Idaho · Hiking

Gannett Creek

3.2 mi
round trip
517 ft
climb
7,350 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Gannett Creek 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.

Gannett Creek is a moderate out-and-back hike in Idaho's Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District, part of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The trail is about 3.2 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 517 feet, taking you from a low point of 6,923 feet to a high of 7,350 feet. The nearest town is Leesburg, about 6 miles away, and the Forest Service manages the land. The trail is natural-surfaced and open year-round. Bikes and horses are both allowed, so it works 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 Jackson, Montana, show July highs around 77°F with lows near 42°F, and the station sits roughly 870 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. Several other hikes start close by, including Daly Creek at about a mile and Hornet Creek at about 1.4 miles. Wallace Lake Campground is about 5 miles away, and the Salmon Idaho Bouldering climbing area is about 6 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Gannett Creek

    Best months: June–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° / 8°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      31° / 8°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      39° / 16°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      46° / 23°

      9 wet

    5. May

      57° / 31°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      66° / 37°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      77° / 42°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      76° / 39°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      66° / 32°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 25°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      36° / 14°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 7°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Jackson, MT, 32 mi away at 6,480 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.

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