Idaho · Hiking

Gold Run

4.6 mi
round trip
1,754 ft
climb
8,247 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Gold Run open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Sawtooth National Forest.

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

Gold Run is a hard hike in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, within the Fairfield Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 6,500 feet to roughly 8,250 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,754 feet over a round trip of about 4.6 miles. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The route is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes, so it works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. The climb is a steady one, and the high point sits well above the low point, making the trip a test of endurance rather than a short, easy outing. Several other trails start close by. Perkins Creek is about 0.3 miles away, and East Fork Gold Run and Bass Creek Trail are each within about a mile. For an overnight base, Powerplant Campground is about 7.6 miles off.