Idaho · Hiking

Camptender

24.1 mi
round trip
1,295 ft
climb
7,869 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Aug
best months

Is Camptender open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Salmon-Challis National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Salmon-Challis National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Camptender is a hard hike in Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest, within the Middle Fork Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back of about 24 miles, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,295 feet, taking you from a low point of about 6,223 feet to a high of about 7,869 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is at Camp Creek Trailhead, which is open year-round. The route is natural-surfaced and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. That makes it a practical choice for riders on horseback, and the trail's length and climb mean planning for a full day on foot or with a mount. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Stanley, Idaho, show July highs around 80°F with lows near 34°F, and the station sits about 1,600 feet below the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run cooler. Fir Creek Campground is about 3.3 miles away, and Bear Valley Campground is about 4.4 miles away. The Middle Fork Salmon River, a canoeing route, is about 5.8 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Aug

    Best time to visit Camptender

    Best months: July–August. 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

      26° / -3°

    2. Feb

      33° / -1°

    3. Mar

      43° / 9°

    4. Apr

      50° / 18°

    5. May

      60° / 26°

    6. Jun

      69° / 31°

    7. Jul

      80° / 34°

    8. Aug

      79° / 32°

    9. Sep

      70° / 25°

    10. Oct

      56° / 19°

    11. Nov

      38° / 10°

    12. Dec

      25° / -2°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Stanley, ID, 25.7 mi away at 6,249 ft. The station sits about 1,600 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.