Henrys Lake to Targhee Pass Mining Road

This forgotten mining road climbs from Henrys Lake’s famous fishing waters up through working ranch country toward Targhee Pass on the Continental Divide. The route follows original prospector trails from the 1870s, threading between massive cattle operations and remnant mining claims where you’ll still find rusted sluice boxes and collapsed cabins. The road gets technical after crossing Shotgun Creek, with steep rocky sections and loose shale that demand momentum and good line choice.

Moderate difficulty with some difficult sections on the divide approach. High-clearance 4WD mandatory for the upper reaches where the road turns to loose rock and exposed granite. Run it June through October when snow clears the high country. No permits needed but respect private ranch boundaries — gates are usually unlocked but close them behind you. You get genuine working ranch country, Continental Divide views, and some of the best high-country camping in eastern Idaho.