Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route

The Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route strings together 1,250 miles of the state’s finest dirt, connecting Nevada to Montana through an incredible diversity of terrain. From the Owyhee Desert’s sagebrush expanses to the Sawtooth Mountains’ granite peaks, this route showcases why Idaho remains one of America’s last wild frontiers. Key waypoints include the Payette National Forest sections, Jerry Peak Lookout, and the challenging Lolo Pass area where Lewis and Clark struggled through in 1805.

Rated moderate overall with expert-level sections, the IDBDR demands a capable 4WD rig with recovery gear, extra fuel, and repair supplies. Most riders tackle it in segments over multiple seasons—July through September offers the best weather window. You’ll cross everything from technical rock gardens to high-speed forest roads, with dispersed camping opportunities throughout. What you earn is a comprehensive tour of Idaho’s backcountry, from ghost towns to active mining claims, plus membership in an exclusive club of riders who’ve completed one of the West’s premier adventure routes.