Archive for the ‘Southern Idaho’ Category

Big Nasty Hill Climb

Posted: September 28, 2011 in Idaho Rides, Southern Idaho
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Originally published in the Boise Weekly:bignasty.jpgPhoto courtesy of bignastyhillclimb.com.

Aptly named, the Big Nasty Hill Climb returned to Pence Ranch near New Plymouth, Idaho Sept. 16-18 for its ninth iteration.

For the uninitiated, here’s a Big Nasty Hill Climb primer: competitors navigate high-powered dirt bikes—many with custom modifications—up a very steep, rocky, rutted-out hillside. Those who don’t make it over the top face a rough-and-tumble scuttle back down the hill—sometimes with significant injury. There are several classes of riders over different courses, ranging from a 260-foot mini bike hill to a 600-foot pro line.

Over the years, the event has grown to international prominence with the addition of a wide variety of complementary events: mud-bog drag races, helicopter rides, RC car racing, Marine pull-up contests, food, live music, street-bike stunt exhibitions, a giant cannon, monster trucks and a 500HP air boat to name a few. The laundry list of entertaining revelry goes way beyond just the hill climb.

The sensory overload of hanging out with gear-heads and thrill-junkies from all over the United States prompted some hilarious and entertaining conversations—and I would venture to say that the people watching is some of the best anywhere. Touted as being “where NASCAR meets Burning Man,” the Big Nasty attracted a robust crowd. Many folks made the 45-mile trip from Boise for a single day of fun but with 500 campsites available on the ranch, others turned out for the entire weekend, motor homes and camping gear in tow.

The hardware ranged from 50cc mini bikes to 300hp dirt rockets. Last year, fewer than 22 percent of the total attempted runs made it over the top, arguably making it one of the most challenging hill climbs in the world. According to the Big Nasty website, “All hill climb bikes are cool, but the pro bikes are wild, noisy, exotic, stretched-out, paddle-tired, nitromethane-powered machines that will blow your mind.”

Event organizer Ron Dillon was a busy man at this year’s Big Nasty, which set attendance and entry records.

“We’re having a great time this year … I think we’ll go over 13,000 [attendees] for the weekend,” Dillon said.

The Big Nasty lived up to its reputation as a fun and rowdy gathering for an eclectic group of power sports fanatics. More than 700 competitors signed up to battle the big, nasty obstacle and those who beat it have reason to be proud. All of the winners will be listed at bignastyhillclimb.com soon but a few of them are listed below:

450 Pro Class: Bret Peterson of Yorba Linda, Calif.
700 Pro Class: Harold Waddell of Omaha, Neb.
Open Pro Class: Jason Smith of Farmington, Utah
Pro Mini Class: Chase Seal of Meridian, Idaho
Pro Women: Jenny Kouba of Star, Idaho

We can’t wait for Big Nasty Hill Climb 2012.

Video from the event can be seen here.

Idaho Bird Observatory

Posted: August 1, 2011 in Boise Area, Idaho Rides, Southern Idaho
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Originally published in the Boise Weekly:
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This quick out-and-back trip will take you to one of the best viewpoints in Southern Idaho. At the summit of Lucky Peak—the peak, not the dam—lies the Idaho Bird Observatory, which is run by Boise State’s Department of Biological Sciences. This facility serves as the primary field research hub for students and scientists to collect information on migratory and songbirds. The observatory is open to the public from July 15-Oct. 31 and offers opportunities to kick it with our fluttery friends on this scenic ridge.

For information on operating hours and the best times to see your favorite hawk, owl or songbird, check out the IBO website.

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IBO operators said the facility is there for a good reason.

In 1993, we discovered that the Boise Ridge, just a few miles from downtown Boise, supports one of the largest known raptor and songbird migrations in the Western United States during autumn. A long-term project has been established at Lucky Peak, the southernmost peak on the ridge, to annually count the number of migrating raptors during fall to provide reliable population trend information on western species. Long-term raptor banding projects also have been established to identify migration routes, wintering areas, breeding areas and mortality factors.

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Getting There
Leaving Boise around 3 p.m., I was eager to test a new set of DOT 60/40 off-road tires that I recently installed on Geronimo, my KLR 650. I headed east from downtown out Warm Springs Avenue before jumping on Highway 21 eastbound. Just before the Kodiak Grill (formerly the Hilltop Cafe), I made a left onto Highland Valley Road.

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The road forks once, before heading up the steep—and occasionally very rough—final 3 miles to the IBO.

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There are plenty of signs pointing travelers in the right direction, so navigation is a breeze.

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Be aware that the 5-mile trek from Highway 21 is fairly rough, and a 4×4 vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended.

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The panoramic views from Lucky Peak alone are worth the trip. You can see every landscape imaginable, from pine forest to desolate sagebrush desert, to steep rocky canyons, to grassy rolling hills, to high plains. The geography changes drastically in every direction when you travel this far up in the clouds.

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As soon as you reach the observatory, it’s tempting to try to connect through to Aldape Summit at the top of Rocky Canyon Road, but that cannot be done legally.

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There are several gates and restricted areas that exist to help conserve this unique ecosystem in the eastern Foothills. You have to be respectful of this area and proceed with the understanding that this is an out-and-back trip only. You can explore a handful of trails and dead-end roads that run down toward Harris Ranch, but you cannot connect through this time of year on motorized vehicles. There are a handful of private parcels as well—they are gated for a reason and trespassing is strictly forbidden.

Total Distance: 38 miles, 10 miles on dirt


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Silver City & Cow Creek

Posted: July 8, 2011 in Idaho Rides, Southern Idaho
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Originally published in the Boise Weekly:
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I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but in my 28 years in Idaho, I had never visited Silver City until this past weekend. With the trip now under my belt, my shame has turned to guilt for having missed out on this alpine treasure for all those years.

The Owyhee Mountains are bitchin’ and Silver City is no exception. One of the most historic towns in the West, Silver City is nestled against a beautiful backdrop that many Boiseans wrongly assume is an extension of the desolate desert landscape to the south of Grand View, Murphy or Melba. This isn’t really the case.

The aptly named, retired mining town sits adjacent to steep green and red grassy canyons, lush high alpine forest, stoic rocky peaks, crystal blue streams, and yes, the desert several thousand feet below.

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The surrounding area is an outdoorsman’s candy store, with endless hiking, trail riding, dirt biking and exploring options available. I came in from the Jordan Valley, Ore., side, which can take you to Succor Creek and the epic scenery of Leslie Gulch should you choose to head further west.

Getting There:
Leaving Boise around 2 p.m, I mounted the newest member of the family (not how/what you’re thinking): a dirt worthy Kawasaki KLR 650 dual sport motorcycle I have affectionately named Geronimo. Riding west to Nampa, then south on Highway 95 through Southern Idaho’s bustling wine country, I crossed the Oregon border about 60 miles from Boise. About 10 miles into Oregon—just past the Succor Creek turnoff—signage on the east side of the highway points towards Silver City by way of Cow Creek Road. The sign reads 25 miles from this point, although you can also come in from the Jordan Valley side, via Trout Creek.

(Note: The common route to Silver City is from Murphy, Idaho, and is in generally good condition. I chatted with an elderly couple in a minivan who had no problems with the road from the Idaho side. The scenery from the Oregon side is well worth the added mileage, but should be done in a vehicle with adequate ground clearance. Substantial rainfall the day before made for a muddy run of things, so check weather before attempting this route.)

About five miles out Cow Creek Road, the nicely buffed gravel road turned a little rough. Several creek crossings later, and the scenery began to change drastically.

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Rolling range land turned to a sea of dead conifers before dropping into the river valley up to Silver City.
Rocky spires rise out of steep canyon forests as the road continues its gnarly progression.

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As you enter the recreation area surrounding Silver City, you start to finally come across some signs of civilization.

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Open from Memorial Day until early October—weather permitting—the durable, super-historic relic of Silver City is frozen in the 1860s. The old hotel and restaurant are the main hub of the town, and the locals are some of the friendliest I’ve met in my travels. A lady at a local souvenir store offered me new socks when she noticed that my lower half had been soaked from the day’s creek crossings. Everyone I met was authentic, sociable and cordial.

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The only signs of modern society (apart from vehicle traffic) to be found anywhere in Silver City are the solar panels that power the majority of residences and businesses.

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According to the folks I talked to, weekends in the summer are fairly busy, with the biggest crowds gathering on holidays. This fall, residents are hosting several events to raise funds to pay for the town’s watchman and volunteer fire program. More information can be found at historicsilvercityidaho.com.

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If you feel like going further, the South Fork of the Owyhee River to the south, and Jarbidge, Nev., to the southeast offer some excellent exploration options.

Total Distance: 166 miles, 45 on dirt


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Wickahoney Camp & the Bruneau Hot Springs Area

Posted: July 8, 2011 in Idaho Rides, Southern Idaho
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Originally published in the Boise Weekly:

When exploring the remote areas of southwest Idaho’s Owyhee County, you cannot be too prepared. Much of the county is prone to erratic weather, unforgiving conditions and poor signage. It’s very easy to get lost and can be very difficult to get out if something goes wrong.

Most of Owyhee County is high mountain desert, with rolling hills and plentiful sagebrush. Saddled in the southwest corner of the state, Owyhee County is bordered to the north by the Snake River and to the south by the Owyhee Mountains and Nevada state line. In between are a number of fun and scenic routes to explore.

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Recently, I jumped on my dual sport motorcycle, commissioned the company of my older brother Jay and my friend Rustin, and set out for Owyhee County. Our goal was to reach the Wickahoney Stage Stop and the hot springs region south of Bruneau.

Getting There: Leaving Boise around 3 p.m., we headed out Pleasant Valley Road south of Gowen Field. Pleasant Valley turns to dirt a few miles from town and parallels Interstate 84 eastbound all the way to the Union Pacific Rail line. A quick traverse over to Simco Road and we were back on hardtop.

Rustin got a flat about five miles out Simco Road. After a janky side-of-the-road tube replacement, we were back at full strength. A quick dog-leg from Simco to Highway 67 to Strike Dam Road and we were treated to some amazing plateau views adjacent to CJ Strike Reservoir.

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Following dinner at the Black Sands Resort and a fuel stop in Grand View, we headed south on legendary Mud Flat Road—a primary access point to some of the best recreation spots in Owyhee County. About nine miles out on Mud Flat Road, we elected to explore the Shoofly Cutoff Road, which took us back east through rolling agricultural fields. It’s quite odd riding on a gravel road with sagebrush to your right and lush green fields to your left, but the unique soil compositions in this area are just that: unique.

The Shoofly Cutoff Road crosses Highway 51 south of Bruneau and turns into No Name Road. No Name Road turns into what looked like an old wagon trail, before disappearing into a field. This field turned into a sandy full-throttle hill climb. A little lost, we made a beeline for higher ground to see if we could spot a trail or road. After a bit of bushwhacking, we found our way back down to No Name Road, which led us to what appeared to be a favorite make-out spot for local high school kids—hundreds of names and dates were carved into the windblown desert sandstone. Burning daylight, we pushed on.

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After a lot of guesswork in the dark, we eventually found our way to CCC Road and the Bruneau River hot springs area. Hot Springs Road would have taken us south to the Idaho Centennial Trail, but we had other plans for this short trip. We camped at Indian Bathtub Hot Springs and located the pools the next morning.

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After a brisk night’s sleep, a breakfast of cold hotdogs and quick bike check, we were on our way south again. CCC Road meanders through some excellent scenery for about 22 miles before crossing back over Highway 51 toward Wickahoney Crossing. There are cattle aplenty, so mind your pace around corners.

The Wickahoney area is an absolute head trip. There are actually two distinct places to visit here, roughly five miles apart: Wickahoney Stage Stop and Wickahoney Crossing. The Crossing—an ancient, but still apparently functioning cattle corral—is just six miles off of Highway 51. The Stage Stop—a crumbling refuge from the days of the Old West—is considerably more difficult to reach. With a good map or GPS in hand, you can take an unmarked road approximately one mile west of the Crossing that quickly turns to extremely rough two track. You can only reach Wickahoney Stage Stop by foot, motorcycle, ATV or 4×4 vehicle with good ground clearance, as anything else would probably have trouble making it through several seasonal creeks, deep whoops and a handful of narrow barbed-wire gates.

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The trail/road out of Wickahoney Stage Stop is even rougher than the way in. A creek crossing and shuffle up a loose rocky face and we came out adjacent to a large military compound and nicely groomed dirt road. This road took us back to Highway 51. Hikers should come in from this side, as the route is more pronounced and much closer than coming in from the Crossing.

If you venture farther west, numerous road and trail systems can take you to some truly epic scenery, including Zeno Falls. To the southeast lies Arch Canyon and the
Bruneau-Jarbidge River wilderness.

Heading north back to Bruneau, we stopped for lunch and took the hot route (I-84) back to Boise. After roughly 240 miles on primarily dirt roads and trails, it was about a one-hour ride back home taking the beaten path.

Future excursions include Silver City, the south fork of the Owyhee River and Jarbidge, Nev., to complete my ride reporting for Owyhee County—just as soon as the weather clears up.

Total Distance: 301 miles


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Boise Ridge Road

Posted: July 8, 2011 in Boise Area, Idaho Rides, Southern Idaho
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Originally published in the Boise Weekly:
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Proximity to the foothills is certainly one of the most coveted perks for residents of the Treasure Valley. Without these subtle gatekeepers looking over us, life in Boise might be pretty sub-par.

While most folks probably know Bogus Basin, Lucky Peak and Highway 55, considerably fewer might be familiar with the roads and trail systems that connect Boise’s North End to the Boise National Forest northeast of town and Sawtooth Mountains just beyond.

With La Nina’s cool, wet stranglehold, Boiseans far and wide are growing restless. But fear not: snow pack on the ridge will clear soon, and one of the very best ways to explore our treasured foothills is on the Boise Ridge Road. Being the only continuous east-to-west route north of Hill Road—with countless spokes running north toward Idaho City and Horseshoe Bend, and south back to Boise—the Ridge Road offers adventurers a versatile and scenic option for exploration; particularly in favorable weather.

No matter what route you choose on the Ridge Road, you will almost always be within 45 minutes of Boise.

My favorite route starts in Rocky Canyon and ends either on Bogus Basin Road or North Eighth Street. An off-road motorcycle, quad or four-wheel-drive vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended for this area, however two wheel drive is adequate for some lower fringe points. A good GPS or hard copy map is always recommended when exploring new territory.

Getting there: Head up Reserve Street from downtown. Reserve Street turns into Shaw Mountain Road before dropping into Rocky Canyon just the other side of Fort Boise. From here, you can actually ride all the way to Missoula, Mont., on dirt roads and two-track (with limited pavement crossings), provided that you are feeling extremely ambitious.

Rocky Canyon Road meanders through the foothills, before skirting the tree line just before Aldape Summit. From here the road gets a little rougher. Head left (west) up from the summit and you’ll be treated to what are arguably the best 360-degree views of greater Boise every half mile or so—continuing all the way to Bogus Basin. There is currently a good amount of snow up this far, so it might be best to wait a few weeks to attempt this trip.

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The Boise Ridge Road is the major ventricle for those looking to access the northern reaches of the Ridge to Rivers trail system, or those simply looking to take the road less traveled to Idaho City, Centerville, Placerville, or Horseshoe Bend. For an afternoon of fresh air, you can’t really beat the traverse from Rocky Canyon to the Eighth Street Extension, which will lead you back to Hyde Park in time for dinner and beers on one of the many restaurant/bar patios.

If you choose to venture further west of the Eighth Street Extension, you will end up adjacent to Eagleson Summit, and eventually just south of Deer Point near Bogus Basin. From here you will have to head south to Bogus Basin Road. You can either head back to Boise from this point, or continue further west past the Bogus Nordic Center. Behind Bogus Basin, you can access Placerville, Centerville, Idaho City or Horseshoe Bend from the Boise Ridge Road and its abutting roads. Assuming you don’t get lost, Highway 21 or Highway 55 will get you back to Boise quick.

Excellent trail maps of the area are available through the Ridge to Rivers website.

Total distance is approximately 24 to 75 miles.


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Pearl, Idaho

Posted: July 8, 2011 in Boise Area, Idaho Rides, Southern Idaho
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Originally published in the Boise Weekly:

Over the next several months, I’ll be hitting the trail to report on the best outdoor adventure spots in the great state of Idaho. These reports will hopefully provide unique insight into the lifestyle and history of some of the most scenic parts of the Gem State, while shedding light on the fun to be had for weekend warriors willing to go a little further off the beaten path.

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Many of the sites I’ll be visiting are listed as part of the Idaho Adventure Motorcycle Club’s 2011 Challenge. Appropriately, all reports will be done atop my old trusted friend, the War Pig—a Honda XL600V Transalp dual-sport motorcycle.

Site No. 1: Pearl

To tell the truth, Pearl, Idaho, doesn’t really exist anymore—at least not as it once did. The old mining town is little more than a few historical relics and ranches left over since its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite this unfortunate fate, Pearl is still a wonderful place to explore, and just a stone’s throw from Boise.

Leaving Boise around 2 p.m., I navigated the sea of greater Eagle’s McMansions until I was noticeably north of the homogeneous city landscape. Eagle Road turns into Pearl/Willow Creek Road about a mile north of Beacon Light Road. A few tight and twisty curves later, the pavement transitions to a well-manicured dirt road where the fun begins.

There are numerous forks and splits in Pearl Road along the way. I suggest keeping to the right (northeast) to end up on Highway 55 at the summit of Horseshoe Bend Hill. Alternate routes can take you west to Highway 16. Much of the land in this area is privately owned, so be sure to stay off the surrounding ranch properties.

As you enter Pearl, you may begin to envision what it looked like 100-plus years ago. Old abandoned mine shafts, a few archaic building foundations and some excavation sites are all that remain, but still provide enough imagination fodder to visualize a bustling—albeit short-lived—boom town. The main mine abutting Pearl Road is photo-worthy, complete with an ancient rusted-out sedan half buried in the hillside above the entrance.

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A few miles north of the original Pearl townsite, you begin to see signage stating: “Road not maintained in inclement weather.” While the road out of Pearl can be rough, the hilltop panoramas are unbeatable. The 5-mile traverse back to Highway 55 is peppered with endless vistas overlooking the Treasure Valley and Eagle Foothills. Apart from a few ranchers and the occasional dirt bike or ATV, I only came across a handful of people on a Sunday afternoon. I rolled back into Boise by way of Cartwright Road around 4 p.m.

The road to Pearl is certainly one of the best short trips in Southern Idaho, one where you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for what Idaho used to be.

Total roundtrip from Boise: 25-51 miles


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