A memorable road trip to Red Mountain in Idaho

Red Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,830 m (9,284 ft) above sea level located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It's one of the highest roads in Idaho.

Red Mountain

Where is Red Mountain in Idaho?

The peak is located north of Stanley, in the central part of Idaho, within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The summit hosts an old lookout foundation.

Is the road to Red Mountain in Idaho unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Red Mountain Road. It was built in order to reach the lookout. The road deteriorates a bit at its final part, but a high clearance vehicle should be fine.

How long is the road to Red Mountain in Idaho?

The road to the summit is very steep, hitting a 21% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at the paved ID-21, the ascent is 33.47 km (20.8 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 884 meters.

Is the road to Red Mountain in Idaho open in winter?

Set high in the Salmon River Mountains, the road is usually impassable in winter, so check ahead for road conditions in the shoulder seasons.
Pic: Ryan Miller

 

 

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