Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route

For those that do not know, there are 13 "backcountry discovery" routes. Originally these were created for Dual Sport motorcycles, but are becoming more popular with Overlanders.

"Starting in the historic town of Jarbidge, NV the route crosses range lands and then heads into the Boise National Forest and treats riders with views of Andersen reservoir and epic alpine camping at Trinity lakes. Tiny towns and treasures like Burgdorf Hot Springs make this a bucket list ride for sure. You’ll travel where Lewis and Clark made history and experience the legendary Magruder Corridor and Lolo Motorway which skirt the roadless Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness. You will reach modest hints of civilization as you pass through Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry on your way to the Canadian Border."

https://ridebdr.com/idbdr/

Plan for day 1 of the trip was to go from Colorado Springs to Fruita, CO and camp. I was meeting my buddy and his Land Cruiser group in Idaho, which is a 15+ hour drive. We figured cutting a few hours off the trip on Day 1 would make the Day 2 long haul easier.

Catthew decided he wanted to tag along as well.

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Snow on the Collegiate Peaks in Buena Vista, CO.

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Monarch Pass

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

Camp in Fruita. Remember, lights over lockers lol

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

 

Day 2: Fruita, CO to Glenns Ferry, ID

Good morning!!!

IDBDR Day 2 by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
IDBDR Day 2 by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
IDBDR Day 2 by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
IDBDR Day 2 by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

Didn't really get any other pictures as we were driving through Salt Lake City and through Jackpot, NV

 

My buddy had an family emergency so he was meeting us late on Day 3 in Glenns Ferry. We had some time burn so we took the puppies to a local school to run around.

Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

We did a little exploring before he arrived as well.

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We are finally off! Sorry for the windshield pictures

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

Anderson Ranch Reservoir Dam

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

Camp

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
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Day 4

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I present to you...the Overland Yaris

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We noticed that my buddies 3rd Gen Taco was leaking coolant. This is the 2nd time this has happened in 3 years. Luckily had had stop leak in bag.

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

Back at it

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

The Amber gang

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Getting a little rain

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

...and he lost the valance lol
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Day 5

Morning views

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

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Home of the Harmonica Fest!!!

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr
Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

 

Day 6: The last day

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Airport in the middle of no where
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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

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Untitled by RedRunner_87, on Flickr

 

Hey -

The trip looks awesome! My wife, 2 kids, and I are planning a 2-week camping trip in Idaho. Her old roommate lives in McCall (close to Yellow Pine) and I'm thinking this would be a great way to travel north through Idaho.

Any recommendations or advice? We will probably be starting the trek from Jarbidge on June 22.

 

Tag for more info

 

Are you planning on doing the Magruder Coridor portion? That ususally doesn't open up until the second week of July just as an FYI. Jarbidge to Deadwood should be good, to Yellowpine is questionable. I was just down in the Trinity's that section should be melted out by your trip time.

Current snow levels in questionable area.

 

I was, but if it's not open, then...no. haha

I'm just starting out on planning the details of the trip. We were thinking about possibly skipping that section so we could get farther north quicker, so that might be what we do.

What map are you looking at for the snow levels?

Thanks!

 

Gaiagps premium subscription for the snow level maps. I am finding them to be fairly accurate with some early season hikes.

 

Definitely read the Idaho Back Country guides on the website and plan your fuel accordingly. Luckily my buddy in the Taco and myself never got too low, but the FJ80's had to do an extra fuel up in small town at like $10/gallon. Fuel up when you can and make sure you know where the next one is.

Be prepared to have zero service for a vast majority of the trip(which was a nice thing)! This trip was by far my favorite trip so far. Absolutely stunning! We went later in the season so we had no issues with snow or anything like that.