Idaho · Hiking

Cutoff

0.3 mi
round trip
27 ft
climb
5,946 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Cutoff is a short, easy hike on Bureau of Land Management land in Idaho's Challis Field Office, about 0.3 miles long and rising just 27 feet from its low point of 5,919 feet to a high of 5,946 feet. The trail is an out-and-back, and its natural surface makes it a simple walk for anyone on foot, horseback or on a bike. The route is short enough to fit into a quick stop. It works well as a warm-up before exploring the cluster of trails and mountain biking routes that sit about 0.1 mile away, including Lower Blue View, Overlook and the Rumble hike. Rocky Road is also close by. 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 roughly 900 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the hike run cooler. For more time outdoors, the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District offers river fishing about 1.6 miles away, and Big Bayhorse Campground is about 9 miles off.

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 Cutoff

    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, 2.7 mi away at 5,033 ft. The station sits about 900 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.