Roughneck
- 5.0 mi
- round trip
- 1,147 ft
- climb
- 9,411 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Roughneck open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists an alert for Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Stoddard Bridge Construction Closure
Agency alert covering Salmon-Challis National Forest · Order 0413-07-17 · USFS · Salmon-Challis National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Salmon-Challis National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Roughneck is a 5-mile out-and-back hike in Idaho's Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, within the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and is open year-round. The climb is moderate, with an elevation gain of about 1,150 feet from a low point of 8,388 feet to a high of 9,411 feet. The trail is on natural surface and carries horses, which makes it a good choice for riders. Bikes are not allowed. That means the route works for horseback travel as well as for hikers who want to reach the high point on foot. Nearby, Langer Lake Spur 1 and Langer Lake both lie within about 3 miles, and South Fork Fall Creek is a little farther out. For an overnight stay, Thatcher Campground is about 6 miles away.
Local outfitters
- The Sawmill Station38 mi away
- Camp Perkins40 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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Cutthroat
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Langer Lake
~6 min drive
15.10-mile out-and-back trail at Langer Lake in Idaho with 1,574 ft of elevation gain.
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Bear Valley Creek
~9 min drive
2.48-mile out-and-back trail at Bear Valley Creek in Idaho.
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SULPHUR CREEK CUTOFF
~14 min drive
6.06-mile loop trail in Idaho with 536 ft elevation gain.
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Fall Creek
~7 min drive
12.49-mile out-and-back trail in Idaho with 515 ft of elevation gain.
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KNAPP CREEK CUTOFF
~11 min drive
2.62-mile out-and-back trail in Idaho with 530 ft elevation gain
Route details
- Distance
- 5.0 mi round trip
- Climbing
- About 1,147 ft
- Summit
- 9,418 ft
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Season
Season: Year-round.
Questions about this route
How long is the Roughneck on Ruffneck Peak?
About 5.0 mi round trip.
How much elevation gain is on the Roughneck?
About 1,147 ft of climbing round trip.
How hard is the Roughneck?
It is rated moderate.
When is the best time for the Roughneck?
Year-round.
Conditions and forecast on Ruffneck Peak
Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.
