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Idaho City Ranger District

The Idaho City Ranger District is just over 400,000 acres in size, ranging from open foothills along the Payette River on the western border of the District to the beautiful and famous Sawtooth Mountains on the eastern portion. Elevations range from 3200 to 8800 feet. The climate is generally dry with plentiful sunshine year around. Annual precipitation in Idaho City is approximately 15 inches, with most of it occurring as snowfall. Winter temperatures range from a high of 35-40 degrees F, to lows just above zero and summer temperatures range from a high of 80’s to the upper 90’s, to lows in the 40’s.

The District receives high visibility due to its close proximity to Boise, the capitol city of Idaho.  Several beautiful pristine rivers flow through the District offering some of the best strongholds of bull trout habitat in Southwest Idaho.

Trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorized activities are abundant and provide for numerous opportunities in the mild season. With relatively heavy snows and long winters, the District is a destination for many cross country skiers and snowmobilers with abundant ski and snowmobile trails.

SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS - Visit the historic town of Idaho City.  The District features many great trails for hiking and fishing. The Crooked River trail is a favorite for scenic beauty. A rental cabin is a great choice providing some of the comforts of home and great adventures in every direction outside the front door.

Make any reservations at www.recreation.gov.

Idaho City Ranger District Contact Information and Hours

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 34 results

Atlanta Guard Station - Rental Cabin

Site Open
Biking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Scenic Drives Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This site must be reserved through Recreation.gov. The Atlanta cabin is located in the old mining town of Atlanta, Idaho, at an elevation of 5,800 feet. It is part of a historic ranger station…

Bad Bear Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Scenic Drives Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking
This site contains both reservable and first-come, first-served camp sites. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov.The Bad Bear Campground is located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in a…

Bad Bear Picnic Area

Site Open
Picnicking Scenic Drives Biking
Overview:Bad Bear Picnic Area and Campground are located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in a scenic Ponderosa pine forest along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Wildlife and summer…

Bald Mountain Campground

Site Open
Biking Hiking Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
The Bald Mountain Campground is near Idaho City, Idaho. The campground has 4 campsites in a secluded, forested area.A trail from campground goes east to the Middle Fork of the Boise River. A second…

Banner Ridge Trailhead

Site Open
Winter Sports Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Banner Ridge trailhead includes a restroom and visitor information. A Idaho State Park-N-Ski pass is required for parking from November 15 – April 30. For site specific questions, contact the…

Barber Flat Rental Cabin

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking Scenic Drives Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
This site must be reserved through Recreation.gov. The Barber Flat cabin site was established for administrative use by the Forest Service in 1923, and was used prior to that by the Barber Lumber…

Beaver Creek Rental Cabin

Site Open
Winter Sports Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Scenic Drives Biking
This site must be reserved through Recreation.gov. The Beaver Creek cabin site was established for administrative use in 1912. The current dwelling was built in the 1930s by the Civilian…

Black Rock Campground

Site Open
Biking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Scenic Drives
This site contains both reservable and first-come, first-served camp sites. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov.The Black Rock Campground is located 20 miles from Idaho City, Idaho on the…

Buena Vista Trailhead

Site Open
Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning
The Buena Vista Trailhead includes a restroom and visitor information. It serves Buena Vista (#262) and Charcoal Gulch (#263) trails. Located near Idaho City Ranger Station, adjacent to the Idaho…

Deer Park Guard Station - Rental Cabin

Site Open
Hiking Biking Scenic Drives Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping
The Deer Park Rental cabin was originally established as Deer Park Ranger Guard Station in 1913, and a cabin was built here in 1917. This cabin, along with many others in Boise National Forest, was…

Last updated March 24th, 2025