Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Area
Idaho is home to some of the newest Wilderness Areas in the nation. These protected areas, designated in August 2015, preserve approximately 276,000 acres of high mountain backcountry with crystal lakes and abundant wildlife. The wilderness is 116,843 acres managed jointly between the BLM and U.S. Forest Service. The BLM manages 23,916 acres. This mountainous and dry area features hiking, fishing, hunting, and equestrian use, as well as opportunities to just “get away” and enjoy some solitude. The Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness area also includes the upper Herd Creek watershed with one of the most intact native plant communities in the state. This patchwork of riparian willows, abundant bunch grasses, forbs, aspen and conifers provides critical habitat for fish and wildlife species in the wilderness area.
A popular access point into the wilderness is from Herd Lake Road, which provides multiple trailheads to hike back into the wilderness, including Lower Herd Creek, Upper Lake Creek, and Herd Lake Trails.
All motorized and mechanized use limited to designated boundary and cherry-stem routes only.
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Geographic Coordinates
Directions
From Idaho Falls take US 20 West to Arco, then US 93 North to Challis; Total distance 2.5 hours; 148 miles
From Twin Falls go North on US 93 to Shoshone, turn onto US 26/93 heading Northeast to Carey, take US 20/26/93 East to Arco, turn North onto US 93 to Challis. Total distance 3:22 min; 189 miles.
From Boise take ID-55 North through Eagle, ID and continue to Banks, turn East onto County Hwy 17 (Banks/Lowman Rd), merge onto ID-21 heading East over Banner Summit (7,056') and down to Stanley, go North on ID-75 to Challis. Total distance 4hrs, 190 miles. Note: Hwy 21 and/or Hwy 75 may close in the winter due to avalanche or landslide.
From the North in Montana take US 93 South to Salmon, ID. Challis is approximately 1hr. south of Salmon.