a village, or should I say a campsite full of folks with the same passions and yearnings for the wild, off-the-beaten-path places
Range to Ranch Retreat was born out of a friendship and shared vision between Noah and I an idea that adventure events could feel more intentional and immersive We didn’t want to just draw lines on maps or park rigs in rows we wanted to create an experience rooted in place, stewardship, and connection Swenson Butte Ranch in Idaho’s Lost River country felt like the perfect backdrop: wild, welcoming, and full of potential
Working with Noah, whose creative spark and videography background bring this landscape to life in new ways, made this project feel less like work and more like the next chapter in an ongoing adventure Together, we’re aiming to build something that’s equal parts gathering, getaway, and grounded celebration of the overland lifestyle
Vendor Roundup 3-7PM- visit vendors, get your ADV passport stamped, attend a class, or win a prize from roving staff members. Kid’s Corral (non-supervised, please keep an eye on your kids!)
Gathering 8PM- announcements, special presentations, vendor chats & giveaways
Creator Camp 9pm - storytelling sessions, movie & YT screenings
2025 SCHEDULE & EDUCATION ITINERARY
CLASSES
Classes are 45-50 minutes long and start on the hour No registration neccessary. Itinerary, speakers, classes, etc subject to change without notice SeetheinfoboardatcampHQforupdatesandschedulechanges
THURSDAY
3PM Overlanding Vehicle Setup 101 – A Beginner’s Guide Fletch from All Things Overlanding with a fun, beginnerfriendly class on setting up your overlanding rig
4PM The View From Here- a Woman’s Perspective
Rebelle Rally Alum Cara McClellan of Ozark Overland
Adventures hosts a guest panel to highlight progress & opportunities for women in the overlanding & offroad space
5PM Range to Ranch Overview of Things To Do
A chat on local trail systems (thanks, OnX for the free trial memberships!) historical, cultural and geographical points of interest, and happenings in and around Mackay
6PM Overlander’s Roundtable
Event hosts Cindy Pope and Noah Botnick welcome you to camp along with some special guests to discuss recent events and trends in the world of overlanding
FRIDAY
3PM
Tips and Tricks for Long Distance Traveling
Matt McClellan of Ozark Overland Adventures with long distance travel advice, packing tips and hacks
4PM Overlanding with the Wife- How to Make Sure Your Spouse or Partner is Comfortable and Confident
Mission Overland Trailers ambassador Jill Carr of 1941 Adventures answers a common question- how do I get my wife interested in overlanding?
5PM
Real Food on the Trail
Chef Jess, owner of KitchensBrew on open flame cooking, meal prep tips, packing and eating healthy on the go. In partnership with Hyndman Beef Cattle Co.
6PM How to Film Your Adventures
Will Fowler of Venture2Roam gives his tips and tricks to capture an amazing video memoir
Advocacy groups including Blue Ribbon Coalition, Idaho State 4x4 Association & Mountain West Recreation Alliance share wins and rally the troops for upcoming battles
4PM Getting Technical...or Not
Enoch Leisure of All Dogs Offroad & MoLeisure Xventures gets to the nitty gritty of what you really need - and don’t for your build and how to make your it work for you.
5PM Real Food and Cooking With Fire
Chef Jess, owner of KitchensBrew demos open flame camp cooking techniques and serves up tips and delicious dishes to sample In partnership with Hyndman Beef Cattle Co
6PM Overland Trailer Talk
Mission Overland Trailers ambassadors Chris and Jill Carr of 1941 Adventures dive into the subject of overland trailer travel and share the mods and upgrades that help you get the most out of life on the road, the trail and at camp
Thank you vendors, exhibitors and partners!
CAMP RULES
WHEN AND WHERE IS EVERYTHING HAPPENING?
Check the printed itinerary in this guide! Most of the basecamp activities will be held in or near the Vendor Roundup area We also post updates at the info tent
WHERE ARE THE NEAREST TOWNS? Mackay is 20 minutes south on US-93 and Ketchum is 90 minutes west via Trail Creek Rd WHAT ABOUT FOOD? You are on your own with the exception of the Sunday brunch (you can sample bites at the cooking demos!) IS THERE CELL SERVICE?
Spotty at best Plan ahead, download your maps, and embrace the digital detox ARE THERE TOILET FACILITIES ONSITE?
Yes, we are bringing in porta-potties for campers to use WHAT ABOUT WATER?
Please bring your own water
FIRST AID?
Minor scrapes? Ask the info tent Bigger issues? See the emergency medical info posted on the bottom right of this page WHAT ABOUT TRAIL RIDES?
See our trail ride info in this guide, find trails on OnX Offroad or come to the morning meetup to find a group to go out with WHAT ABOUT OTHER ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS? See the info in this guide or Google the area!
CAMP & TRAIL COMMS? GMRS & FRS Camp channel is 18
WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION NOT ON THIS LIST? Come see us at the info tent or flag down a volunteer
WHERE DO I PUT TRASH?
Pack it in, pack it out Seriously No dumpsters here CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Yes! They MUST be leashed and under control at all times NO EXCEPTIONS. And please clean up after them immediately. QUIET HOURS?
11 PM to 7 AM. Please keep your music low at all times so others can enjoy the sounds of nature GETTING AROUND CAMP? The event/camp space is pedestrian use ONLY-no motorized vehicle use (moto/atv/utv) except to leave camp CAMPFIRES?
Only in raised fire pits (wood or propane) and only if conditions allow No ground fires Never leave fires unattended CAN I GO WANDERING ON THE RANCH?
No Respect the property by staying within the event boundaries
emergency medical
HUMANSLost Rivers Medical Center 551 Highland Dr, Arco, ID 208) 252-7654
St Luke's Wood River 100 Hospital Dr, Ketchum, ID 208-727-8800
ANIMALViking Veterinary Hospital 3151 McNeil Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 208-552-0662
Bannock Animal Medical Center 5262 Yellowstone Ave, Pocatello, ID 208-237-3934
PAGE13
MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS
MACKAYAREA
Lost River Museum
Located in a historic Methodist church, this museum offers a treasure trove of artifacts and photographs detailing Mackay's rich mining history and pioneer heritage
�� Address: 109 S Main St, Mackay, ID
Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) Atomic Museum
A short drive from Mackay, this National Historic Landmark was the world's first nuclear power plant Visitors can explore the facility and learn about the dawn of the atomic age
�� Address: US Highway 20, Arco, ID
Mackay PRCA Rodeo
Friday night’s rodeo kicks off with mutton bustin’ at 6:30pm and Saturday’s rodeo kicks off with mutton bustin’ at 2:30pm NOTE: Rodeo Parade is 1-2PM Saturday on Main Street
�� Address: Kathy's Wy, Mackay, ID 83251
KETCHUMAREA
Wood River Museum of History and Culture
This museum offers interactive exhibits on the region's history, including the Shoshone-Bannock Homelands, the development of Sun Valley, and Ernest Hemingway's connection to the area
��
Address: 580 Fourth Street East, Suite 130, Ketchum, ID
Sun Valley Museum of Art
As the oldest arts organization in the Wood River Valley, this museum presents contemporary art exhibitions, lectures, and performances that reflect the region's cultural diversity
�� Address: 191 Fifth Street East, Ketchum, ID
Living with Wolves Museum
Dedicated to wolf conservation, this museum features a National Geographic photographic exhibit, multimedia presentations, and educational materials about wolves and their ecosystems
�� Address: 580 4th St, Suite 150, Ketchum, ID
Ore Wagon Museum & Bonning Cabin
Home to the historic Lewis Ore Wagons, this museum showcases the transportation methods used during the mining boom The adjacent Bonning Cabin offers a glimpse into early settler life
�� Address: 500 East Avenue, Ketchum, ID
Ernest and Mary Hemingway House
While not open to the public, the Hemingway House is a significant literary landmark where Ernest Hemingway spent his final years. Artifacts and exhibits related to Hemingway can be found at the Wood River Museum
Charity & Stewardship Partnerships
Range to Ranch supports many stewarship and charity partnerships These collaborations are crucial for promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation as well as community building and supporting worthy causes
Mission: Provide outdoor recreation experiences for military veterans, active duty personnel, retired service members, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS to relieve stress and build a supportive community.
Vision:
To create a strong, resilient community of heroes who find healing, connection, and purpose through outdoor adventure.
A key partnership is with H.E.R.O. (Heroes Exploring & Recreating Outdoors), which helps veterans and their families connect with nature through recreation. Range to Ranch provides resources for these heroes to experience the outdoors' healing power.
H.E.R.O. was founded by Blake Service, a U.S. Marine Veteran, to create a community of public servants who could support each other, learn from each other, and decompress in the outdoors After sharing his ideas with his close friends, family, and members of the community, HE RO was born
The sole purpose of HE RO is to provide an avenue for military and first responders to surround themselves
with like-minded individuals, who can relate to the trials and tribulations of those around them, and find peace in the outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to overland adventures, hunting & fishing trips, mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, kayaking, snow sports, powersports, etc
“We’ll facilitate these activities in conjunction with the participant, at no cost to them,” says founder, Blake
BlueRibbon Coalition works to defend your right to access and recreate on public land.
Sharetrails.Org/BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is a respected national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, Sharetrails/BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists.
Sharetrails/BRC is guided by a host of Board Members who have graciously donated their time, skill, and talents These largely unsung volunteer heroes, who serve or have served, continue to represent the interests of recreationists across this country by communicating & meeting to develop key strategies, policy, and implementation plans for the future
The successful Sharetrails/BRC strategy of working administratively, legislatively, and legally for effective recreational advocacy is now a quarter of a century time tested and ground proven The Sharetrails/BRC TEAM looks forward to continuing its mission to “champion responsible use of public lands for the benefit of all recreationists” into the future.“
The Idaho State 4x4 Association is an elected board of club and individual members dedicated to offroad recreation in Idaho, focusing on preserving landscapes and promoting responsible stewardship of public lands.
The Idaho State 4x4 Association is about promoting goodwill and education to the public about responsible off-roading Being involved and partnered in the decision making process with our local, state and federal land managers Working with land managers to maintain and expand trail opportunities for off-roaders
The Idaho State 4x4 Association works with organizations such as Blue Ribbon Coalition, Tread Lightly! and the Idaho Recreation Council in efforts to keep public lands open for all
“We aim to preserve our beautiful landscapes while promoting a sense of responsible stewardship on our public lands for all. Giving offroad clubs and the world an off road experience they can only dream of.”
Mountain West Recreation Alliance (MWRA) has worked tirelessly to protect and enhance access to Idaho’s public lands What began as grassroots clean-up days has evolved into a powerful coalition of volunteers, land managers, and community leaders committed to long-term stewardship and sustainable recreation.
The Mountain West Recreation Alliance completed dozens of impactful projects across the state opening new trails, restoring damaged ecosystems, and constructing critical infrastructure like trail connectors and backcountry bridges. Our work, in partnership with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Fish and Game, and the US Forest Service, ensures Idaho’s wild places remain open, safe, and accessible for generations to come
In addition to on-the-ground work, MWRA is deeply invested in education and outreach We host a variety of educational events, public workshops, and youth engagement programs that promote land ethics, trail safety, and responsible recreation Through these efforts, we are growing a culture of stewardship and building the next generation of public land advocates
Tread Lightly!
Promoting responsible offroad recreation through stewardship, education and communication. Plus we get out there and live it.
Tread Lightly! is a non-profit organization that leads a national initiative to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors Our goal is to balance the off-road and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users’ need for adventure with the need to conserve the places where they ride and explore
To support this, we offer a wide range of projects, programs, trainings, and educational materials to promote a responsible outdoor recreation message Our work includes educating off-road and OHV users on responsible riding practices, reducing the impact on the environment and protecting natural and cultural resources
We rely on the support of our members and industry partners to deliver programs and complete trail maintenance and restoration projects that make a meaningful impact on the environment, the off-road community and the neighboring communities where they live and play.
Distance: Approximately 50 miles round trip from camp
Difficulty: Moderate (Technical Rating: 3)
Highlights: This loop offers a journey through the expansive alpine valley of Copper Basin, surrounded by the Pioneer Mountains The route features rolling meadows, creek crossings, and access to trails leading to alpine lakes such as Lake Creek and Star Hope We included an out and back in Muldoon Canyon It's a haven for wildlife and those seeking solitude
Vehicle Suitability: Suitable for high-clearance, full-sized 4x4 vehicles Some sections may be narrow or have water crossings
Additional Info: The area is remote with limited cell service
Trail Feature: Offroad
All trail information provided in this guide is for general reference only We used local intel, personal experience and relied heavily on OnX Offroad for info Conditions, access, and difficulty can change due to weather, land use policies, or other factors It is your responsibility to research current trail status, access permissions, and safety considerations before attempting any route
By participating in trail rides or using this information, you acknowledge that Range to Ranch Retreat, its organizers, and affiliated partners are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, injuries, or damages resulting from use of this guide. Always tread lightly, be prepared, and wheel responsibly
Mackay Mine Hill Tour
Distance: Approximately 107 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (Technical Rating: 4)
Highlights: Explore the historic mining district of Mackay Mine Hill, featuring 20 interpretive stops, including the White Knob Townsite ruins and a reconstructed Shay Railroad trestle The
Copper Basin Scenic Loop
Trail Creek Road
Distance: Approximately 40 miles (this is the road that the Range to Ranch Event access is on.)
Difficulty: Moderate (Technical Rating: 4)
Best Time: Late spring through early fall (typically mid-May to November)
Vehicle Suitability: High-clearance 4x4 vehicles recommended for traversing the pass; not suitable for large RVs or trailers The section between US-93 & our camp entrance is pavement & gravel and suitable for all vehicles
Access Points: Begins in Ketchum, ID, and connects to US-93 near Mackay, ID
Trail Type: Gravel and dirt mountain pass road
Distance: Approximately 172 miles (74 miles on Spar Canyon Road and 98 miles on Broken Wagon Road)
Access Points: Accessible from Highway 93, south of Challis, ID
Trail Type: Full-width dirt roads forming a loop
Spar Canyon / Broken Wagon Loop
Trail Technical Ratings Explained
Disclaimer: The technical ratings listed below provide an idea of what you might encounter on a trail or road. While we made every effort to prepare you for your ride, trail conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly due to weather, closures, new obstacles, and other unforeseen events Use your best judgment, know what your vehicle can handle and be safe onX Offroad and its affiliates are not responsible for trail ratings, trail conditions, your driving ability or your skill level
Pass Creek
Distance: Approximately 37 miles
Difficulty: Easy (Technical Rating: 3)
Highlights: A scenic drive through a narrow canyon with opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk and moose. The route offers unique views and is popular among overlanders
Vehicle Suitability: Accessible for full-sized vehicles with standard 4x4 capabilities
Additional Info: The trail is well-maintained and offers several pullouts for camping or picnicking Add to the adventure by going on to Pass Creek Summit
Access Points: Via Doublespring Pass or Pass Creek Road from Mackay, ID
Trail Type: Full-width dirt road
Trail Feature: Hiking
All trail information provided in this guide is for general reference only Conditions, access, and difficulty can change due to weather, land use policies, or other factors It is your responsibility to research current trail status, access permissions, and safety considerations before attempting any route
CHILLY BUTTES ACCESS
(Note: this access is from US-93, not from camp on Trail Creek Rd) From US-93 north of Mackay, turn left/west onto Trail Creek Road. Drive 35 miles on Trail Creek Road to an unsigned junction [5975W, which you will discover later] Turn right/north onto [unsigned] 5975W and drive 06 miles to a signed junction with 6000W/Anderson Road Here is where you discover that you’ve been driving on 5975W! Turn left/west and drive 04 miles to a pass/saddle between North Chilly Butte and South Chilly Butte Park off the road here This is the launching point for climbs of both buttes
SOUTH CHILLY BUTTE
South Chilly Butte lies southwest of the unincorporated community of Chilly, Idaho, which is located north of Trail Creek Road and northwest of Mackay, Idaho South Chilly’s sister butte, North Chilly Butte, lies to the northeast South Chilly Butte is on State of Idahomanaged public land The parcel is fenced for grazing The vehicle entry to the parcel is found on South Chilly Butte’s north side. This peak is probably the easiest to climb of the “butte peaks” in the Big Lost River Valley.
NORTH APPROACH, CLASS 2
Start your adventure in the heart of Mackay along US Highway 93
Take Seefried Lane north and then east of town until it connects with Lower Cedar Creek Road Follow the Lower Cedar Creek Trailhead signs
Drive about four miles on Lower Cedar Creek Road to reach the small Lower Cedar Creek Trail, with its small parking area and single picnic table for visitors
A little over a mile in, you’ll arrive at a small wooden bridge that crosses Lower Cedar Creek The scenery here is picturesque, and you could watch the adjacent waterfall from the bridge for countless hours When you’ve had your fill, take the same trail back to the trailhead, or for another viewpoint cross the bridge and continue up the mountain to access the origin point of the large waterfall that feeds Lower Cedar Creek
The trail to this “hole-in-the-wall” waterfall is steeper than the trail leading to the Lower Cedar Creek bridge Watch your footing along the portion of the trail right after the bridge as it may be slippery due to wet moss Here, you’ll start to feel the cool mist emanating from the waterfall ahead Hike the well-maintained path about a half-mile to reach the final waterfall In some locations, you’ll encounter rock steps that make climbing to the top easier
Climb straightforward terrain, staying west of the small rock outcrops, from Anderson Road directly to the summit area The actual summit is obvious There is no marker, register, or summit cairn This is the steepest approach on the butte, but it is short, footing and route visibility are good, and the climb is obtainable by most fitness levels Trip stats: 06 miles with 283 feet of elevation gain round trip
NORTH CHILLY BUTTE
North Chilly Butte lies west of the unincorporated community of Chilly, Idaho, which is located north of Trail Creek Road and northwest of Mackay, Idaho North Chilly’s sister butte, South Chilly Butte, lies to the southwest. The easiest terrain and legal, easiest public access is found along North Chilly Butte’s west side
WEST SIDE APPROACH, CLASS 2
Climb the mellower terrain on the west side, aiming for the summit which is almost at the center of the butte Footing is good and, in short order, arrive at the summit ridge The actual summit is correctly shown on the List of John map (link below) However the only marker we saw for it was a downed pole Enjoy the views of nearby buttes, the Thousand Springs area, the Lost River Range, the Pahsimeroi Range, and the White Knob Mountains Round-trip stats: 11 miles with 478 feet of elevation gain round trip
Trail Feature: Mountainbike
Mackay & Copper Basin Area
The Mackay region, including the scenic Copper Basin, provides a mix of alpine singletrack and rugged backcountry routes:
BIG LOST RIVER ACCESS TRAIL
Try this 14-mile out-and-back hiking trail near Mackay, Idaho
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 32 min to complete This trail is great for fishing, hiking, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas
ACCESS
Approximately 1 mile northwest of Mackay, Idaho along the Big Lost River Turn west off of Hwy 93 onto Main St in Mackay Continue south; Main Street turns into Smelter Road and crosses the Big Lost River (there is a signed IDF&G public river access on the southeast side of the bridge) Proceed approximately 1 mile, cross the cattleguard and turn right. Follow this road approximately 2 miles to the signed day use parking area for the Big Lost River Access Trail, located on the north side of the road
Skyline Trail - A high-elevation trail offering panoramic views of the Lost River Range
Bear Canyon Trail 4062 - A challenging route through dense forests and open meadows
White Mountain Trail 4043 - Features technical sections and rewarding vistas.
Broad Canyon Trail - A moderate trail with varied terrain and scenic beauty.
Lake Creek (Copper Basin) Trail - An 117-mile loop known for its challenging climbs and stunning landscapes
For an overview of trails in the Mackay area: Trailforks – Mackay
Ketchum & Sun Valley Area
Ketchum and Sun Valley are renowned for their extensive and wellmaintained trail systems:
Adams Gulch Loop - A popular intermediate loop with varied terrain and beautiful views
Corral Creek Trail - An out-and-back trail through forests and along creeks, suitable for intermediate riders
Fox Creek Loop - A 63-mile loop offering a mix of climbs and descents amidst scenic surroundings
White Clouds Trail - Beginner-friendly trail with gentle grades and panoramic vistas.
Bald Mountain Trails - Features lift-accessed downhill trails with over 3,100 vertical feet of descent
For a detailed trail map of the Ketchum area: Trailforks – Ketchum
BROKEN TOP LOOP
The Broken Top Loop Trail is one of the most outstanding trails within Craters of the Moon You can observe nearly every type of volcanic feature characteristic of the basaltic eruptions that created this unearthly landscape This trail also provides access to the Wilderness Trail
TREE MOLDS TRAIL
This trail winds through shrubs and stands of limber pine within the Craters of the Moon Wilderness before reaching the edge of the Blue Dragon Flow While still molten, this lava flow knocked down and ignited trees The charred tree trunks left impressions in the lava rock In other places, the trees remained standing as the lava encased them, leaving vertical molds in the cooling lava The tree molds can be seen at the end of the trail, one mile from the trailhead
NOTES ABOUT VISITING CRATERS OF THE MOON WITH PETS
Opportunities to explore the park with pets are very limited and they are not allowed on the trails Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, parking areas do not have shade and air temperatures can soar into the 90s in the middle of summer
blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures
