How to drive the unpaved road to Mount Baldy in Idaho

Mount Baldy is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.793m (9,163ft) above sea level located in Lemhi County, in the US state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.

Mount Baldy

Where is Mount Baldy?

The peak is located west of Salmon, in the northern part of Idaho, within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Why is there a road to the summit of Mount Baldy?

The summit hosts communication facilities and TV/radio repeaters.

Is the road to Mount Baldy unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 026. It features many narrow parts and steep sections. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is recommended.

How long is the road to Mount Baldy?

Starting from Forest Road 020, the road to the summit is 3.86km (2.4 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 264m (869 ft) and the average gradient is 6.83%. 

Is the road to Mount Baldy open year-round?

Set high in the Salmon River Mountains, the road is not plowed in winters. It’s usually impassable from November to June.