A scenic and worthwhile drive to Bear Creek Summit in ID

Bear Creek Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.297m (7,536ft) above the sea level, located in Custer County, in the center of the U.S. state of Idaho. 

Bear Creek Summit

Set high in the White Knob Mountains, within the Sawtooth National Forest, the road to the summit is totally unpaved and usually impassable in winters. It’s called Cherry Creek Summit Road (Forest Road 135), also known as Challis National Forest road 135. It’s a great road with no real challenges. However, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended as the road becomes somewhat rocky. You can make a day loop and wind up back in Sun Valley.
The drive features steep sections, hitting a 13% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The pass road is 57.93km (36.0 miles) long, running from Forest Road 208 (Trail Creek Road) to Forest Road 137. Plan around 3 hours to complete the drive. Think twice about using this road after rainfall - four wheel drive may be necessary.
Pic: Greg Stringham

 

 

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