Idaho · Hiking

Bacon Loop

26.2 mi
round trip
2,338 ft
climb
6,667 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Bacon Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Bacon Loop, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bacon Loop is a 26.2-mile out-and-back hike in Idaho's Idaho Panhandle National Forests, within the St. Joe Ranger District. The trail rises from a low point of 4,178 feet to a high of 6,667 feet, with a total elevation gain of 2,338 feet. It is a hard route, and the Forest Service manages the land. The trail is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mullan Pass, which sits about 640 feet lower than the high point, show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month. Winter is cold, with January highs near 28°F. The trail is open from June 1 to September 30. Pass Creek lies just 0.3 miles away, and Broken Leg Trail and My Ruby Creek are each about 1.6 miles off. Spruce Tree campground is about 3.7 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Bacon Loop

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 19°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      34° / 22°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 27°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      58° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      70° / 52°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 51°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      44° / 32°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      32° / 23°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 18°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 35.7 mi away at 6,028 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.