From Blackfoot to Lost River Area to start my 2010 Challenge

Pictures fixed I hope

Saturday I couldn't stay home even though I had played enough that week. I rode my 850XP Polaris on Uncle Ike Creek north of Howe and had a good idea that access to E&W Fork of Pahsimeroi and Copper Basin may be rideable on a DualSport.

So west of Blackfoot to 300 N and out to Cox's Well#2 then make a right to the Big Butte. There I stopped for a quick picture of Frenchman's cabin and a backside view of the butte (backside if you live in Blackfoot).

Mayor, Chief of Police, Dog Catcher, and #1 BSer of Big Butte, ID

On to Arco, the back tire has always felt squirrely and I had originally bought it with the intent of trail use, not a good tire for hardpack, rocky surface, and the awsome power of the 650L motor. Thanks to the Honda shop in Arco. I stopped picked out a tire. The tire guy put it on, and I was back in route in 30 minutes. Can't say enough good about the service there. 

I followed the dirt road along King Mt to Pass Creek, which was closed according to the sign, but this time of year you have to see, it was passable. Then over the pass to Dry Cr, through the Donkey Hills, hung a left one road to soon, so upon reaching the valley to E&W Fork, I billy goated down a steep hill to a creek crossing. Then up to the point where the creeks come together. It had snowed about 6" two nights before and there were places that were slightly a pain to ride through so I have marked this a 2 difficulty but it was more 3-4 but when dry it's 2.

Bell Mt on the Lemhi Range at the turn off to Dry Cr

At Dry Creek Diversion

Looking into Pahsimeroi from Donkey Hills

Looking toward E&W Fork of Pahsimeroi

E&W Fork of Pahsimeroi

At this point, I had the dilemma whether to try Double Springs Pass due to snow; I've tried to go over in my pickup around Mother's Day before and didn't make it. So over Horse Heaven to Double Springs which thank goodness was plowed. The mountains had the sun hitting them and Borah was gorgeous.

Backside of Borah

Double Springs Pass Rd open right on!!!!!

Beutiful day to ride

Borah in the background

Onward to Trail Creek Rd via Chilly Butte, left to Copper Basin.

Looking into Wild Horse

Arrival at Copper Basin Guard Station

At the Guard Station I deliberated on going over Antelope Pass or Burma Rd to Mackay, my gas was low so Mackay being closer I took Burma Rd. The top of this pass was not passable in a vehicle and from the tracks someone had been stuck, but I went off road through the trees and snow and down to the valley. About 3 miles from Mackay I had to go to reserve,,,so I made the right decision. Fuel up and hot chocolate in Mackay, then back roads to Arco back across the desert to Blackfoot,,,,home 20 minutes after sundown.