Jeep Trail to Brundage Mountain
Technical mining road climb above McCall
This steep technical climb follows old mining roads carved into Brundage Mountain’s flanks above McCall, gaining 2,800 feet through dense lodgepole pine and open meadows. The route starts behind Brundage Mountain ski area and winds through a maze of mining cuts and tailings from the 1920s gold rush, with several mandatory rock ledges and loose scree sections that’ll test your line choice and throttle control. Key waypoint is the abandoned Lick Creek Mine at mile 7, where rusted equipment still sits among the tailings.
This is solid intermediate technical terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear. July through September offers the best conditions when snow clears the upper elevations, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. No permits needed, but fuel up in McCall as it’s your last chance. Multiple dispersed camping spots along the route, and the summit views of Payette Lake and the Seven Devils make the technical climbing worth every scraped rocker panel.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | McCall, Idaho |
| Land manager | Payette National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can manage it, but skid plates are non-negotiable on this trail — the rock sections will find your undercarriage. Lockers help on the steeper climbing sections, and low-range is required.
When does this trail open and when does it close?
July through September is your window. Snow lingers at elevation well into June, and early fall storms can shut it down fast — the trail tops out around 7,200 feet. Check with Payette National Forest before heading out if you're pushing either end of the season.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp up there?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard Payette National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources, pack out everything you pack in.
What's the hardest section and what am I actually dealing with?
The sustained climb up the old mining road is where it gets serious — loose rock, embedded ledges, and off-camber shelf road with exposure. It's not a one-move obstacle; it's 14 miles of sustained technical terrain that will wear out an unprepared driver.
Are there water crossings, and can I refill on the trail?
Yes, there are water crossings — nothing typically extreme in peak season, but flow varies and early July can run higher. If you're filtering and refilling from streams, options exist on the route, but McCall is your last guaranteed stop for fuel and supplies before you head up.
Trail track
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