Trail Creek Road in Idaho is not for novice mountain drivers
Trail Creek Road is a very scenic high mountain drive located on the boundary between Blaine and Custer counties in the U.S. state of Idaho.
How long is Trail Creek Road?
The road (408) is 65.66km (40.8 miles) long and runs from Ketchum, a city in Blaine County, to Highway 93, near Chilly.
Is Trail Creek Road in Idaho paved?
The road is mostly unpaved. It begins as pavement but suddenly turns to gravel. More than half of the road is dirt mixed with tire-eating, pyramid-shaped rocks. Expect a crazy steep drop-off, a narrow one-way gravel road, and beautiful scenery. You don't need 4WD-- you can drive any type of car on it- but it's a bit rocky and potholed in sections.
Is Trail Creek Road difficult?
The drive is pretty challenging. It is not for the novice mountain driver – there is no room for mistakes. There is a reason that heavy vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers are not allowed on this trail. Expect some steep parts. The road is notorious for teaching folks how to find their spare tire. Make sure you have a full-size spare (not a donut), and make sure it is in good condition. The road is often plagued with rockslides and/or washed-out areas. You're well-advised to keep both eyes on the road at all times. Pretty view, though. Just don't become part of it.
How long does it take to drive Trail Creek Road?
Tucked away in the central part of Idaho, plan 1-2 hours to complete the remarkable drive without stops, although you may want to block out extra time to stop. Travel time is dependent on the conditions of the road and the number of times that you stop along the way to take in the scenic wonders.
Is Trail Creek Road open in Idaho?
The road tops out at Trail Creek Summit, at an elevation of 2.411m (7,910ft) above sea level. The gravel, basically non-maintained roadway is closed during the winter months but is plowed open when warmer weather returns to the area. Only passable during the summer, the road is closed by double-digit feet deep snow during the winter. Many times during the winter, the road is also damaged by dirt and rock avalanches.