Antelope Creek Summit — Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway High-Desert Divide

At roughly 7,400 feet, the Antelope Creek drainage and surrounding divide on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (Forest Road 135) puts you on the backbone between Copper Basin to the east and the Big Wood River drainage to the west. Out here it’s big sagebrush flats pinched by volcanic peaks, with the Lost River Range and Mount Borah punching the eastern skyline. Pronghorn work these benches constantly. No crowds, no services — just the road, the sky, and whatever weather rolls off the Pioneers without warning.

FR 135 is a well-maintained gravel road suitable for most high-clearance 2WD rigs in dry conditions, but summer thunderstorms can turn the clay sections greasy fast. Typically open late June through October depending on snowpack. Cell service is essentially nonexistent through this stretch. Fill your tank in Mackay or Ketchum — there’s nothing in between.

Big sky divide between Copper Basin and the Pioneers.