Idaho · Hiking

Valley

0.6 mi
round trip
705 ft
climb
5,888 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Valley is a short, easy out-and-back hike on Bureau of Land Management land in Idaho's Challis Field Office, about half a mile from the trail's starting point. The route is roughly a mile long, and it rises from about 5,500 feet to about 5,900 feet, with a total climb of about 700 feet. The steepest stretch comes early on, around 0.4 miles into the hike, with a grade of about 22%. The trail is open to both horses and bicycles. That makes it a flexible option for riders and pack animals, as well as for hikers. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Challis run to highs around 75°F in June and 87°F in July. Winter is cold, with January highs near 29°F. The station sits about 850 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the hike run cooler than those figures. Several other trails sit right beside this one, including Skull Valley and Rattlesnake Alley for hikers, and the John Henry and Mahogany mountain biking routes. About 1.8 miles away is the Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District, a river fishing destination.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Valley

    Best months: May–June and August–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

      29° / 11°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      37° / 17°

      5 wet

    3. Mar

      49° / 25°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      57° / 31°

      7 wet

    5. May

      67° / 40°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 46°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      87° / 52°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 50°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      74° / 42°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      59° / 32°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      40° / 21°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      29° / 11°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Challis Ap, ID, 3 mi away at 5,033 ft. The station sits about 900 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.