Copper Basin Loop
Alpine mining ruins at 10,200 feet
This 35-mile loop climbs from Trail Creek Ranch through the Copper Basin mining district to treeline at 10,200 feet, where century-old mine shafts and mill ruins dot the alpine tundra below 11,000-foot Hyndman Peak. The route connects Forest Service Roads 135, 051, and 138 through some of Idaho’s most remote high country, with the technical crux at Copper Basin Pass where loose rock and steep grades demand careful throttle control and proper line selection.
Difficult terrain requiring experienced 4WD with skid plates and good ground clearance — this isn’t a trail for mall crawlers. Best accessed July through September when snow clears the high passes. No permits needed, excellent dispersed camping in the basin, but bring warm gear as temperatures drop fast at altitude. Cell service is nonexistent. You’ll experience some of Idaho’s most dramatic alpine scenery and mining history, with views across the entire Pioneer Range and the satisfaction of reaching country most people never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Ketchum, Idaho |
| Land manager | Sawtooth National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Copper Basin Loop, or does it need to be built?
Stock rigs will struggle. The trail demands a modified 4WD with skid plates, solid ground clearance, and a low-range transfer case — rocky sections will punish unprotected undercarriage. A lift and all-terrain tires are strongly advised before you show up.
When does Copper Basin Loop actually open, and can you run it in early June?
July through September is the reliable window. At 10,200 feet, snowpack lingers well into June and can return by October — early-season attempts risk being stopped cold by snow or deep mud. Check current conditions with Sawtooth National Forest before you commit.
Do you need a permit to run Copper Basin Loop or camp out there?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on Sawtooth National Forest land is free and operates under standard Leave No Trace rules — no designated site reservations, no fees. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and existing roads.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what actually makes it technical?
The upper rocky sections pushing toward the 10,200-foot high point are where things get serious — loose shale, embedded boulders, and off-camber moves that demand careful line selection. One wrong read and you're on your rocker panels or worse; this is not a trail where momentum saves you.
Are the water crossings on Copper Basin Loop deep enough to be a real problem, and is there gas anywhere nearby?
Crossings are present and can run fast and thigh-deep during early-season snowmelt — by August they're typically more manageable but still worth scouting on foot before you commit. Fuel up in Ketchum before you leave; there's nothing out there, and you're looking at a 35-mile loop with zero services.
Trail track
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