Close to Boise, beautiful views, hiking in summer and winter sports when it snows!
Pilot Peak offers one of the most beautiful views of the area. There are several different roads that will take you to the peak. Most are accessible throughout the summer but may also be accessible in winter by back country skiers and snowmobilers.
Access from Highway 21 begins at the Mores Creek Summit and heads up the hill with great views to your left as you ascend.
Most of the road is accessible with a 2WD passenger vehicle, but there are a few sections where an AWD or 4WD rig is helpful if you want to make it to the top!
As you near the top you will make a right turn to go to Pilot Peak. The road that goes straight and slightly to your right is Summit Flat Road and eventually winds around and takes you to Pioneerville. From there you can go to Placerville and even Garden Valley! If you take Bear Run, the road to your left, you can get all the way back to Idaho City. The first part of this road definitely needs a 4WD vehicle.
At the top, you'll find a building with communication gear and some solar panels. And you will also find magnificent views!
LOCATION: 43.9602 N, -115.6868 W
STARTING POINT: Boise
DISTANCE FROM STARTING POINT: One way is approximately 55 miles to the Mores Creek Summit parking lot and another 4 miles to the top of Pilot Peak.
TIME TO REACH: From Boise, it is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to the beginning of the dirt road heading up the hill from Highway 21 at the Mores Creek Summit parking lot, and about 20 minutes from there to the top of Pilot Peak in summer.
ROAD SURFACE: Dirt road
WHEN ACCESSIBLE:
Summer with AWD/4WD and bikes
Winter by snowmobile, snowshoes, and cross-country skiing.
FEES: None
RECOMMENDED VEHICLES: See "When Accessible" above
PET FRIENDLY: On leash recommended, but off leash is allowed
WHEN WE WENT: First week of October 2022
I'm Here - Now What?
Bring your smart phone or a GPS
Photography - bring your camera
Bring your kids!
Bring your dog
Hiking
Biking
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
Wildlife and plant viewing
Picnicking