Henrys Lake to Targhee Pass Mining Road
Continental Divide mining road through ranch country.
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7300 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Island Park, Idaho |
| Land manager | Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this fine. Lifted rigs aren't required, but low-clearance vehicles like stock crossovers will have problems on the rougher mining road sections.
When does the trail typically open in spring and is it passable through October?
Snow usually clears enough for travel by mid-June, though wet years can push that to late June. October is generally fine but expect early snowfall at elevation — the trail sits near 7,300 ft and conditions can change fast.
Do I need a permit to drive this trail or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping falls under Caribou-Targhee National Forest rules — 16-night stay limit, camp 200 ft from water and roads, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section and what makes it challenging?
The mining road segments near the Continental Divide are the roughest — loose rock, ruts, and some steep pitches with limited room to maneuver. It's not a white-knuckle trail, but it demands attention and you won't be moving fast through those stretches.
Are there reliable water sources along the route or should I carry all my water?
There are water crossings on the route, but treat everything — cattle graze this land heavily and contamination is a real concern. Carry enough water for your full run and treat anything you pull from streams before drinking.
Trail track
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