Idaho · Hiking · Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness

Rancherio

4.4 mi
round trip
3,651 ft
climb
6,106 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Rancherio 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.

Rancherio is a moderate out-and-back hike in Idaho's Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, on the North Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and lies within designated wilderness, so it is a backcountry route rather than a developed one. The hike covers about 4.4 miles, with a total elevation gain of 3,651 feet. The route starts at roughly 6,077 feet and climbs to a high point of 6,106 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 1.7 miles in, where the grade reaches 31%. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Gibbonsville run to highs around 83°F in July and August, with lows in the mid-40s. That station sits about 1,600 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The trip takes about 3.5 hours, and the trail is open year-round. For more time on foot, Corral Flat - Sage Brush is about a mile away, and Elkhorn and Garden Creek - Horse Heaven Trail are both within 3 miles. Ebenezer Campground, about 5 miles off, offers a place to stay.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Rancherio

    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

      29° / 11°

    2. Feb

      36° / 13°

    3. Mar

      47° / 21°

    4. Apr

      56° / 29°

    5. May

      65° / 36°

    6. Jun

      72° / 42°

    7. Jul

      83° / 46°

    8. Aug

      83° / 44°

    9. Sep

      73° / 38°

    10. Oct

      58° / 30°

    11. Nov

      40° / 20°

    12. Dec

      30° / 11°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Gibbonsville #2, ID, 30.6 mi away at 4,480 ft. The station sits about 1,600 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.