Idaho · Hiking

Chukar

0.6 mi
round trip
237 ft
climb
6,271 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Chukar is a short, easy hike on Bureau of Land Management land in Idaho's Challis Field Office, about 0.6 miles long and roughly 75 feet of elevation gain one way. The route is an out-and-back that starts and ends at nearly the same point, with the high point at about 6,271 feet and the low at about 6,179 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about a quarter mile in, with a 10% grade. The trail is on natural surface, and the Bureau of Land Management allows both horses and bikes. That makes it a flexible outing for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Challis show July highs around 87°F with lows near 52°F, while winter highs stay in the upper 20s. That station sits about 1,200 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the hike run cooler. The trip takes about half an hour. Joy Ride A is just 0.1 mile away, and the John Henry and Mahogany hikes are each about 0.3 mile off. For an overnight stay, Big Bayhorse Campground is about 9 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Chukar

    Best months: May–June and August–October. 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

      29° / 11°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      37° / 17°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      49° / 25°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      57° / 31°

      7 wet

    5. May

      67° / 40°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 46°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      87° / 52°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 50°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 42°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 32°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      40° / 21°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      29° / 11°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Challis Ap, ID, 3.2 mi away at 5,033 ft. The station sits about 1,200 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.