Idaho · Hiking

Foothills

2.2 mi
round trip
106 ft
climb
5,526 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Foothills is an easy, short out-and-back hike on Bureau of Land Management land in Idaho, about 0.8 miles from the town of Challis. The route is 2.2 miles long, with a low point of 5,383 feet and a high of 5,526 feet, so the climb is gentle, rising about 106 feet from start to finish. The trail is natural-surface and open to both horses and bikes, which makes it a flexible option for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. The nearest town, Challis, is just under a mile away, so it's easy to reach from town. 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 500 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the hike run a little cooler. Several other outings sit within a few tenths of a mile. The Valley mountain biking area and the Bridge and Ebb and Flow hikes are all about 0.2 miles away. For an overnight stay, Big Bayhorse Campground is roughly 10 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 Foothills

    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, 2.3 mi away at 5,033 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.