Off-road enthusiasts in Idaho are privileged to live in a state that embraces the sport wholeheartedly. From desert landscapes to thousands upon thousands of acres of open road, off-roaders have an almost unlimited amount of options in Idaho. Below you’ll find five of the coolest spots in the state to rev up your engines.
Travel to Blackrock Canyon in Pocatello, Idaho, for a 12-mile ATV loop on packed gravel. Make sure to check the website for exact directions, as the trail is somewhat off the beaten path. Blackrock Canyon is a bit remote, so don’t expect a store or any place to buy food or water. You’re best off bringing your own. But for an ATV experience away from the city, Blackrock Canyon has you covered.
Stop by the Idaho Dunes RV Park at St. Anthony Sand Dunes to refresh, relax, and reenergize before heading back out onto the 10,600-acres of white quartz sand dunes. Known as “the ultimate playground for off-road vehicle enthusiasts,” the dunes provide an almost unlimited area for off-roadaholics to drive to their heart’s content. When you’ve finished riding for the day, come back to the campsite for access to showers, bathrooms, food, and more. The dunes offer “the largest bowls and smoothest free riding in the country,” according to Idaho Dunes RV.
Riders of all experience levels love Sacajawea Motor Sports Park near Salmon, Idaho, for the diverse natural landscape over 40 acres. The track is open every day of the week and has toilets on-site. Whether you’re taking part in an organized race or simply want an afternoon on the track, Sacajawea Motor Sports Park offers fantastic accommodations.
Drive through historic gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc mines in the Knob Mountains near Mackay, Idaho, for a truly unique off-roading experience. Hazards include high trestles as well as forested areas along many loops, ranging from 20-24 miles each. Stop by 20 different sites along the way to examine the mines and other historically interesting areas, such as museums and recreated buildings.
There’s an abundance of public land in Idaho waiting to be traversed (legally). The Cascade Ranger District is home to a variety of trails for off-roaders to explore. In the area, people enjoy fishing at Cascade Lake or swimming at Warm Lake, when the weather is nice. For trails, you have the options of choosing from the three-mile Dollar Creek Way Trail, the 10-mile East Mountain Way Trail, the four-mile Gold Fork North Trail, and several more.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
