Idaho · Hiking

Little Burns

1.3 mi
round trip
949 ft
climb
7,592 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Little Burns 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.

Little Burns is an easy out-and-back hike of about 1.3 miles in the Palisades Ranger District of Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises about 950 feet from a low point of roughly 6,646 feet to a high of about 7,592 feet, and the climb is one way, so round trip is about 1,900 feet. Bikes and horses are both allowed on the natural-surface trail. That makes it a practical option for riders and pack animals. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. July typically averages highs around 83°F and lows near 48°F, according to typical averages from a nearby weather station in Driggs. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures up high run cooler. Little Burns Creek lies just 0.1 mile away. Castle Lake and Fleming Canyon are both within about 2.7 miles. Pine Creek Campground is about 9.6 miles off for anyone planning an overnight stay.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Little Burns

    Best months: May–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

      33° / 9°

    2. Feb

      36° / 12°

    3. Mar

      44° / 20°

    4. Apr

      54° / 28°

    5. May

      65° / 35°

    6. Jun

      73° / 41°

    7. Jul

      83° / 48°

    8. Aug

      82° / 46°

    9. Sep

      73° / 38°

    10. Oct

      58° / 29°

    11. Nov

      44° / 19°

    12. Dec

      33° / 11°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Driggs, ID, 15.9 mi away at 6,120 ft. The station sits about 1,500 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.