Idaho · Hiking

Howard Creek

9.5 mi
round trip
1,702 ft
climb
8,371 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Howard Creek open right now?

No closures listed

The Forest Service lists no closures for Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

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

Howard Creek is a hard hike in Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest, within the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back of about 9.5 miles, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,702 feet, taking you from a low point of about 6,671 feet to a high of about 8,371 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is named Howard Creek Trailhead, with parking at Howard Creek Trailhead. The trail is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. It is open year-round, so you can plan a trip for any season. Sheridan Creek, a canoeing spot, lies about 4 miles away. Aldous Lake Trailhead and Aldous Lake Loop are both within about 9 miles, and Hancock Lake is a little farther at about 8.7 miles.