Jeep Trail to Brundage Mountain

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.