Driving the steep and rocky roads to Mineral Hill in Idaho
Mineral Hill is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,590m (8,497ft) above sea level, located in Idaho County, within the north-central region of the U.S. state of Idaho. As the third highest summit in the Gospel Hump Wilderness, it offers a window into the state's rugged mining past and some of the most technical off-road driving in the area.
The history of Mineral Hill is inseparable from the gold rush that transformed this wilderness in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is hard to imagine today, but this empty, primitive landscape once supported several bustling mining towns, including Concord, Humptown, and Frogtown. These short-lived, often lawless communities were established to serve thousands of miners who flocked to the region. At their height, these towns featured saloons, brothels, and motels, with thousands of livestock grazing nearby to provide food. Today, virtually all traces of these communities are gone, making it a unique designated wilderness where one can stand in places once inhabited by thousands of people, now reclaimed by silence and nature.
| Road facts: Mineral Hill (NF-202) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Idaho County, Idaho (USA) |
| Elevation | 2,590 m (8,497 ft) |
| Intermediate Summit | Orogrande Summit (2,216m) |
| Length | 41 km (25.4 miles) |
| Max Gradient | 14% |
| Surface | Primitive 4WD Track / Rock & Mud |
How difficult is the road to Mineral Hill (NF-202)?
The journey to the summit starts from the paved ID-14 and covers a grueling 41 km (25.4 miles). The primary access is via NF-202, a road that is notorious for being poorly maintained and extremely narrow. The first several miles are particularly curvy, requiring drivers to proceed with extreme caution as there is almost no room to pass vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Along the way, the route also climbs over Orogrande Summit at 2,216m (7,270ft), located at 45°38'22.0"N 115°36'51.6"W.
The road surface is a mix of very steep rock, large fixed boulders, and wide cracks. In some sections, drivers will encounter 1 to 2-foot vertical steps that require advanced technical skill. While some miners have recently used heavy equipment to improve parts of the track for easier access to active claims, the road remains more appropriate for OHV (Off-Highway Vehicles) than for standard cars or even most stock trucks. With steep sections hitting gradients of up to 14%, you should only attempt this drive if you have significant off-road experience and a vehicle built for high-clearance crawling.
What are the hazards and sights near Mineral Hill?
Safety is a major concern on Mineral Hill. The road is prone to avalanches, heavy snowfalls, and landslides, and it can be extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice even in late spring. It is highly recommended to avoid traveling this road during severe weather. However, the rewards for those who reach the top are substantial. Two pristine alpine lakes, Bear Lake and Crescent Lake, are located near the pass, offering stunning views and a tranquil contrast to the brutal road conditions.
Interestingly, the area's mining history is not entirely in the past. With current mineral prices, some of the historic mines are being reworked, and a small population of locals is often present. This mix of modern small-scale mining and the ghostly remains of 19th-century boomtowns makes Mineral Hill a unique destination for those seeking adventure in the deep Idaho backcountry. Always come prepared with extra supplies, as this remains one of the most remote and less-traveled "high roads" in north-central Idaho.
Pic: Stephanie S