Challis, Idaho

Looking for the best backpacking in Challis? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Challis. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Challis

  • Salmon, Idaho

    Goldbug Hot Springs

    4.6
    3.54 mi / 912 ft gain
    Reaching the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is pretty straightforward. It is located South of Salmon, Idaho and north of Challis, Idaho. The turnoff is near mile marker 282 on highway 93. This turns into a short dirt road (heading east) with a trailhead at the end; wooden fences and a restroom wil...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Hike to 4th of July Lake

    3.6 mi / 900 ft gain
    This is an easy, yet breathtakingly beautiful hike. After the fun adventure of the 10.2 mile extra bumpy dirt road to the trail head the hike in is simple. 4 Wheel drive and a spare tire are advised, I got a flat. The drive in through old burned forest area is a cool drive on its own. At the end ...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Born Lakes via 4th of July Lake Trailhead

    4.0
    8.17 mi / 1736 ft gain
    Due to it's higher-than-average starting point, many backpackers use this trailhead to access the remote parts of the Boulder-White Cloud wilderness. The trailhead for this hike, nestled at 8850', is readily accessible by Prius and Jeep alike as the gravel road is well maintained, notwithstanding...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Thompson Peak Trail

    4.0
    12.59 mi / 3976 ft gain
    The Sawtooths are known for its craggy shapes protruding from central Idaho. Although the hike to Thompson Peak isn't necessarily a rare or tremendously physical feat, it's a proud, boastful moment bagging the tallest peak in the range. Here's the scoop: To reach Redfish Trailhead, head south of...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Climb Mt. Breitenbach

    8 mi / 4600 ft gain
    Directions to the "trailhead": From Mackay, Idaho take Highway 93, approximately 2 miles past Mackay reservoir, turn right on Upper Cedar Creek road (FS rd 127). Follow this road straight toward the mountains. There will be a number of cattle gates to go through. About 3 miles up, the road crosse...
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  • Salmon, Idaho

    Backpack the Bighorn Crags

    22 mi
    The Bighorn Crags are a fantastic grouping of granite peaks and alpine lakes in central Idaho. They are also the crown jewel of the huge Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48. The area is almost a secret because of the time it tak...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek

    4.9
    10.04 mi / 1962 ft gain
    Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Hell Roaring Creek Trail to Hell Roaring Lake

    11.16 mi / 787 ft gain
    Hell Roaring Creek Trail in Lowman, Idaho, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that stretches for about 11.16 miles. The trail features a steady elevation gain of 787 feet, making it suitable for intermediate hikers. The trail leads to the stunning Hell Roaring Lake, a high-altitude body of ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Saddleback Lakes

    5.0
    8.64 mi / 2129 ft gain
    The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The boat ride has a fee and is approximately 7 minutes each way. You can learn more on the Redfish Lake blog. Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

    5.0
    10.85 mi / 1893 ft gain
    Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of the...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Cramer Lakes via Redfish Inlet Trailhead

    4.0
    14.78 mi / 1880 ft gain
    Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Marten Lake and Kelly Lake

    5.0
    9.16 mi / 1434 ft gain
    The Sawtooth mountain range consists of hundreds, maybe thousands, of small, crystal clear lakes. Because of the sheer number of lakes, there are many destinations where the foot traffic is considerably low. Most weekend packers will stick to the familiar: they find themselves hiking to Sawtooth ...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Backpack through Surprise Valley to Lake 10148

    4.0
    13 mi / 2900 ft gain
    I have a hard time getting the word "legendary" out of my mind when referencing this hike. I liked it that much. The trailhead begins at 7200'; be prepared to drive 20 miles on a maintained gravel road to get there. The first 3 miles of this out-and-back hike are pretty flat, meandering through ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Imogene Lake

    5.0
    13.41 mi / 1496 ft gain
    You will want to turn onto NF-209 off of highway 75, about 10 miles outside of Stanley, Idaho. You will then turn left onto 315, and you can either park at the lower or upper trail head for trail 097. When you park at the lower, you will be trekking 9 miles. If you choose the upper, you will be t...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Scramble Up Decker Peak

    14.4 mi / 3990 ft gain
    This can be a day trip or, if you want to take your time and relax after the climb, backpack in and camp at Hell Roaring Lake on the night before and after the climb. Begin your journey at Hell Roaring Lake Trailhead. From Stanley, drive on ID-75 south for 12 miles, turn west at Decker Flat, and ...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Hike to Kane Lake

    4.7
    6.8 mi / 1717 ft gain
    This hike into the Pioneer Mountain Range starts out in a small meadow near Kane Creek, which you will follow for nearly the whole hike. Once you hit the forested area the uphill climb begins and doesn't stop until you get to the lake. About half way up the trail will begin taking you through roc...
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