Idaho · Hiking

Mccarthy

1.9 mi
round trip
111 ft
climb
6,368 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Mccarthy 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.

McCarthy is an easy, short hike in Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest, within the Palisades Ranger District. The trail is about 1.9 miles long and rises about 111 feet from a low point of 6,250 feet to a high of 6,368 feet, making it an out-and-back with a gentle climb. The route is accessible and is open year-round. Bikes and horses are both allowed, and the trail surface is natural. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Idaho Falls show July highs around 81°F with lows near 50°F, while winter brings highs in the low 30s and regular snow days. Kelly Mountain sits just 0.1 mile away, and Riverview is about 0.8 mile off. For an overnight stay, Table Rock campground is about 1.1 mile away, and the South Fork of the Snake River: Byington Boat Access is roughly 2.9 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Mccarthy

    Best months: May–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

      31° / 14°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    2. Feb

      34° / 15°

      8 wet · 6 snow

    3. Mar

      42° / 24°

      9 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      51° / 29°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    5. May

      62° / 37°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      71° / 43°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 50°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      79° / 48°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 40°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      56° / 30°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      41° / 21°

      8 wet · 4 snow

    12. Dec

      30° / 13°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Idaho Falls 16 Se, ID, 22 mi away at 5,828 ft. The station sits about 500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.